Read Like Elon Musk - 10 Books That Will Change Your Life

“You know, whenever anybody asks Elon how he learned to build rockets, he says, ‘I read books.’ Well, it’s true. He devoured those books.” - Jim Cantrell, member of SpaceX's founding team 

Over the years, Musk shared different books he enjoys, books he recommends, and books he believes changed his life in various interviews.  We have a list of the books that Musk has recommended over the years.

The Biography of Benjamin Franklin by Walter Isaacson

In a 2014 CNN interview, Musk said he enjoys reading biographies, particularly The Biography of Benjamin Franklin, whom he describes as “one of my heroes.”  

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to The Galaxy by Douglas Adam

Musk said about the book, "it highlighted an important point which is that a lot of times, the question is harder than the answer. And if you can properly phrase the question, then the answer is the easy part.

Superintelligence by Nick Bostrom

Musk tweeted, “Worth reading Superintelligence by Bostrom. We need to be super careful with AI. Potentially more dangerous than nukes.” 

Foundation Series by Isaac Asimov

Musk discussed how the book series Foundation by Isaac Asimov influenced him to build and launch rockets. This book spurred him to found SpaceX, the home to the Falcon 9 reusable rocket. 

Swipe up for a full list of books loved and recommended by Elon Musk. See how books inspire Musk!