🌐 Larry Page, the co-founder of Google and one of the most influential innovators of our time, built his empire on curiosity, long-term thinking, and the power of information. Known for his belief in “10x thinking” — aiming for solutions that are ten times better, not just 10% — Page’s reading habits reflect his fascination with technology, innovation, and humanity’s potential.
Here are 10 books Larry Page recommends — and the ideas that helped shape Google’s bold, world-changing vision.
1. The Singularity Is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology by Ray Kurzweil
“I feel like I’m living in the future.”
This book profoundly influenced Page’s thinking about artificial intelligence, exponential technology, and the merging of humans and machines. Kurzweil’s vision of the future aligns with Google’s mission to accelerate progress through information and AI.
2. How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates
Page has long been passionate about renewable energy and sustainability. This book aligns with his belief that technology can (and must) solve humanity’s biggest problems.
3. Structures: Or Why Things Don’t Fall Down by J.E. Gordon
Like other engineers and founders, Page has praised this book for its clear and elegant explanation of engineering principles. It reflects his lifelong fascination with how things work — from search algorithms to self-driving cars.
4. Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman! by Richard P. Feynman
A favorite among scientists and innovators, this collection of anecdotes from physicist Richard Feynman celebrates curiosity and playfulness in learning — traits that define Page’s creative leadership at Google.
5. The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen
This classic on disruption theory has deeply influenced Page’s strategic mindset. It explores why successful companies fail to innovate — and how new entrants can overturn entire industries. Page used this mindset to keep Google agile despite its scale.
6. Zero to One by Peter Thiel
Though written by a fellow Silicon Valley founder, Page appreciates the book’s focus on building something truly new instead of competing in existing markets — a philosophy that mirrors Google’s early ambitions.
7. Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Max Tegmark
Page is fascinated by the intersection of AI, ethics, and the future of consciousness. This book, which explores how AI will reshape civilization, aligns closely with Google’s deep investments in machine learning and AI research.
8. Abundance: The Future Is Better Than You Think by Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler
Page often recommends this optimistic, data-driven look at how technology can solve global challenges. It echoes his belief that progress should serve humanity — and that the future can be better for everyone.
9. Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies by Nick Bostrom
A thoughtful examination of the potential risks of AI. Page respects Bostrom’s rigorous approach to understanding the ethical and strategic implications of powerful technologies.
10. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Even though Google grew into a global company, Page has always emphasized the importance of a startup mindset — experimentation, agility, and rapid learning. The Lean Startup captures that philosophy perfectly.
💡 Final Thoughts
Larry Page’s reading list captures the essence of curiosity-driven innovation — from AI and engineering to sustainability and ethics. These books reflect his lifelong pursuit of using technology to improve the human condition, not just to disrupt industries.
Whether you’re a founder, engineer, or futurist, Page’s bookshelf is a masterclass in thinking exponentially, acting boldly, and dreaming big.