8 Exceptional Books Recommended by Elon Musk Explore the books that have inspired the tech visionary.

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Musk has often cited The Lord of the Rings as a source of inspiration. The themes of adventure and fighting for a greater cause resonate with his vision.

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

A biography of Apple's co-founder, this book highlights Steve Jobs’ relentless drive and vision, which Musk has admired and learned from.

Zero to One by Peter Thiel

Musk recommends this book for its unique insights on startups, innovation, and building a future-focused business.

Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies by Nick Bostrom

This book delves into artificial intelligence and the potential risks it could pose to humanity, a topic that deeply concerns Musk.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Musk has mentioned that this humorous sci-fi classic shaped his thinking. It encourages people to keep exploring and questioning everything.

Structures: Or Why Things Don’t Fall Down by J.E. Gordon

A must-read for engineering enthusiasts, this book explains the fundamentals of structures, a key interest area for Musk.

Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson

Musk admires Einstein’s genius and scientific contributions, and this biography offers insight into the mind of the iconic physicist.

The Foundation Series by Isaac Asimov

A science fiction masterpiece, Asimov’s series explores themes of future civilizations and technology, which align with Musk's own goals for humanity's future.