Biography and Autobiography
Elon Musk is one of the most influential entrepreneurs in the world. He revolutionised the transportation industry with Tesla, redefined the space industry with SpaceX, and shaped the future of artificial intelligence. His approach to problem-solving and ambition for success has earned him much admiration and a well-deserved place in popular culture. With such an iconic career, it’s no surprise Musk’s interests span further than just businesses and science. Musk is an avid reader, often taking to Twitter to share his thoughts on the latest book he has read and recommend them to his followers. Amongst the books he has read lie a core few that make-up the foundations of Musk’s approach to problem-solving and pursuit of progress.
One such book is Zero to One: Notes on Startups or How to Build the Future, written by Peter Thiel. It is an exploration of how to build companies that last and achieve genuine progress. Drawing on a selection of interviews, essays, and stories, Thiel delves into entrepreneurship, innovation, and the philosophy of technology. Musk received many of Thiel’s teachings first-hand, as the two became close friends in 2002. Through attending lectures together, Musk was able to understand more deeply the core values Thiel stands by and later apply these to his own businesses.
Another book Musk frequently mentions is Structures: Or Why Things Don’t Fall Down by J.E. Gordon. The book dives into the science of why certain structures, like bridges and antennas, hold together and stay standing. While Gordon’s writing can become technical at times, Musk cherishes this book as serving as a reminder to think in a more systematic way. Musk enjoys the book so much that it is believed he has mentioned it to colleagues in meetings. Structural analysis is worthwhile, according to Musk, even if it’s not currently needed in the project.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams is also well known to Musk. The novel follows a group of characters through a lighthearted take on the alien invasion story. As the novel examines death and destruction in the universe, it provides a subtle yet important reflection on the hyperbolic nature of life. Through the lens of Douglas Adams’ narrative, Musk learns to appreciate life’s most valuable asset – perspective. Keeping an open mind and approaching a problem from multiple angles often leads to the best outcomes, or, in the case of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, the ability to hitchhike across the galaxy.
Business Management
Musk also reads a great deal of books on business and management concepts. One of his favourites is High Output Management, written by venture capitalist of the same name. The book provides a detailed approach to redefining management roles and methods. It dives deep into themes such as coordination, communication, and adaptation, greatly influencing Musk’s own management style. Musk’s attention to detail when it comes to prioritization and workflow can often be attributed to this book.
Musk is also highly influenced by Technology, Business and Society by David Barkin. Barkin’s work examines the impact of technology on all aspects of life, from politics to the environment. Rather than simply providing a theoretical approach to how technology shapes the world, Barkin articulates practical methods for business leaders to act responsibly and thoughtfully in their approach to technology and its implications. This book for Musk serves as a reminder that business leaders have not only a responsibility but also a unique opportunity to contribute to society. Understanding the implications of technology is an integral part of taking full advantage of this opportunity.
Another book that served as an inspiration for Musk’s entrepreneurial journey is Mastering the Rockefeller Habits, written by Verne Harnish. The book is an exploration of values and processes used by John Rockefeller to become an oil and business mogul. Harnish divides the core philosophy of Rockefeller into four main components: people, strategy, execution, and cash. Not only does the book provide an outline of Rockefeller’s habits, but it also provides practical advice for today’s entrepreneurs who wish to incorporate the habits into their strategy. Musk is a public advocate for the power of habits, often stating that turning habits into regular practice is his path to success.
On Leadership
Musk’s book selection also includes a range of texts on leadership. Amongst them is Good to Great, written by Jim Collins. The book delves into the five main components of Collins’ definition of a “good to great” business. These include setting the right people on the bus, the hedgehog concept, and technology accelerators, amongst others. Musks often tweets about his favorite phrase found in the book, “first get the right people on the bus, then decide where to go”. This phrase serves as a reminder to set up a well-rounded team with a variety of skills and beliefs before setting a direction.
Another book Musk finds inspiring is The Art of Woo written by G. Richard Shell and Mario Moussa. The book articulates the advantages of using persuasion to get people on board with your ideas. Rather than relying solely on facts and data, the authors provide an innovative approach to getting people on board with a new vision. By contextualizing the idea within a story and being able to speak confidently on the topic, Musk learns to get people to understand his vision and join him in its pursuit.
Lastly, Napoleon: A Life written by Andrew Roberts is a collection of essays which provide an in-depth look into Napoleon Bonaparte’s accomplishments as well as his struggles. The writing captures the essence of self-confidence and determination, as well as the humility necessary in order to succeed as a leader. More importantly, the book serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding one’s own strengths, weaknesses, and potential opportunities when pursuing a goal.
Other Influencers and Experts
In addition to the books listed, Musk may also find some influence from his peers and other experts in the industry. Bill Gates frequently publishes book reviews which may pique Musk’s interest. Gates’ deep-seated interest in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and economics are likely to be of key interest to Musk, as these topics lie at the core of Musk’s many ventures. Another source of influence is surely MIT’s MediaLab, whose Director Joi Ito shares Musk’s appreciation for the implications of technology and the philosophy of progress.
However, the biggest source of influence to Musk is surely the pioneering thinkers and inventors who have gone before him. The work of visionaries such as Alan Turing, Nikola Tesla, Galileo Galilei, and even Leonardo da Vinci has left its indelible mark in all of the industries Musk happens to be involved in. Musk is seemingly aware of this legacy of thought and approaches it with zeal, frequently citing such characters in contexts concerning the pursuit of progress and the advancement of mankind.
Philosophy and Science
Musk’s selection of books also contains a sprinkle of philosophy, literature, and science books. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien is amongst one of his favorites, as it parallels Musk’s longing to expand both business and exploration beyond common limitations. Musk also reads a great deal of books on science fiction, including The Moon is a Harsh Mistress and The Foundation Series, both of which explore the themes of freedom and the evolution of technology.
Finally, Musk also reads a great deal of books on philosophy, such as Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and The Republic. The former is an exploration of the nuances of meaning, while the latter is a discussion of the concept of justice. Although neither book is particularly surprising in Musk’s selection, they are thought to have influenced Musk’s strong sense of justice and mission-driven approach towards progress.
Self Help and Motivation
In addition to the other books mentioned, Musk also reads a selection of books on self help and motivation. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is an often cited favourite of Musk’s. The book articulates the value of understanding people, being of service to them, and leading with empathy. Through understanding the human element of a business, Musk is able to more accurately guide his companies towards success.
Another book that likely serves as a great source of motivation for Musk is The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer. The book captures the subtle yet powerful notion of living in harmony within oneself. Singer emphasizes the idea of letting go of our innermost attachments to experience true peace and serenity. With this book, Musk may have found the right kind of balance within himself to be able to pursue progress without sacrificing his personal wellbeing.
Conclusion
Elon Musk is undoubtedly one of the most influential figures of the modern age. He has inspired an entire generation of entrepreneurs and visionaries to pursue progress without fear and to stand for something greater than themselves. While much of his success is attributed to his ambition and resilience, it’s notable that his reading strategy has also contributed to his growth as an innovator and leader. By drawing from the works of thought-leaders, classic literature, and philosophy, Musk is able to hone skills, hone insights, and shift his perspective in ways that bring forth ever greater potential each day.
