7 books recommended by Elon Musk that helped shape his thoughts, from childhood to trillion-dollar success

Behind every influential entrepreneur is often a collection of books that helped shape the way they think. For Elon Musk, the billionaire behind companies spanning electric vehicles, space exploration and artificial intelligence, reading has long played an important role in his intellectual journey. His recommended books range from science fiction and fantasy classics to biographies, engineering texts and thought-provoking works on the future of AI, offering a fascinating glimpse into the ideas that influenced one of the world’s most talked-about business leaders.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

One of the books Musk has repeatedly credited with influencing his worldview is The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. In an interview with Alison van Diggelen of Fresh Dialogues, Musk reflected on a difficult period during his teenage years when he was grappling with questions about the meaning of life. Around the age of 12 to 15, he experienced what he described as an existential crisis and turned to books for answers.

During that time, he read works by philosophers such as Friedrich Nietzsche and Arthur Schopenhauer. However, he later suggested that those books were perhaps too pessimistic for someone so young.


According to Musk, Douglas Adams' novel offered a different perspective. He explained that the book highlighted an important lesson: asking the right question can often be harder than finding the answer. That idea left a lasting impression on him and helped shape the way he approached complex problems.

Structures: Or Why Things Don’t Fall Down by J.E. Gordon

For anyone curious about engineering, Musk has often pointed to Structures: Or Why Things Don’t Fall Down by J.E. Gordon. The book explores the principles behind structural engineering and explains why bridges, buildings and other large structures remain standing. Written in an accessible style, it breaks down complex engineering concepts for general readers.

Given Musk’s deep involvement in industries such as aerospace, automotive manufacturing and infrastructure, it is not difficult to see why a book focused on understanding how things are built would appeal to him.

Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson

Musk has also expressed admiration for one of America’s most famous inventors and entrepreneurs through Walter Isaacson’s biography Benjamin Franklin: An American Life. In Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, biographer Walter Isaacson chronicles the remarkable journey of Benjamin Franklin from a runaway apprentice to one of America’s most influential figures. The book explores his achievements as an inventor, entrepreneur, writer, diplomat and statesman, while highlighting the curiosity, self-education and practical wisdom that helped shape both his life and a nation.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Another title that appears on Musk’s reading list is Lord of the Flies by William Golding. The novel is considered a modern classic and examines human nature through the story of a group of boys stranded on an uninhabited island. As social order breaks down, the story explores power, survival and the darker aspects of human behaviour.

Its themes continue to spark debate decades after publication and have made it one of the most widely discussed novels in modern literature.

Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson

Musk’s interest in science and innovation is also reflected in his recommendation of Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson. The biography chronicles the life of physicist Albert Einstein, tracing his rise from a curious young thinker to one of the most influential scientists in history.

The book explores Einstein’s groundbreaking discoveries, his personal struggles and the intellectual curiosity that drove his work. For readers interested in science, creativity and problem-solving, it offers an in-depth look at one of history’s greatest minds.

Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies by Nick Bostrom

Artificial intelligence has become one of the defining technologies of the modern era, and Musk has repeatedly encouraged people to think carefully about its future. He once shared on social media that Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies by Nick Bostrom was worth reading and stressed the importance of being extremely cautious with AI. Musk suggested that advanced artificial intelligence could potentially pose risks greater than nuclear weapons if not managed responsibly.

Bostrom’s book examines scenarios in which AI systems surpass human intelligence and explores the ethical, social and strategic challenges that could emerge.

Life 3.0 by Max Tegmark

Another AI-focused recommendation from Musk is Life 3.0 by Max Tegmark. Musk praised the book on social media and encouraged others to read it, describing artificial intelligence as something that could become either humanity’s greatest achievement or its greatest challenge.

The book explores how AI might transform society, work, politics and everyday life. It also examines the choices humans must make today to ensure future technological advances benefit society rather than harm it.

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

The fantasy epic follows a group of unlikely heroes who embark on a dangerous quest to save their world from destruction. Beyond its adventure and world-building, the story is often praised for its themes of courage, sacrifice and responsibility.