🌍 Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, is known for his deep curiosity, analytical thinking, and fascination with how complex systems work. As a mathematician and computer scientist, Brin’s reading choices reflect a blend of science, philosophy, creativity, and ethical reflection - the same ingredients that helped shape Google’s mission to organize the world’s information.
Here are 10 books Sergey Brin recommends - and the ideas that influenced one of the most important innovators of the digital age.
1. Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman! by Richard P. Feynman
One of Brin’s most frequently mentioned favorites. Feynman’s playful curiosity, love of experimentation, and unconventional thinking strongly mirror the early culture at Google.
2. The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins
This book reframes evolution as a system driven by information and replication - ideas that resonate deeply with Brin’s interest in algorithms, emergent behavior, and complex systems.
3. Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid by Douglas Hofstadter
A challenging but rewarding exploration of mathematics, logic, art, and consciousness. Brin appreciates how it connects self-reference and intelligence - themes central to AI and machine learning.
4. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas S. Kuhn
Kuhn’s concept of paradigm shifts explains how progress happens through disruptive leaps rather than gradual improvement - an idea that aligns perfectly with how Google transformed search and information access.
5. 1984 by George Orwell
As someone deeply involved in shaping global information systems, Brin values Orwell’s warning about surveillance, censorship, and the misuse of technology - a reminder of the ethical responsibility innovators carry.
6. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
This sci-fi classic reflects Brin’s sense of humor and love of imaginative thinking. It celebrates curiosity, absurdity, and asking big questions - even when the answers aren’t obvious.
7. Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson
Brin admires Einstein’s ability to combine creativity with deep scientific rigor. This biography highlights how unconventional thinking and intellectual freedom can reshape the world.
8. The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen
A staple among tech leaders, this book explains why successful companies fail when they stop embracing disruption - a lesson Brin took seriously while helping Google stay innovative at scale.
9. The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama
Despite his technical background, Brin values emotional intelligence and mindfulness. This book reflects his belief that clarity, compassion, and balance are essential to long-term creativity.
10. Zero to One by Peter Thiel
Brin appreciates the book’s focus on creating entirely new things rather than improving existing ones - a mindset that defined Google’s origin and growth.
Final Thoughts
Sergey Brin’s reading list reveals a mind driven by curiosity, systems thinking, and ethical awareness. From physics and biology to philosophy and humor, these books reflect the foundations of Google’s innovative spirit.
For founders, engineers, and lifelong learners, Brin’s bookshelf is a guide to thinking deeply, questioning assumptions, and building technology that truly matters.