When he’s not launching rockets, drilling under the streets of Los Angeles, or pushing electric vehicles beyond our atmosphere, Elon Musk spends a lot of time reading. The billionaire entrepreneur, known for his ventures like Tesla, SpaceX, and The Boring Company, has often emphasized the importance of reading in shaping his innovative mindset. Musk is an avid reader with a passion for self-improvement, problem-solving, and learning from a wide range of disciplines.
His reading list is eclectic and spans a variety of subjects, from science fiction to biographies, technology, and philosophy. In interviews, Musk has revealed that many of the books he’s read have had a profound impact on his life and his approach to business. Here are nine books that Elon Musk thinks everyone should read:
1. “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams
This sci-fi classic is one of Musk’s favorites and a key influence on his approach to life and business. Musk has credited the book with shaping his sense of humor and view of the universe. The story of Arthur Dent’s intergalactic adventure, filled with absurdity and clever observations about life, resonated with Musk’s playful yet innovative outlook. He even named one of SpaceX’s droneships, “Just Read the Instructions,” after a reference in the book.
2. “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien
Musk has long been a fan of the epic fantasy series, which follows the journey of Frodo Baggins and the Fellowship of the Ring to destroy the One Ring. The themes of bravery, perseverance, and working toward a greater cause are concepts Musk identifies with, particularly in the context of his own ambitious goals, such as colonizing Mars. Musk has cited Tolkien’s work as an inspiration for both his business ventures and his view on leadership and determination.
3. “Benjamin Franklin: An American Life” by Walter Isaacson
In this biography of one of America’s founding fathers, Musk found a kindred spirit in Franklin’s curiosity and ability to wear many hats—scientist, inventor, writer, and politician. Franklin’s diverse accomplishments, including his work in electricity and his innovative inventions, mirror Musk’s own multidisciplinary approach to solving global challenges. Musk has said that reading about Franklin’s life helped him appreciate the value of diverse interests and thinking outside the box.
4. “Structures: Or Why Things Don’t Fall Down” by J.E. Gordon
Elon Musk has often expressed his fascination with engineering, and this book, written by structural engineer J.E. Gordon, offers an accessible yet in-depth look at the principles behind how structures are built and why they stand up (or fall down). The book helped Musk understand the nuances of building safe, functional, and innovative designs—knowledge he applied in the development of Tesla’s electric vehicles and SpaceX’s rockets.
5. “The Foundation Trilogy” by Isaac Asimov
Another sci-fi series, Asimov’s “Foundation Trilogy” had a major impact on Musk. The series explores the rise and fall of civilizations and the role of science and knowledge in shaping the future. Musk has praised Asimov’s view of the future and his long-term approach to problem-solving. He sees parallels between the fictional “Foundation” and his own goal of making humanity a multiplanetary species, which is central to SpaceX’s mission to colonize Mars.
6. “Superforecasting: The Art and Science of Prediction” by Philip E. Tetlock and Dan Gardner
This book dives into the concept of “superforecasting”—the ability to make accurate predictions about complex events. Musk values the importance of understanding probabilities, especially when making high-stakes decisions in business and space exploration. He has referenced this book to highlight the importance of critical thinking, data analysis, and the art of predicting outcomes in unpredictable fields like technology and space.
7. “The Lean Startup: How Today’s Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses” by Eric Ries
Elon Musk has frequently praised “The Lean Startup” for its practical approach to entrepreneurship. The book emphasizes the importance of quickly iterating and testing business ideas in order to build a sustainable company. This concept of fast-paced, experimental innovation aligns perfectly with Musk’s own management style at Tesla and SpaceX, where rapid prototyping and problem-solving are key to success.
8. “Einstein: His Life and Universe” by Walter Isaacson
Another biography by Walter Isaacson, this one focuses on Albert Einstein and his revolutionary contributions to science. Musk has openly admired Einstein’s genius and his ability to think differently about the universe. The biography offers insight into Einstein’s personal and professional life, including his challenges and triumphs, providing Musk with inspiration for approaching problems with unconventional thinking and embracing curiosity.
9. “Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future” by Peter Thiel
As a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, Musk has been influenced by many of his peers, including PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel. “Zero to One” explores how entrepreneurs can create entirely new industries, rather than just competing in existing ones. The book’s focus on innovation and creating something entirely new aligns with Musk’s philosophy of disrupting industries, whether it’s with electric vehicles at Tesla, private space travel at SpaceX, or tunneling infrastructure at The Boring Company.
Why Reading is Important to Elon Musk
For Musk, reading isn’t just a pastime—it’s a way to fuel his imagination, learn from others, and stay informed across a variety of disciplines. He has often spoken about how books have helped him develop the knowledge and skills needed to start and run complex ventures. Whether he’s diving into science fiction to expand his vision of the future, or exploring biographies to understand the minds of history’s great innovators, Musk’s reading habits demonstrate a deep commitment to lifelong learning.
In a world driven by technology and innovation, Musk’s reading list provides valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone seeking to think critically and make a lasting impact. By immersing himself in books on everything from science and history to entrepreneurship and philosophy, Musk reinforces the idea that knowledge, curiosity, and open-mindedness are essential to achieving extraordinary things.
