Last Updated on: 13th December 2023, 06:46 pm
When two of the world’s most successful individuals, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, share their reading recommendations, it’s wise to take notice.
Over the years, both Gates and Buffett have publicly shared books they believe provide valuable insights about the world, success, life, and learning.
Here is a compilation of eleven must-read books as suggested by these esteemed business magnates.
1. “The Intelligent Investor” by Benjamin Graham
Touted by Buffett as the best book on investing ever written, Benjamin Graham’s “The Intelligent Investor” offers practical investment advice, educating readers about fundamentals, inflation, market history, and much more.
The book emphasizes long-term investment strategies and introduces Graham’s philosophy of “value investing.”
2. “Business Adventures” by John Brooks
Highly recommended by Gates, “Business Adventures” is a compilation of twelve stories exposing the successes, failures, and amusing events from Wall Street history.
Gates believes the valuable lessons about business and financial industries in this book are timeless.
3. “Tap Dancing to Work: Warren Buffett on Practically Everything, 1966-2013” by Carol Loomis
This collection, spanning almost five decades of Buffett’s writings and talks, provides remarkable insights into his business acumen, philanthropy and sense of humor.
Loomis, a longtime friend of Buffett’s, provides narration and context making it easier for readers to discern valuable investing and life advice.
4. “The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined” by Steven Pinker
Endorsed by Gates, this book uses a data-driven approach to argue that violence in the world has declined over time due to certain human practices like democracy and trade.
Gates considers it as one of the most important books to understand humanity’s progress.
5. “Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight
“Shoe Dog”, the memoir of Nike co-founder, Phil Knight, is Buffett’s recommended read. It gives an inside view of Nike’s early days, including its trials and tribulations.
It’s a candid reflection of successful entrepreneurship, emphasizing on the importance of resilience and tenacity.
6. “The Road to Character” by David Brooks
Gates considers “The Road to Character” a must-read. It explores the journey to a deeper internal life and fighting the culture of the Big Me, which glorifies success and personal achievement.
The book highlights the importance of humility, self-discipline and moral clarity in personal development.
7. “Stress Test: Reflections on Financial Crises” by Timothy F. Geithner
As recommended by Gates, Geithner’s book provides an insider account of the financial crisis in 2007-2008.
It shares valuable insights on how the financial system works – and breaks, and how policymakers can handle complexities during the crisis.
8. “Educated: A Memoir” by Tara Westover
Recommended by Bill Gates, “Educated” is a memoir about a woman who leaves her survivalist family in Idaho and goes on to earn a Ph.D. from Cambridge University.
It’s an exploration of the struggle for self-invention and the transformative power of education.
“Where Are the Customers’ Yachts?” by Fred Schwed
As suggested by Buffett, this classic investment book skewers Wall Street professionals and the very human desire for easy riches.
Although it was first published in 1940, its lessons are just as applicable today.
“Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About the World – and Why Things Are Better Than You Think” by Hans Rosling
A Gates’s favorite, Rosling argues for a more optimistic view of global progress, showing that the world is in a far better state than most people realize, and that it can be even better if we’re thoughtful about understanding and acting on data.
“The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success” by William N. Thorndike
Buffett praises “The Outsiders” for its deep dive into the professional lives of eight successful CEOs who adopted unconventional methods to hefty business rewards.
The book offers great lessons in leadership, strategy, and financial stewardship.
Conclusion
There’s no substitute for knowledge, and these books are treasure troves of wisdom as recommended by two of the world’s most successful individuals.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, an experienced investor, or someone fascinated by the human journey, each of these books offers lessons that can enlighten and inspire.
Grab these books for a deep dive into the worlds of business, moral virtue, investing, and more. Remember, in the game of life, the most important investments are the investments made in oneself.
