‘Book of the year for me’: Nikhil Kamath shares 5 books that shaped his thinking about finance, life and human behaviour

Building wealth is not just about understanding markets. It is also about understanding people, emotions, mortality and decision-making. Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath has often shared the books that have influenced the way he thinks, offering followers a glimpse into the ideas that shaped his worldview. His recommendations span personal finance, history, psychology, philosophy and evolutionary biology, making for a diverse reading list.

Here are five books recommended by Nikhil Kamath, along with his thoughts and what each book is about.

The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

Nikhil Kamath described The Psychology of Money as a "good book" and an "easy read." He noted that the first half resonates with people who have been fortunate in life, while the second half speaks more to those who have not experienced the same level of luck.


Morgan Housel's bestselling book explores how emotions, behaviour and psychology shape financial decisions far more than intelligence or technical knowledge. Instead of focusing on formulas or investment strategies, it explains why people make irrational money choices and how habits like patience, humility and long-term thinking lead to financial success. Through engaging stories and real-life examples, Housel shows that managing money is less about mathematics and more about understanding human behaviour.

Caste by Isabel Wilkerson

Kamath offered a lighter remark on this title, saying, "Caste, like the world ain't got enough issues already," before giving it a rating of 7 out of 10.

In Caste, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson examines the hidden social hierarchies that shape societies. Drawing comparisons between the caste systems of India, Nazi Germany and racial inequality in the United States, she argues that deeply rooted structures of power continue to influence people's lives. Rather than focusing solely on racism, the book explores how invisible systems of ranking affect opportunity, privilege and discrimination. It encourages readers to rethink social inequality from a broader historical and global perspective.

The Denial of Death by Ernest Becker

Kamath called this his "book of the year" and reflected on its impact by writing that, at the age of 34, he estimated having around 36 years left based on the average lifespan. He added that people often forget how finite life is and asked readers what they would change if they lived with constant awareness of how much time remained. He rated the book 8 out of 10.

Originally published in 1973, The Denial of Death explores humanity's fear of mortality and how it influences nearly every aspect of life. Ernest Becker argues that much of human ambition, success, relationships and even culture is driven by an unconscious attempt to escape the reality of death. Blending psychology, philosophy and anthropology, the Pulitzer Prize-winning book challenges readers to confront life's impermanence and think more intentionally about how they spend their limited time.

Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday

Kamath recommended Ryan Holiday's Stillness Is the Key as a "good pandemic read."

Inspired by Stoic philosophy and teachings from Eastern traditions, the book argues that clarity, creativity and better decision-making come from cultivating inner calm rather than constant activity. Ryan Holiday uses stories from history, politics, sports and business to show how stillness has helped influential leaders navigate difficult situations. The book offers practical advice on reducing mental noise, managing emotions and creating space for thoughtful reflection, making it particularly relevant during periods of uncertainty or stress.

The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins

Kamath gave Richard Dawkins' classic a rating of 6 out of 10.

The Selfish Gene introduced a groundbreaking way of looking at evolution by arguing that genes, rather than individual organisms, are the primary drivers of natural selection. Richard Dawkins explains how many behaviours that appear selfless can actually be understood through the lens of genetic survival. The book also introduced the concept of the "meme" as a unit of cultural transmission. Although rooted in evolutionary biology, it raises thought-provoking questions about human behaviour, cooperation, competition and the forces that shape life itself.