Essential Reads Recommended by Wealthy Individuals
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The Importance of Reading Among the Wealthy
Everyone has unique habits and routines, but a commonality among millionaires and billionaires is their voracious reading habits. For instance, Bill Gates reportedly reads around 50 books each year and even takes dedicated reading vacations lasting two weeks. Elon Musk's brother mentioned that Musk used to consume two books daily and famously read the entire Encyclopedia Britannica by age nine. Mark Zuckerberg reads approximately one book every two weeks, while Warren Buffet dedicates 5-6 hours daily to read up to 500 pages.
The wealthiest individuals recognize that books serve as a primary source of knowledge. Engaging with literature allows them to grow, broaden their perspectives, and, importantly, enhance their professional skills. They are aware that stagnation occurs when one stops learning.
Here are three books that millionaires and billionaires consistently recommend:
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
"Sapiens" delves into the history and evolution of Homo sapiens, tracing our journey from the Stone Age to the modern era. Though it spans 450 pages, one could argue it's surprisingly concise given its expansive scope on human development. The book offers a valuable perspective on our relatively short existence in the grand timeline of history.
Notable billionaires who have endorsed "Sapiens" include Bill Gates, investor Ray Dalio, and Facebook's CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Its engaging narrative and thought-provoking insights make it a must-read for anyone interested in human history.
A few notable quotes from "Sapiens":
- “Culture tends to argue that it forbids only that which is unnatural. But from a biological perspective, nothing is unnatural.”
- “One of history’s few iron laws is that luxuries tend to become necessities and to spawn new obligations.”
- “You could never convince a monkey to give you a banana by promising him limitless bananas after death in monkey heaven.”
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
"Shoe Dog" is an autobiography by Phil Knight, co-founder of Nike. He narrates the challenging yet inspiring journey of building Nike, from selling shoes out of his car at local running events to establishing one of the most recognizable brands globally. Knight's passion for his venture is palpable throughout the book.
Prominent figures, including investor Warren Buffet and Apple CEO Tim Cook, have recommended "Shoe Dog." Its engaging storytelling makes it a compelling read.
Here are some memorable quotes from "Shoe Dog":
- “The single easiest way to find out how you feel about someone. Say goodbye.”
- “Seek a calling. Even if you don’t know what that means, seek it.”
- “Just keep going. Don’t stop. Don’t even think about stopping until you get there.”
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Dale Carnegie’s classic, published in 1936, provides practical advice on winning people over and enhancing interpersonal skills. Despite its age, this book has sold over 30 million copies and remains a favorite among many successful individuals, including Dave Ramsey and Alex Hormozi.
I personally found "How to Win Friends and Influence People" transformative when I began my reading journey, and it continues to be a favorite. It’s ideal for those looking to refine their people skills.
Here are some impactful quotes from the book:
- “It isn’t what you have or who you are that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.”
- “Don’t be afraid of enemies who attack you. Be afraid of the friends who flatter you.”
- “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”
The Wisdom of the Wealthy: Video Insights
In this enlightening video titled "What You Can Learn From Billionaire's... (Best Books To Read)," discover the valuable lessons and insights from the reading habits of billionaires.
Another recommended video, "World's RICHEST People Recommend Books You Must Read!" provides an overview of essential reads that wealthy individuals swear by.
Happy reading,
Yours Sincerely,
Tom