FX.co ★ Ten books recommended by billionaires

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

Recommended by successful people like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, this book by Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari was first published in 2011. The author traces humanity’s journey from primitive societies to modern times, exploring key events like the cognitive revolution, the transition to agriculture, and the development of religions, empires, and technologies. The main idea of the book is that significant achievements often start with small steps and decisions.

Atlas Shrugged

This iconic novel by American author Ayn Rand, published in 1957, is recommended by Elon Musk and Mark Cuban. The book describes a world where top minds—scientists, inventors, and entrepreneurs—stop their work in response to government and societal interference that takes away the fruits of their labor. Atlas Shrugged can be a great source of inspiration for those aiming for success, encouraging them to act despite obstacles and boosting their self-confidence.

Principles: Life and Work

This book is considered essential reading by Drew Houston and Jack Dorsey. Written by Ray Dalio, the founder of one of the largest hedge funds in the world, Bridgewater Associates, it was released in 2017. Dalio shares his life experiences and the lessons that helped him build a company and a successful career in finance. The book is divided into two parts. The first focuses on life lessons, while the second outlines management and business principles that helped Dalio overcome challenges on his path to success.

Poor Charlie’s Almanack

Warren Buffett strongly recommends this book, written by his close associate Charlie Munger. It is a collection of essays, lectures, and quotes from Munger, sharing his perspectives on business and personal values. The emphasis is on the importance of multifaceted thinking and the ability to view situations from different angles. Poor Charlie’s Almanack inspires intellectual flexibility and encourages making well-informed decisions.

High Output Management

Nine billionaires, including Larry Ellison and Brian Chesky, recommend this book. Written in 1983 by Andrew Grove, one of the founders and former CEO of Intel, it shares his unique management methods that helped build one of the most successful tech companies in the world. The book explains how to effectively manage teams and projects to foster productivity. It also helps readers understand how to allocate resources wisely, assess risks, and make decisions in uncertain conditions.

The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers

Seven billionaires, including Larry Page and Peter Thiel, recommend this book. Written in 2014 by Ben Horowitz, co-founder of venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, it offers a candid look at the challenges Horowitz faced on his way to financial success. The book provides practical advice on crisis management and making difficult decisions.

Blitzscaling: The Lightning-Fast Path to Building Massively Valuable Companies

Recommended by Brian Chesky and Eric Schmidt, this book was written in 2018 by LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman and investor Chris Yeh. The authors share strategies for rapid growth, helping startups scale quickly and dominate the market. Hoffman and Yeh explain how to use unconventional scaling methods to quickly attract investments, build teams, and win customers, even with limited resources.

Only the Paranoid Survive

Steve Jobs considered this book essential reading. Written by Intel CEO Andrew Grove and first published in 1996, it shares Grove’s personal experience of managing a company through crises and uncertainty. He emphasizes the importance of vigilance and adaptability to not only survive but also lead in the market. This book is a great guide for those who want to stay ahead of competitors and succeed in any situation.

The Innovator’s Dilemma

This book, considered one of the most influential business books in recent decades, is recommended by Jeff Bezos. Written by Harvard Business School professor Clayton Christensen and first published in 1997, it introduces the concept of "disruptive innovation" and shows how small, innovative companies can outperform large corporations that fail to adapt. Christensen offers strategic solutions for those who want to maintain leadership in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

Snow Crash

This book is on the must-read list of Mark Zuckerberg and Larry Page. Written by American sci-fi author Neal Stephenson, it was first published in 1992. The novel immerses readers in a world of high-tech, hackers, and giant corporations where reality and virtual worlds intertwine. Snow Crash prompts reflection on the future of the digital world and the opportunities it may bring. It also helps readers understand how innovation can shape society and markets and anticipate trends that could change the game.