🚀 Elon Musk is widely known as the mind behind Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company - but few people know how deeply books have influenced his thinking. From science fiction to physics, from philosophy to history, Musk credits his voracious reading habit as one of the biggest factors behind his success.
Here are 10 of Elon Musk's most recommended books - and how each one has shaped his vision for technology, humanity, and the future.
1. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
"It taught me that the toughest thing is figuring out what questions to ask."
A hilarious sci-fi classic that blends absurdity with deep philosophical insights, this book taught Musk the importance of questioning assumptions. It helped him think critically about what really matters - especially when tackling humanity's biggest challenges.
2. Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down by J.E. Gordon
For Musk, engineering isn't just math and metal - it's understanding why things work. This book offers a surprisingly readable take on structural engineering and physics, and Musk often recommends it to anyone interested in building rockets or cars.
3. Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson
"Franklin is one of my heroes."
Musk admires Franklin as a self-taught inventor, entrepreneur, and nation-builder - a man who shaped the world through curiosity and persistence. Franklin's spirit of innovation resonates with Musk's own journey.
4. Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson
This biography of Albert Einstein dives into how one of history's greatest minds thought about science, creativity, and rebellion against the norm. Musk has cited Einstein as a key influence in his understanding of physics and his drive to think differently.
5. The Foundation Trilogy by Isaac Asimov
A cornerstone of modern sci-fi, Asimov's Foundation series explores the rise and fall of civilizations and the power of knowledge to shape the future. It inspired Musk to think about preserving human consciousness and ensuring humanity's survival across planets.
6. Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies by Nick Bostrom
This book explores the potential (and risks) of artificial intelligence. Musk has called it "worth reading" and has repeatedly warned about the dangers of unchecked AI - a concern that led him to co-found initiatives focused on safe AI.
7. Zero to One by Peter Thiel
Though Musk and Thiel have had differences, Zero to One is recommended for its sharp insights into building companies that create entirely new markets. It's a must-read for entrepreneurs who want to innovate, not just compete.
8. Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Max Tegmark
A deep dive into the future of AI and what it means to be human. Musk has publicly endorsed Tegmark's perspective and supported work aimed at ensuring AI benefits humanity rather than endangering it.
9. Lord of the Flies by William Golding
While not an obvious pick, Musk has mentioned Lord of the Flies as a book that reveals what happens when human systems break down. It's a cautionary tale that aligns with his concern for maintaining order and ethics in technological progress.
10. Ignition!: An Informal History of Liquid Rocket Propellants by John D. Clark
"It's a really fun read if you're interested in rockets."
Beloved by rocket engineers, this book is full of wild stories from the early days of rocket science and explains the chemistry behind space exploration with humor and depth. Musk called it "a great read for anyone in the rocket biz."
Final Thoughts
Elon Musk isn't just building rockets and cars - he's building on ideas that have inspired generations. From The Hitchhiker's Guide to Superintelligence, these books reveal how he blends curiosity, caution, and creativity to imagine the future.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, engineer, or just curious about what drives one of the world's most ambitious thinkers, Musk's bookshelf is a roadmap to big-picture thinking and relentless innovation.