Rasmal presents “10 Must-Read Books from Bill Gates’s Bookshelf.” Dive into a curated list of insightful and thought-provoking reads personally recommended by the tech visionary, Bill Gates.
Whether you are seeking inspiration, knowledge, or a fresh perspective, these books are sure to enrich your understanding and spark your curiosity.
Don’t miss out on these literary gems!
1. The Ride of a Lifetime
Writer: Bob Iger
In “The Ride of a Lifetime,” Robert Iger recounts his journey to becoming CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
He offers valuable insights on leadership, innovation, and the necessity of taking risks in business, providing a compelling guide for aspiring leaders.
Review By Bill Gates: “Unlike most books on leadership, this one is worth your time.”
2. The Rise And Fall Of American Growth
Writer: Robert J. Gordon
In “The Rise and Fall of American Growth,” economist Robert J. Gordon explores U.S. living standards since the Civil War.
He labels 1870-1970 as the “Special Century” of exceptional prosperity. Gordon argues that post-1970 growth merely echoes the earlier boom, highlighting rising inequality and job insecurity. The book splits into pre-WW2 advancements and post-1970 economic shifts.
Review By Bill Gates: “The book was a fantastic read, and well worth the time”
3. Factfulness
Writer: Hans Rosling
In Factfulness, Hans Rosling, along with Anna and Ola, uncovers why our perspectives are distorted by ten instincts, such as dividing the world into “us and them” and consuming fear-driven media.
They argue the world is better than we think, urging a fact-based worldview to address real concerns and opportunities effectively.
Review By Bill Gates: “Factfulness is one of the most educational books I’ve ever read.”
4. When Breath Becomes Air
Writer: Paul Kalanithi
“When Breath Becomes Air” is a memoir by American neurosurgeon Paul Kalanithi. It chronicles his battle with stage IV metastatic lung cancer. The book was published posthumously on January 12, 2016.
It details his struggles with declining health during his final neurosurgical residency at Stanford. He experienced rapid weight loss and severe pain. The emotional toll on his marriage is also highlighted.
Review By Bill Gates: “This book left me in tears”
5. The Future of Capitalism
Writer: Paul Collier
Economist Paul Collier offers a candid assessment of capitalism’s shortcomings and provides pragmatic solutions. He highlights deepening divides in Western societies: urban-rural, elite-working class, and global wealth inequality.
Collier warns against populist and socialist responses and advocates for a pragmatic approach. He draws from personal experiences and insights from social scientists to propose ethical remedies that can bridge economic and cultural gaps, freeing capitalism from outdated ideologies.
Review By Bill Gates: “A renowned economist’s thought-provoking new book.”
6. Mindset
Writer: Carol Dweck
In her exploration of mindset, Carol distinguishes between Fixed and Growth Mindsets. A Fixed Mindset assumes predetermined outcomes and resists effort, while a Growth Mindset believes in the potential for development.
Both mindsets coexist within individuals, influencing their approach to various tasks. Recognizing and fostering a Growth Mindset, Carol contends, is crucial for acquiring skills through practice. Cultivating this mindset involves training the mind to embrace challenges and believe in one’s ability to improve.
Review By Bill Gates: “Revisiting Carol Dweck’s fascinating work on the growth mindset.”
7. The Moment of Lift
Writer: Melinda Gates
Melinda Gates issues a compelling call to action for women’s empowerment in her impactful debut book. Gates shares her journey of awakening to the crucial link between women’s empowerment and societal health.
She advocates for women’s right to choose their reproductive paths and strives for gender equality in every sphere through inspiring anecdotes and practical insights. Gates invites readers to join her in creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all by emphasizing the importance of women’s empowerment.
Review By Bill Gates: “I would say this even if I weren’t married to the author: The Moment of Lift is a terrific read.”
8. Measure What Matters
Writer: John Doerr
In “Measure What Matters,” John Doerr illuminates how Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) propelled tech giants like Google to unprecedented growth.
By setting clear objectives and measurable key results, Doerr guided Larry Page and Sergey Brin to transform Google from a startup with grand ideas into a thriving enterprise. Through real-life examples and expert guidance, Doerr demonstrates how OKRs can drive focus, agility, and explosive growth in any organization.
Review By Bill Gates: “Management tips from a brilliant business leader”
9. Capitalism Without Capital
Writer: Jonathan Haskel & Stian Westlake
In Capitalism without Capital, Jonathan Haskel and Stian Westlake offer a thorough exploration of the growing influence of intangible assets on the economy.
They explain how intangible investment has driven significant economic changes over the past decade, contributing to issues like economic inequality and stagnating productivity.
The authors present research on measuring intangible investments and their impact, and they propose future scenarios for an economy increasingly dominated by intangibles.
Review By Bill Gates: “Not enough people are paying attention to this economic trend”
10. Business Adventures
Writer: John Brooks
John Brooks’ “Business Adventures,” a 1969 collection of 12 essays, remains relevant today, offering valuable lessons from past business successes and failures. Industry leaders like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett recognize its enduring wisdom.
Despite its age, the book provides timeless insights, demonstrating that we can still learn from the experiences of businesses that have shaped the corporate world.
Review By Bill Gates: “Business Adventures is old, hard to find, and the best business book ever.”
Last Updated on January 23, 2025 by Safiya K
