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These Are the 8 Best Books of All Time, According to Bill Gates

Gates picks his favorites from among the huge number of books he's recommended over the years..

When asked what advice he had for young people who want to make a positive impact on this world as part of a recent Reddit AMA (ask me anything) recently, Bill Gates's first suggestion was, "Read a lot." 

He's certainly taken his own advice. The billionaire entrepreneur-turned-philanthropist and super reader is constantly doling out book recommendations on his blog. 

Out of the dozens and dozens of titles he's mentioned over the years, which are his absolute favorites? In the course of the AMA Gates answers that too, naming eight diverse titles that he considers among his top books of all time. 

1. Grand Transitions by Vaclav Smil 

When Gates reviewed this book back in 2019, he called it "masterpiece" from "one of my favorite thinkers." While he cautioned the book is "not for everyone" and that "long sections read like a textbook or engineering manual," he also insisted that Smil's examination of the growth of just about everything , from dinosaurs to the number of transistors on a computer chip, is nothing short of brilliant. "Nobody sees the big picture with as wide an aperture as Vaclav Smil," Gates concluded. 

2. How the World Really Works by Vaclav Smil 

Another title from the Czech-Canadian professor and Gates's favorite author, this one is apparently a light read compared to Smil's other more technical tomes. The book "represents the highly readable distillation of this lifetime of scholarship," according to  The Wall Street Journal . It offers readers an overview of exactly how our material world, from concrete to fertilizer, is made. 

3. The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker 

"Steven Pinker's The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined stands out as one of the most important books I've read--not just this year, but ever,"  wrote Gates back in 2012 . Apparently his opinion hasn't changed in a decade. 

Gates also had good things to say about Enlightenment Now , the follow-up book from the Harvard professor arguing that, despite appearances to the contrary, our world is not only growing less violent, but also more rational, prosperous, and all around better. If you're looking for a ray of sunshine amid the current gloom, maybe pick up one of these titles. 

4. The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt

In his AMA, Gates says he's just finished this book by a First Amendment expert and social psychologist about the increasing unwillingness to engage with difficult ideas on college campuses, declaring it "good." A lot of critics seem to have agreed. 

The authors "do a great job of showing how 'safetyism' is cramping young minds. Students are treated like candles, which can be extinguished by a puff of wind," wrote Edward Luce in the Financial Times, concluding, "their book is excellent. Liberal parents, in particular, should read it."

5. Why We're Polarized by Ezra Klein

This topical book by the well-known journalist and political analyst is also deemed "good" by Gates. The deeply researched book looks into what's driving Americans' division into highly partisan political camps.

"Reading Why We're Polarized is like having a conversation with a brilliant, extremely persuasive friend who has read everything and who is armed with scores of studies that he's able to distill into accessible bites," claims Amy Chua in Foreign Affairs . 

6. A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

Gates admits he reads a lot more nonfiction than fiction, but that doesn't mean he isn't profoundly moved by a novel now and again. In fact, he includes three on his best books ever list. In his 2019 review of this one about a Russian count sentenced to 30 years of house arrest in a hotel by the Bolsheviks, he confesses the novel brought him to tears. 

" A Gentleman in Moscow is an amazing story because it manages to be a little bit of everything. There's fantastical romance, politics, espionage, parenthood, and poetry," he writes, suggesting it not just for students of Russian history but for everyone who likes a great story well told.  

7. The Heart by Maylis de Kerangal

I have to confess I'm not entirely sure about this one, as Gates says only "Heart" is one of his favorites and there are a lot of books out there with the word "Heart" in the title. But I think it's a fair bet that he's referring to this novel about the untimely death of a young man and his family's decision to donate his heart because Gates wrote a rave review about it several years back. 

"It's poetry disguised as a novel," Gates said of the book at the time, noting, "At times I found myself reading more slowly than usual, simply because the way she describes things is so beautiful," He adds that the book forced him to face the depth of the grief of parents who have lost a child he encounters in the course of his philanthropic work. 

8. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr 

This Pulitzer-prize winning novel follows the story of a German soldier and a blind French girl whose lives collide during World War II. Critics used words like mesmerizing, exquisite, stunning, soulful, and hauntingly beautiful to describe it. Gates apparently also fell under the novel's spell, as it was the last book on his list of all-time favorites. 

A refreshed look at leadership from the desk of CEO and chief content officer Stephanie Mehta

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Top 10 Authorized and Unauthorized Books About Bill Gates

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Want to learn more about the enigmatic philanthropist and co-founder of Microsoft? There are many top authorized and unauthorized books on the man who, at the time, became the youngest self-made billionaire in history.

Barbarians Led by Bill Gates

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Jennifer Edstrom and Marlin Eller were two "insiders" who wrote this book on the success and sordid details of Bill Gates' company. Based on accounts by the daughter of a Microsoft spin doctor and a 13-year veteran Microsoft developer, it gives the scoop on Microsoft's history from the early '80s to the present. The book is filled with juicy bits of gossip and humor. Some highlights include the Netscape vs. Explorer wars and Microsoft's trial with the Justice Department.

Business the Bill Gates Way

Learn about the business success secrets that made  Bill Gates  rich with this book from Des Dearlove. The book describes how Gates went from being a Harvard dropout to becoming one of the richest men in the world. This includes ten ways Bill Gates succeeded, and how you could apply it towards your own success. While written as a motivational aid for aspiring entrepreneurs, the book provides fascinating biographical insight into Bill Gates as well.

Bill Gates (Biography series)

Part of the A & E "Biography" series, this book from Jeanne M. Lesinski is an easy and entertaining read about Bill Gates' life. It has 100 pages packed with photos that showcase Gates' life from childhood to his charitable works to brushes with the Justice Department. While other books may give more in-depth detail, this book gives readers a great overview.

Bill Gates and the Race to Control Cyberspace

Focusing on the years between 1992 and 1997, author James Wallace captures the browser wars between Microsoft and Netscape like a good spy novel. It was a time when Bill Gates doubled his net worth while doing what many experts thought he had missed the opportunity to do: capture the highway to the internet. The book is a fascinating, if somewhat unproven, exposé of the latter years of Bill Gates' life.

Business @ the Speed of Thought

This book is a very expensive and hard-to-get collector's item that's written by Bill Gates himself. Gates gives the hard sell on why new technology is good for business and the need to regard it as an asset rather than an expense. "I have the simple but strong belief," Gates writes. "How you gather, manage, and use information will determine whether you win or lose."

How Microsoft's Mogul Reinvented an Industry

Stephen Manes and Paul Andrews' chronicling of one of the youngest self-made billionaires in history has become a well-liked book among Bill Gates fans. Publisher Simon & Schuster says the book is "vivid and definitive, details the behind-the-scenes history of the personal computer industry and its movers and shakers, uncovering the inside stories of the bitter battle for control. A bracing, comprehensive portrait of the industry, the company, and the man."

Bill Gates and the Making of the Microsoft Empire

The book from James Wallace and Jim Erickson is an unauthorized biography of Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates that details tactics such as software programming in Microsoft products that led to the failure of non-Microsoft products, Microsoft managers spying on employee email, and allegations of abusive behavior towards female executives. It covers the early history of Bill Gates' life up to Windows 3.0, with the rest continued in the sequel Overdrive.

Bill Gates Speaks

Best-selling author Janet Lowe researched and transcribed Bill Gates quotes from articles, essays, interviews, and newscasts to create this one-of-kind authorized biography about the legendary businessman.

Bill Gates' Personal Super-Secret Private Laptop

Henry Beard and John Boswell wrote this humorous book about Bill Gates and Microsoft that folds out like a laptop. The left page is the screen and the right is the keyboard. Beard and Boswell are well-known parody writers and this book represents one of their best efforts.

Billionaire Computer Genius

This novel from Joan D. Dickinson is a great book for kids interested in the computer age revolution. It's also an unusual find for the younger reader. It's an easy-to-read biography about Bill Gates that tells the inspirational story of how he became a technology innovator and billionaire. It is fun and entertaining for kids and includes plenty of black-and-white photographs.

There are many books about one of the most successful businessmen in history. But only a select few provide meaningful insight into Bill Gates and his story of how he became who he is today. If you are a fan of this self-made billionaire, these are must-reads.

Gates, Bill. "Business @ the Speed of Thought: Succeeding in the Digital Economy." Hardcover, Grand Central Publishing, March 1999.

Manes, Stephen and Paul Andrews. "How Microsoft's Mogul Reinvented an Industry — and Made Himself the Richest Man in America." Simon & Schuster, January 1994.

• The Unusual History of Microsoft Windows
• Timeline of Microsoft Corporation
• Biography of Bill Gates, Co-Founder of Microsoft
• How MS-DOS Put Microsoft on the Map
• A Short History of Microsoft
• History of the IBM PC
• The Most Important Inventions of the 21st Century
• IBM History
• The History of HTML and How It Revolutionized the Internet
• The History of Google and How It Was Invented
• History of Supercomputers
• The Inventor of Touch Screen Technology
• History of the Floppy Disk
• FORTRAN Programming Language Explained
• The History of the Computer Keyboard
• A History of Apple Computers

17 books Bill Gates thinks everyone should read

While Bill Gates has a schedule that's planned down to the minute , the entrepreneur-turned-billionaire-humanitarian still gobbles up about a book a week .

Aside from a handful of novels, they're mostly nonfiction books covering his and his foundation's broad range of interests. A lot of them are about transforming systems: how nations can intelligently develop, how to lead an organization, and how social change can fruitfully happen.

We went through the past five years of his book criticism to find the ones that he gave  glowing reviews and that  changed his perspective.

'Tap Dancing to Work: Warren Buffett on Practically Everything, 1966-2012' by Carol Loomis

Warren Buffett and Gates have a famously epic bromance, what with their recommending books to each other and spearheading philanthropic campaigns together .

So it's no surprise that Gates enjoyed "Tap Dancing to Work," a collection of articles and essays about and by Buffett, compiled by Fortune magazine journalist Carol Loomis.

Gates says that anyone who reads the book cover-to-cover will walk away with two main impressions:

First, how Warren's been incredibly consistent in applying his vision and investment principles over the duration of his career;

[S]econdly, that his analysis and understanding of business and markets remains unparalleled. I wrote in 1996 that I'd never met anyone who thought about business in such a clear way. That is certainly still the case.

Getting into the mind of Buffett is " an extremely worthwhile use of time," Gates concludes.

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'making the modern world: materials and dematerialization' by vaclav smil.

Gates says his favorite author is Vaclav Smil, an environmental-sciences professor who writes big histories of things like energy and innovation.

His latest is "Making the Modern World." It got Gates thinking.

"It might seem mundane, but the issue of materials — how much we use and how much we need — is key to helping the world’s poorest people improve their lives," he writes. "Think of the amazing increase in quality of life that we saw in the United States and other rich countries in the past 100 years. We want most of that miracle to take place for all of humanity over the next 50 years."

To know where we're going, Gates says, we need to know where we've been — and Smil is one of his favorite sources for learning that.

'The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History' by Elizabeth Kolbert

It can be easy to forget that our present day is a part of world history. Gates says that New Yorker writer Elizabeth Kolbert's new book "The Sixth Extinction" helps correct that.

"Humans are putting down massive amounts of pavement, moving species around the planet, over-fishing and acidifying the oceans, changing the chemical composition of rivers, and more," Gates writes, echoing a concern that he voices in many of his reviews.

" Natural scientists posit that there have been five extinction events in the Earth's history (think of the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs)," he continues, "and Kolbert makes a compelling case that human activity is leading to the sixth."

To get a hint of Kolbert's reporting, check out the series of stories that preceded the book's publication.

'Stress Test: Reflections on Financial Crises' by Tim Geithner

Gates stood at the center of an enormously complex system as CEO of Microsoft. Timothy Geithner did much the same as US Treasury secretary — and saw the structure fall down around him during the financial crisis.

"Geithner paints a compelling human portrait of what it was like to be fighting a global financial meltdown while at the same time fighting critics inside and outside the Administration as well as his own severe guilt over his near-total absence from his family," Gates says . "The politics of fighting financial crises will always be ugly. But it helps if the public knows a little more about the subject."

"Stress Test" provides that knowledge.

'The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined' by Steven Pinker

In "Better Angels," Harvard cognitive scientist Steven Pinker branches out into the history of the most contentious of subjects: violence.

Gates says it's one of the most important books he's ever read.

"Pinker presents a tremendous amount of evidence that humans have gradually become much less violent and much more humane," he says, in a trend that started thousands of years ago and continued until this day.

This isn't just ivory-tower theory. Gates says the book has affected his humanitarian work.

"As I'm someone who's fairly optimistic in general," he says, "the book struck a chord with me and got me to thinking about some of our foundation's strategies."

'The Man Who Fed the World' by Leon Hesser

Even though Gates can get a meeting with almost anyone, he can't land a sit-down with Norman Borlaug, the late biologist and humanitarian who led the "Green Revolution" — a series of innovations that kept a huge chunk of humanity from starving.

"Although a lot of people have never heard of Borlaug, he probably saved more lives than anyone else in history," Gates says . "It's estimated that his new seed varieties saved a billion people from starvation," many of whom were in India and Pakistan.

Borlaug was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Congressional Gold Medal for his efforts — and is one of only seven people to receive that honor.

For Gates, Borlaug is a model in getting important work done in the world.

"Borlaug was one-of-a-kind," he says, "equally skilled in the laboratory, mentoring young scientists, and cajoling reluctant bureaucrats and government officials."

Hesser's "The Man Who Fed the World" lets you peer into the personality that saved a billion lives.

'Business Adventures: Twelve Classic Tales from the World of Wall Street' by John Brooks

Back in 1991, Gates asked Buffett what his favorite book was .

To reply, Buffett sent the Microsoft founder his personal copy of "Business Adventures," a collection of New Yorker stories by John Brooks.

Though the anecdotes are from half a century ago, the book remains Gates' favorite .

Gates says that the book serves as a reminder that the principles for building a winning business stay constant. He writes :

For one thing, there's an essential human factor in every business endeavor. It doesn't matter if you have a perfect product, production plan and marketing pitch; you'll still need the right people to lead and implement those plans.

Learning of the affections that Gates and Buffett have for this title, the business press has fallen similarly in love with the book. Slate quipped  that "Business Adventures" is "catnip for billionaires."

'The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism' by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Like us , Gates is fascinated by the way Theodore Roosevelt was able to affect his society: busting trusts, setting up a park system, and the like.

For this reason, Gates appreciates how Goodwin's biography uses the presidency as a lens for understanding the shift of society.

"How does social change happen?" Gates asks in his review. "Can it be driven by a single inspirational leader, or do other factors have to lay the groundwork first?"

He says that TR shows how many stakeholders need to be involved.

"Although he tried to push through a number of political reforms earlier in his career," Gates says , "[Roosevelt] wasn't really successful until journalists at 'McClure's' and other publications had rallied public support for change."

'The Rosie Project: A Novel' by Graeme Simsion

Gates doesn't review a lot of fiction, but "The Rosie Project," which came on the recommendation of his wife, Melinda, is an oddly perfect fit.

"Anyone who occasionally gets overly logical will identify with the hero, a genetics professor with Asperger’s Syndrome who goes looking for a wife," he writes . "(Melinda thought I would appreciate the parts where he’s a little too obsessed with optimizing his schedule. She was right.)"

The book is funny, clever, and moving, Gates says, to the point that he read it in one sitting.

‘On Immunity’ by Eula Biss

Even though the science all says that vaccines are among the most important inventions in human history , there's still a debate about whether they're a good idea.

In "On Immunity," essayist Eula Biss pulls apart that argument.

She "uses the tools of literary analysis, philosophy, and science to examine the speedy, inaccurate rumors about childhood vaccines that have proliferated among well-meaning American parents," Gates writes. "Biss took up this topic not for academic reasons but because of her new role as a mom."

‘How Asia Works’ by Joe Studwell

Joe Studwell is a business journalist whose central mission is understanding "development."

The Financial Times said that  "How Asia Works" is "the first book to offer an Asia-wide deconstruction of success and failure in economic development."

Gates says that the book's thesis goes like this:

All the countries that become development success stories (1) create conditions for small farmers to thrive, (2) use the proceeds from agricultural surpluses to build a manufacturing base that is tooled from the start to produce exports, and (3) nurture both these sectors with financial institutions closely controlled by the government.

‘How to Lie with Statistics’ by Darrell Huff

Published in 1954, "How to Lie with Statistics"  is an introduction to statistics — and a primer on how they can be manipulated.

It's "more relevant than ever," Gates says.

"One chapter shows you how visuals can be used to exaggerate trends and give distorted comparisons," he says. "It's a timely reminder, given how often infographics show up in your Facebook and Twitter feeds these days."

‘Epic Measures’ by Jeremy Smith

Reading this biography was especially meaningful for Gates because he's known its subject, a doctor named Chris Murray, for more than a decade.

According to Gates , the book is a "highly readable account for anyone who wants to know more about Chris's work and why it matters."

That work involves creating the Global Burden of Disease , a public website that gathers data on the causes of human illness and death from researchers around the world. The idea is that we can't begin finding cures for health issues if we don't even know what those issues are.

Writes Gates: "As Epic Measures shows, the more we make sure reliable information gets out there, the better decisions we all can make, and the more impact we all can have."

‘Stuff Matters’ by Mark Miodownik

If you're like most people, you use steel razors, glass cups, and paper notepads every day without thinking much about the materials they're made of.

In "Stuff Matters," Miodownik, a materials scientist, aims to show you why the science behind those materials is so fascinating.

That premise might sound similar to "Making the Modern World," a book by Gates' favorite author Smil, which Gates has also recommended . But Gates says the two works are "completely different." While Smil is a "facts-and-numbers guy," Miodownik is "heavy on romance and very light on numbers," potentially making "Stuff Matters" an easier read.

Gates claims his favorite chapter is the one on carbon, "which offers insights into one atom's massive past, present, and future role in human life."

‘Hyperbole and a Half’ by Allie Brosh

It might be hard to imagine Gates curled up with a book of comic drawings. But "Hyperbole and a Half," based on the blog by the same name , is more moving and profound than it is silly.

The stories and drawings in the book are based on scenes from Brosh's life, as well as her imagined misadventures.

"It's funny and smart as hell,"  Gates writes , adding that "Brosh's stories feel incredibly — and sometimes brutally — real."

Gates was especially moved by the parts of the book that touch on Brosh's struggles with severe depression, including a series of images about her attempts to leave an appropriate suicide note.

It's a rare book that can simultaneously make you laugh, cry, and think existential thoughts — but this one seems to do it.

‘What If?’ by Randall Munroe

Another book based on a blog , "What If?" is a collection of cartoon-illustrated answers to hypothetical scientific questions.

Those questions range from the dystopian ("What if I took a swim in a typical spent nuclear fuel pool?") to the philosophical ("What if everyone actually had only one soul mate, a random person somewhere in the world?") Each question was posed by a different reader, and Munroe, a former roboticist for NASA, goes to the greatest lengths to answer it accurately through research and interviews.

Gates writes :

The reason Munroe's approach is a great way to learn about science is that he takes ideas that everybody understands in a general way and then explores what happens when you take those ideas to their limits. For example, we all know pretty much what gravity is. But what if Earth's gravity were twice as strong as it is? What if it were three times as strong, or a hundred? Looking at the question in that way makes you start to think about gravity a little differently.

For anyone who's ever wished there were someone to indulge and investigate their secret scientific fantasies, this book comes in handy.

‘Should We Eat Meat?’ by Vaclav Smil

Gates isn’t shy about proclaiming Smil, a professor emeritus at the University of Manitoba, his favorite author. In fact, he's recommended several of Smil's books before.

As usual, Gates writes , Smil attacks the issue of whether humans should consume meat from every possible angle. First he tries to define meat, then he looks at its role in human evolution, as well as how much meat each country consumes, the health and environmental risks, and the ethicality of raising animals for slaughter.

Gates, who was a vegetarian for a year during his 20s, is especially impressed by how Smil uses science to debunk common misconceptions, like the idea that raising meat for food involves a tremendous amount of water.

In fact, Gates writes:

Smil shows you how the picture is more complicated. It turns out that not all water is created equal. Nearly 90 percent of the water needed for livestock production is what's called green water, used to grow grass and such. In most places, all but a tiny fraction of green water comes from rain, and because most green water eventually evaporates back into the atmosphere, it's not really consumed.

Overall, the book left Gates feeling that eventually, "the world can meet its need for meat."

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Discover the Best Books Written by Bill Gates

Bill Gates is a household name in the world of technology, business, and philanthropy. The former CEO of Microsoft revolutionized the personal computing industry and has since dedicated his time and wealth to making the world a better place. But did you know that Gates is also an author?

The Life and Achievements of Bill Gates

Before delving into Gates ‘ literary works, it’s essential to understand the man behind the books. Born and raised in Seattle, Gates’ passion for technology and entrepreneurship was evident from an early age. He co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975 and turned it into the tech giant we know today. Along the way, Gates became one of the wealthiest people on the planet, amassing a net worth of over $100 billion.

Early Life and Education

Gates’ interest in technology started in middle school when he was given access to a Teletype machine, which he used to write his first computer program. He was fascinated by the possibilities of computing and spent countless hours tinkering with machines and writing code. His parents recognized his passion and enrolled him in Lakeside School, a private school that had access to a mainframe computer. This experience gave Gates the opportunity to hone his skills and set him on a path towards a career in technology.

After graduating from Lakeside, Gates went on to study computer science at Harvard University. However, he dropped out after just two years to start Microsoft with Allen. This decision proved to be a wise one, as Gates’ talent and entrepreneurial spirit helped turn Microsoft into a global powerhouse.

Co-founding Microsoft

Microsoft’s early years were challenging, with the company facing legal battles and intense competition. However, Gates’ vision and business acumen helped the company thrive. He was instrumental in developing the iconic Windows operating system, which dominated the PC market for years. Gates’ leadership style was also critical to Microsoft’s success. He was known for his intense focus and attention to detail, as well as his ability to motivate and inspire his employees.

Under Gates’ leadership, Microsoft became one of the most valuable companies in the world. The company’s success also made Gates one of the wealthiest people on the planet. However, Gates was never content to rest on his laurels. He continued to innovate and push the boundaries of what was possible in the tech industry.

Philanthropy and Global Impact

Gates’ passion for technology and innovation is matched by his desire to make a positive impact on the world. Along with his wife Melinda, he established the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the largest private charitable organization in the world. The foundation has helped reduce global poverty, combat infectious diseases, and improve access to education, among other initiatives.

The Gates Foundation has been particularly active in fighting diseases such as malaria and polio. Through their efforts, the number of polio cases worldwide has dropped from over 350,000 in 1988 to just 33 in 2018. The foundation has also been a leading advocate for improving access to education, especially for girls and women in developing countries.

Gates’ philanthropic efforts have had a significant impact on the world, and his influence extends far beyond the tech industry. He has become a leading voice on issues such as climate change and global health, and his work has inspired countless others to use their wealth and influence to make a positive impact on the world.

Bill Gates as an Author

In addition to his impressive achievements in business and philanthropy, Gates is also a prolific author. He has written three books to date, all of which offer unique insights into his worldviews and passions.

Aside from his professional life, Gates has a passion for reading and writing. He believes that reading is essential for personal growth and development. In his free time, he enjoys reading books on a wide range of topics, from science and technology to history and biographies. Gates has said that reading helps him to stay informed and broaden his perspectives.

The Road Ahead (1995)

Gates’ first book, The Road Ahead , was co-written with Nathan Myhrvold and Peter Rinearson and explores the impact of technology on society. The book was published in 1995, just as the internet was beginning to transform the world. Gates offers a vision of how technology will continue to shape our lives in the future.

The Road Ahead was a best-seller and received critical acclaim for its insights into the future of technology. The book was also praised for its accessible writing style, making it a popular choice for readers interested in technology and its impact on society.

Business @ the Speed of Thought (1999)

Bill Gates’ second book, Business @ the Speed of Thought , was published in 1999 and explores the importance of technology in business strategy and management. The book shows how technology can help companies operate more efficiently, make better decisions, and stay ahead of the competition.

Business @ the Speed of Thought was another best-seller and was praised for its practical advice on how technology can be used to drive business success. The book was also noted for its insights into Gates’ own management philosophy and leadership style.

How to Avoid a Climate Disaster (2021)

Gates’ most recent book, How to Avoid a Climate Disaster , tackles one of the most pressing issues facing the world today. In the book, Gates argues that climate change is an urgent global crisis that requires immediate action. He presents a comprehensive plan for reducing carbon emissions and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

How to Avoid a Climate Disaster has been praised for its ambitious yet practical approach to tackling climate change. The book has been widely discussed in the media and has sparked important conversations about the role of technology in addressing climate change.

Overall, Gates’ books offer valuable insights into his worldviews and passions. They showcase his expertise in technology, business, and climate change, and demonstrate his commitment to making the world a better place.

Key Themes in Bill Gates’ Books

Despite tackling different topics, Gates’ books share some common themes. Here are some of the key ideas that run throughout his works:

Technology and Innovation

Gates’ expertise in technology and his passion for innovation are evident in all of his books. He offers insights into how technology has transformed our lives and how it will continue to do so in the future.

In his book, The Road Ahead , Gates explores how technology will shape our future and the potential impact it will have on society. He discusses the rise of the internet and how it will change the way we communicate, work, and live.

Similarly, in Business @ the Speed of Thought , Gates delves into how technology can be used to improve business operations and increase productivity. He shares his vision for the future of business and how technology will play a key role in driving innovation and growth.

Business Strategy and Management

As a successful entrepreneur and businessman, Gates has a wealth of knowledge to share on topics such as leadership and decision-making. His books provide valuable lessons for anyone looking to succeed in the business world.

In The Road Ahead , Gates discusses the importance of strategic planning and how it can help businesses stay ahead of the curve. He emphasizes the need for businesses to be agile and adaptable in an ever-changing landscape.

Similarly, in Business @ the Speed of Thought , Gates shares his insights into how technology can be used to streamline business operations and improve decision-making. He emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making and how it can help businesses stay competitive.

Climate Change and Sustainability

Gates’ latest book, How to Avoid a Climate Disaster , underscores his commitment to addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues. He is a vocal advocate for sustainability and renewable energy and offers practical solutions for reducing our carbon footprint.

In the book, Gates discusses the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent the worst effects of climate change. He shares his vision for a sustainable future and offers practical solutions for reducing our carbon footprint, such as investing in clean energy and transitioning to electric vehicles.

Gates also emphasizes the importance of innovation in addressing climate change and how technology can play a key role in developing new, sustainable solutions.

The Influence of Bill Gates’ Books

Bill Gates is a name that is synonymous with the tech industry. As one of the co-founders of Microsoft, Gates has played a pivotal role in shaping the way we use and interact with technology. However, his influence extends far beyond the world of software and hardware. In fact, Gates’ books have had a significant impact on the tech industry and beyond. Here are some ways in which his works have influenced the world:

Impact on the Tech Industry

Gates’ insights into technology have helped shape the industry over the years. His vision for the future of computing has inspired countless innovations, and his advocacy for open standards and interoperability has contributed to the growth of the internet. In his book, The Road Ahead , Gates outlined his vision for the future of technology and how it would transform our lives. He predicted the rise of smartphones, cloud computing, and even self-driving cars, all of which have become a reality today. His foresight and understanding of the potential of technology have helped drive the industry forward and continue to shape the way we live and work.

Moreover, Gates’ contributions to the tech industry go beyond his work at Microsoft. In his book, Business @ the Speed of Thought , Gates shared his insights into how technology could be used to transform businesses and industries. He emphasized the importance of using data and analytics to make informed decisions and highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning in driving innovation. Today, these technologies are being used by businesses across the world to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and drive growth.

Inspiring Entrepreneurs and Innovators

Gates’ books offer valuable insights into the mindset and strategies of successful entrepreneurs. They provide inspiration and guidance for anyone looking to make their mark in the business world. In his book, The Road Ahead , Gates shared his personal journey and the lessons he learned along the way. He emphasized the importance of perseverance, hard work, and taking risks, all of which are essential qualities for any entrepreneur. His book, Business @ the Speed of Thought , offered practical advice on how to use technology to drive innovation and growth, making it a must-read for any business leader or entrepreneur.

Furthermore, Gates’ philanthropic work has also inspired entrepreneurs and innovators across the world. Through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Gates has invested in numerous initiatives and projects aimed at solving some of the world’s most pressing problems. His focus on using technology to address issues such as poverty, disease, and climate change has inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators who are using their skills and expertise to make a positive impact on the world.

Contributions to Climate Change Discourse

Bill Gates’ latest book, How to Avoid a Climate Disaster , has received widespread acclaim for its comprehensive and practical approach to addressing climate change. The book has sparked important conversations about the role of technology in mitigating the effects of global warming. In the book, Gates emphasizes the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and highlights the potential of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. He also discusses the need for innovation in areas such as energy storage and carbon capture, which could help us achieve a carbon-free future.

Gates’ book has not only contributed to the discourse on climate change but has also inspired action. The Breakthrough Energy Ventures fund, which Gates founded, has invested in numerous startups working on innovative solutions to address climate change. His focus on using technology to address this global challenge has galvanized a new wave of innovation and entrepreneurship, offering hope for a sustainable future.

Bill Gates’ contributions to the world of technology, business, and philanthropy are well-known. However, his literary works offer unique insights into his worldviews and passions. From exploring the impact of technology on society to presenting practical solutions for addressing climate change, Gates’ books have influenced the world in many ways. Whether you are a tech enthusiast, entrepreneur, or climate activist, there’s something to learn from Gates’ impressive body of work.

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The Bill Gates Booklist

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The 3 Best Books Bill Gates Read in 2023

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I n addition to an online economics course taught by Stanford University professor Timothy Taylor and a Spotify playlist filled with a variety of holiday tunes, Bill Gates' annual list of recommendations—shared in a post on Gates Notes —includes three books published in 2023 that "came to mind right away" as "some of the best" he read this year.

From a deeply reported exploration of cell therapy to a data-driven look at the world's biggest environmental problems, the Microsoft founder and philanthropist selected a range of titles that he found to be "deeply informative and well written."

Here, the three best books that Bill Gates read in 2023.

The Song of the Cell: An Exploration of Medicine and the New Human , Siddhartha Mukherjee

Beginning with the discovery of cells in the late 1600s and taking readers through the evolution of human understanding of cellular biology, oncologist and Pulitzer-winning author Siddhartha Mukherjee delves into the history and current state of cell therapy as a tool for treating leukemia and other deadly diseases. "All of us will get sick at some point. All of us will have loved ones who get sick," Gates writes. "To understand what’s happening in those moments—and to feel optimistic that things will get better—you need a foundational knowledge about the building blocks of life. Mukherjee understands that 'to locate the heart of normal physiology, or of illness, one must look, first, at cells.'"

Buy Now: The Song of the Cell on Bookshop | Amazon

Not the End of the World: How We Can Be the First Generation to Build a Sustainable Planet , Hannah Ritchie

This optimistic take on the state of climate change relies on findings from Hannah Ritchie's work as a leading data scientist to illustrate the ways in which the global environmental crisis isn't necessarily the doomsday scenario that some make it out to be. Set for release on Jan. 9, 2024, Not the End of the World focuses on how humanity is already—and can continue—working to achieve a two-pronged definition of sustainability. "In each chapter, Ritchie provides tangible action that people, companies, and governments can take to build that better world," Gates writes. "One where trade-offs between human well-being and environmental protection, between life today and life tomorrow, no longer have to be made."

Buy Now: Not the End of the World on Bookshop | Amazon

Invention and Innovation: A Brief History of Hype and Failure , Vaclav Smil

A perennial favorite of Gates, who has read all 44 of his books, best-selling author Vaclav Smil is renowned for his ability to shed light on complex subjects. In his latest work, Smil investigates whether we're really living in an age of unrivaled invention—and concludes, according to Gates, that "our current era is not nearly as innovative as we think." While Gates agrees that rapid advances in computing power have inflated people's perception of overall technological growth, he believes that Smil underestimates accomplishments in artificial intelligence. "AI is going to become smart, not just fast," Gates writes. "When it achieves what researchers call 'artificial general intelligence,' that will give humanity incredible new tools for problem solving in almost every domain, from curing disease to personalizing education to developing new sources of clean energy."

Buy Now: Invention and Innovation on Bookshop | Amazon

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Write to Megan McCluskey at [email protected]

It was fun to check an item off my bucket list and help a great cause too.

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You can pre-order my new book now.

I found an unintentional theme connecting them all.

Brave New Words paints an inspiring picture of AI in the classroom.

Infectious Generosity is a timely, inspiring read about philanthropy in the digital age.

David Brooks' new book teaches us how—and why—to make every word count.

The Women gave me a new perspective on the Vietnam War

Kristin Hannah’s wildly popular novel about an army nurse is eye-opening and inspiring.

What does a virtuous life look like? David Brooks suggests an intriguing idea.

Why We’re Polarized  is a fascinating look at human psychology.

Jeff Hawkins’s book explores a new theory about human intelligence.

According to this book, some environments foster more innovation than others.

A provocative new book raises big questions about the future.

Diane Tavenner’s book offers amazing tips on preparing kids for college, a career, and life.

Educated  is even better than you’ve heard

Melinda and I loved Tara Westover’s journey from the mountains of Idaho to the halls of Cambridge.

What is humanity’s origin story? David Christian answers that question in his new book.

This book is a useful introduction to a complex problem.

How for-profit colleges and universities expand opportunities—and where they fall short.

Liberating Learning  discusses the overlap between two issues I care about a lot.

The Song of the Cell proves that Siddhartha Mukherjee is one of the best science writers working today.

A talented writer and doctor guides us through the past, present, and future of genome science.

Walter Isaacson’s latest book profiles Jennifer Doudna and her remarkable discovery.

I Contain Multitudes  helped me see microorganisms in a whole new light.

Everything you ever wanted to know about the stuff in your veins.

Four stories that explain how your body fights off disease.

A Gentleman in Moscow  has a little bit of everything

Towles’s novel is technically historical fiction, but you’d be just as accurate calling it a thriller or a love story.

I thought this thrilling story about a double agent lived up to the hype.

Hamnet  pierces the boundary between real life and play

Maggie O’Farrell’s novel is a beautiful, well-written look at how grief tears a family apart.

Hannah Ritchie’s Not the End of the World is an essential antidote to environmental doomsday-ism.

Elizabeth Kolbert on man-made extinctions.

Can we produce enough meat for everyone without wrecking the planet?

How we can cut carbon emissions by using less stuff.

Looking at the impact human activities are having on the web of plants, animals, and other life forms that compose the Earth’s biosphere, and what it means for our future.

Elizabeth Kolbert’s insightful look at the intersection of people and nature.

Meeting the world’s energy needs requires an honest assessment.

David MacKay’s brilliant book is a primer on how we make energy and its impact on the climate.

One of my favorite authors explains how energy drives human history.

A new masterpiece from one of my favorite authors.

Numbers Don’t Lie  is Vaclav Smil’s most accessible book yet.

Vaclav Smil has written “a brief history of hype and failure."

Factfulness  is one of the most educational books I’ve ever read.

They’re not behind us.

Steven Pinker’s new book makes a powerful case for why the world is getting better.

Jerven provides an analysis of African economic development statistics.

A great source of data-driven wisdom about development aid.

Can the lessons from Asia’s rise apply on another continent?

Economist Charles Kenny shines a light on the real successes of aid.

An illuminating look at the role of Secretary-General of the United Nations.

What we can learn from Jeffrey Sachs’s ambitious project in Africa.

The brilliant agricultural scientist who helped save a billion people from starvation.

Gordon Conway provides a roadmap for eliminating hunger in the world.

Tomorrow’s Table  tackles the future of agriculture.

Jim Grant's determination and influence saved millions of children's lives.

My friend Dr. Chris Murray wants to treat everyone. And I mean everyone…

A new mother writes about the world of vaccines.

Breath from Salt gave me new perspective on a disease I’ve been following for two decades.

The polio epidemics of the past were terrible and unsettling times.

Nancy Leys Stepan has written a useful history of efforts to eliminate diseases.

If you read just one book about malaria, The Fever may be the best choice.

In  House on Fire , Bill Foege tells the amazing story of smallpox eradication.

John M. Barry’s 2004 book The Great Influenza has never been more relevant.

Mendeleyev’s Dream  helps you understand how the periodic table got pieced together and why it’s so helpful.

I loved reading this science book for young adults.

Nuclear physics, space travel, and other topics made easy.

I got a kick out of Randall Munroe’s brilliant, offbeat science lessons.

Randall Munroe’s twisted comic takes on science and technology.

Walter Lewin’s  For the Love of Physics  helps you understand stars, phones, GPS, and more.

An eye-opening history of the United States.

An American Marriage  is a moving look at how incarceration changes relationships.

The New Jim Crow will help you understand the history and the numbers behind mass incarceration.

Evicted  is beautifully written, eye-opening, and unforgettable.

Her powerful call for gender equality.

Hillbilly Elegy  gave me new insights into poverty in America.

A guide to worrying in the 21 st  century

Yuval Noah Harari has written another thought-provoking book.

Melinda and I spent weeks talking about this history of the human race.

Capitalism Without Capital  explains how things we can’t touch are reshaping the economy.

A renowned economist’s thought-provoking new book.

Good Economics for Hard Times  was written about a pre-COVID world, but it’s still relevant today.

It’s not what you know, it’s what you can accomplish.

Unlike most books on leadership, this one is worth your time.

Phil Knight opens up in a way few CEOs do in his candid memoir about creating the Nike shoe empire.

The fall of one of America’s great companies.

When the Microsoft CEO asked me to write the foreword for his new book Hit Refresh , I was happy to say yes.

Business Adventures is old, hard to find, and the best business book ever.

A profound book about tennis and much more.

I loved this book on tennis as much for the writing as its insights into my favorite sport.

David Epstein’s Range explains the greatness of Roger Federer and other generalists.

Andy Puddicombe has written a great guide to focusing your thoughts.

Even if you don’t read many inspirational books, I recommend  Awakening Joy .

An expert explains the benefits of a good night’s rest.

Lincoln in the Bardo  gave me a new perspective on America’s 16th president.

Michael Beschloss’s latest book gave me insights about leadership.

Doris Kearns Goodwin’s brilliant biography of Abraham Lincoln is more relevant than ever.

President Obama’s memoir is a terrific read, no matter what your politics are.

How Teddy Roosevelt and William Taft changed America.

A quick retelling of the former president’s fascinating story.

A wise and funny memoir from a young woman facing her own mortality.

Eger’s life story gives her fascinating insight into how people move on after trauma.

I’m lucky to call Bono a friend. But his autobiography still surprised me.

Trevor Noah’s funny and moving account of growing up in South Africa.

And his memoir is terrific—as long as you’ve seen his act.

The deeply moving When Breath Becomes Air .

Born in Blackness challenges Western accounts of the continent.

In The Spy and the Traitor , a Soviet double agent helps prevent a nuclear war—and nearly dies for it.

Erik Larson’s The Splendid and the Vile is a page-turner about getting through World War II.

Shipping containers are way more interesting than you might think.

A vivid depiction of the daily challenges millions face in urban slums.

Walter Isaacson’s terrific new biography sheds light on every facet of the artist’s life.

I loved the latest from the author of A Gentleman in Moscow .

If you are in the mood for something that stimulates your thinking, you’ll love The Overstory .

A wonderful, mind-bending novel

Cloud Atlas  is a touching and very clever story about moral choices.

Readers of all ages will enjoy John Green’s latest novel, Turtles All the Way Down .

I never thought I’d relate to a book about gaming, but I loved Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow .

Kim Stanley Robinson’s The Ministry for the Future .

Klara and the Sun  made me think about what life with super intelligent machines might look like.

Even if you aren’t a big science fiction fan, Project Hail Mary is a lot of fun.

Naomi Alderman’s novel The Power flips the roles of men and women.

As a teenager, I discovered the novels that Robert Heinlein wrote for adults.

The novel that rekindled my love for sci-fi.

This is my personal blog, where I share about the people I meet, the books I'm reading, and what I'm learning. I hope that you'll join the conversation.

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Bill Gates Recommends You Read These Five Books–Some Of His All-Time Favorites

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Inveterate reader and Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates suggests you read five of his all-time favorite books.

Just in time for the holidays, billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates is sharing five book recommendations that are some of his favorites of all time.

It’s an eclectic collection, ranging from a sci-fi favorite from his teenage years and a history of the periodic table. Unlike his summer selections , all but one are works of nonfiction. Gates identifies themes in each book that analyze deeper truths about humanity – our spirit of discovery, capacity for collaboration, and contemplation of a higher power.

Gates has been an avid reader since he was young. His father told Forbes in 2016 that Bill loved all kinds of books, including encyclopedias. “He read so much that Bill’s mother and I had to institute a rule: no books at the dinner table,” Gates Sr. recalled.

Full reviews of his recommendations are published on Gates’ blog, GatesNotes . This year, his featured favorites have also been placed in 100 Free Little Libraries around the world.

Five of Gates’ favorites are below:

Strangers in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein

Strangers in a Strange Land inducted Gates, a longtime fan of Heinlein’s, into “grownup sci-fi” when he read it in 7th grade. The novel follows Michael Valentine Smith, a young man who grew up on Mars among Martians. When he returns to Earth, Smith escapes the scientists studying him to travel the world. In Heinlein’s futuristic reality, religions and their flashy leaders are more politically powerful than they are now. These influential systems inspire Smith to start his own, called the Church of All Worlds. His advanced intelligence and psychic abilities – leftovers from his time with the Martians – win him followers. Gates praises Heinlein’s descriptions of Smith’s commune, where he and his closest followers practice open sexuality and “oneness” with their surroundings, as an accurate prediction of the hippie culture that emerged just a few years after the novel was published in 1961. Unlike the sci-fi books Gates read as a child, Gates notes that Strangers does not have a clean ending or a straightforward moral message. “It’s up to us to decide what happens next,” says Gates, “just like in real life.”

The Inner Game of Tennis by Timothy Gallwey

Gates assures readers that, while The Inner Game of Tennis is the best book he’s ever read about tennis, it applies to areas of life outside the court, too. A successful tennis coach and business consultant, Gallwey argues that there are two components to tennis – the outer, physical game and the inner, mental game. While the outer game can change, the inner game is key - if players are too self-critical, they sabotage their mental game and inhibit their performance. Or, as Gates put it, “We need to learn from our mistakes without obsessing over them.” Gates shares that Gallwey’s maxim influenced his own management style at Microsoft; he recalls treating mistakes as problems to be solved instead of failures to be castigated.

Mendeleyev’s Dream by Paul Strathern

A prolific author and academic, Strathern catalogues the scientific discoveries that led to the creation of the periodic table, starting in ancient Greece and ending with the table’s creator, Russian chemist Dimitri Mendeleyev. Strathern’s emphasis on the ways chemistry grew from alchemy and religion illustrates why Gates admires the periodic table – it’s an example, writes Gates, of how “one discovery can lead to countless others.” Gates, who dedicated an entire wall of his office to a giant representation of the periodic table , reminds readers how seminal it is. “Because we understand atoms, we can make chips, and therefore we can make software and therefore we can make AI,” says Gates that it enabled the creation of computer chips, which led to the creation of software and AI. Be it the elements themselves, or the discoveries they enabled, “All the complexities of the universe come from that chart.,” says Gates. For the less scientifically inclined, he assures readers that Strathern’s accounts of chemistry’s most eccentric personalities add a sense of levity to an otherwise dense topic. After all, Mendeleyev himself claimed the periodic table appeared to him in a dream.

Surrender by Bono

Gates praises Bono’s recently released autobiography as a deep, vulnerable look into the legendary U2 frontman’s rise to stardom, and his ensuing struggles with identity and meaning. Born Paul Hewson in Dublin, Ireland, Bono situates his life around U2’s creation of 40 songs. His witty, self-deprecating narrative concludes that spiritual surrender gave his life meaning – and he still has a ways to go.

Though Gates and Bono have been friends and collaborators for years – the Gates Foundation is a large supporter of ONE, the nonprofit Bono helped found (the two men talked about their friendship at a Forbes philanthropy summit in 2013) – Gates says the book includes many stories he had never heard. He praises Bono’s focus on the band’s shared values and loyalty to one another – something that Gates has long admired about them.

Team of Rivals: The political genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin

This isn’t the first time Gates has lauded Team of Rivals. Gates mentioned his love of the biography in his 2014 recommendation of Kearns Goodwin’s biography of Teddy Roosevelt, “The Bully Pulpit.” The renowned presidential historian’s account of Abraham Lincoln’s life – which inspired the Oscar-winning film, Lincoln - centers around his election in 1860.. After Lincoln won the presidency, he broke tradition and filled his cabinet with political rivals – the people he had just defeated. Together, the disjointed group went about saving the Union.

Though some modern critics have questioned Lincoln’s stance on race, Gates emphasizes, “I came away from Team of Rivals more convinced than ever that Lincoln was a profoundly moral man who ranks as America’s greatest president.” He identifies Lincoln’s emotional control, intellectual security – which allowed him to invite rivals into his inner circle - and willingness to learn from his mistakes as traits that separate him from other presidents.

Gates feels Lincoln’s example can be used as a template to solve tough modern problems. “Lately I’ve been thinking about Goodwin’s book because it feels very relevant in 2022,” Gates writes. He explains that, like in 1860, America is grappling with insurrection, opposing ideologies, and questions about race. In terms of historical examples, says Gates, “Abraham Lincoln is as good a model as you will find.”

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All the books Bill Gates has recommended over the last eight years

Bill Gates has become a powerful influence on publishing. An endorsement from the philanthropist and Microsoft cofounder can cause tangible sales spikes, reminiscent of the golden ticket that once came with being picked for Oprah’s book club.

So just what does Gates read? Quartz manually compiled all 185 of the books recommended on his blog, which dates back to January 2010, and organized them by topic. We’ve included all titles, even those of which Gates was mostly critical, like Matt Ridley’s The Rational Optimist . But this is relatively rare; Gates usually only blogs about books he recommends.

We haven’t included books Gates has recommended in interviews but not on his blog, like the two books he thinks are essential to understanding AI :  Superintelligence by Nick Bostrom and The Master Algorithm , by Pedro Domingos.

Gates reads little fiction, as he readily admits, but will dabble in YA, comedic memoir, and graphic novels on occasion. As the co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, he is wont to recommend books on development, poverty, disease, and education on his blog.

Gates, of course, reads books on scientific topics like biology and physics, but he’s also a big fan of books that offer a scientific or mathematical framework for seeing the world, like What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions , by xkcd’s Randall Munroe. Many of the books Gates endorses, especially those that focus on the long arc of human civilization, both its past and future, argue for an optimistic outlook. Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong about the World—and Why Things Are Better than You Think , a book by the late Hans Rosling, his son, and his daughter-in-law, does both: It argues for an optimism about the world through principles of sound scientific thinking, and it got a strong endorsement from Gates this year.

Vaclav Smil is the author Gates has mentioned the most on his blog. Smil is a highly prolific academic emeritus from the University of Manitoba in Canada, who writes about energy and public policy, among other things. Over the years Gates has recommended so many books by Smil that they warrant their own category.

In the scheme of things, Gates surprisingly does not frequently recommend books about business success or digital technology.

Here are all the books, with classification by Quartz:

Political history and biography Human evolution and civilization Big technology and invention Math and science thinking Business Biography Memoir Fiction Books by Vaclav Smil Development and foreign aid Education Science Climate change and energy Economics and wealth inequality Disease and public health Leadership and management Happiness, psychology, and purpose Tennis Misc

Political history and biography

• A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety , by Jimmy Carter
• Being Nixon: A Man Divided , by Evan Thomas
• The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt and the Golden Age of Journalism , by Doris Kearns Goodwin
• Deng Xiaoping and the Transformation of China , by Ezra Vogel
• A Nation of Wusses: How America’s Leaders Lost the Guts to Make Us Great , by Ed Rendell
• Titan II: A History of a Cold War Missile Program , by David K. Stumpf

Human evolution and civilization

• Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow , by Yuval Noah Harari
• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind , by Yuval Noah Harari
• The Vital Question: Energy, Evolution, and the Origins of Complex Life , by Nick Lane
• Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason , by Steven Pinker
• The Better Angels of Our Nature , by Steven Pinker
• The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History , by Elizabeth Kolbert
• The World Until Yesterday: What Can We Learn from Traditional Societies? , by Jared Diamond
• Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed , by Jared Diamond
• Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies , by Jared Diamond
• Abundance: The Future Is Better Than You Think , by Peter Diamandis and Steven Kotler
• Big History: From the Big Bang to the Present , by Cynthia Brown
• Origin Story: A Big History of Everything , by David Christian
• Limits to Growth: The 30-Year Update , by Donella Meadows, Jorgen Randers, and Dennis Meadows

Big technology and invention

• The Grid: The Fraying Wires Between Americans and our Energy Future , by Gretchen Bakke
• Sustainable Materials with both Eyes Open , by Julian M. Allwood and Jonathan M. Cullen
• The Most Powerful Idea in the World: A Story of Steam, Industry and Invention , by William Rosen
• The Grid: A Journey Through the Heart of our Electrified World , by Phillip F. Schewe
• The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914 , by David McCullough
• The Box: How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger , by Marc Levinson

Math and science thinking

• How Not to Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking , by Jordan Ellenberg
• The Magic of Reality: How We Know What’s really True , by Richard Dawkins
• What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions , by Randall Munroe
• How to Lie With Statistics , by Darrell Huff
• Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words , by Randall Munroe
• Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About the World—and Why Things Are Better than You Think , by Hans Rosling, Anna Rosling Rönnlund, and Ola Rosling
• The Signal and the Noise: Why So Many Predictions Fail—but Some Don’t , by Nate Silver
• Business Adventures: Twelve Classic Tales from the World of Wall Street , by John Brooks
• Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike , by Phil Knight
• Tap Dancing to Work: Warren Buffett on Practically Everything , by Carol J. Loomis
• Poor Charlie’s Almanack , by Peter D. Kaufman and Ed Wexler
• Hit Refresh: The Quest to Rediscover Microsoft’s Soul and Imagine a Better Future for Everyone , by Satya Nadella
• Science Business: The Promise, the Reality, and the Future of Biotech , by Gary P. Pisano
• Einstein , by Walter Isaacson
• Broken Genius , by Joel Shurkin
• Leonardo da Vinci , by Walter Isaacson
• Steve Jobs , by Walter Isaacson
• Born a Crime , by Trevor Noah
• The Best We Could Do , by Thi Bui
• Believe Me , by Eddie Izzard
• Hyperbole and a Half , by Allie Brosh
• On Immunity: An Inoculation , by Eula Biss
• When Breath Becomes Air , by Paul Kalanithi
• Everything Happens for a Reason and other Lies I’ve Loved , by Kate Bowler
• The Cost of Hope , by Amanda Bennett
• The Heart , by Maylis de Kerangal
• The Sympathizer , by Viet Thanh Nguyen
• Seveneves , by Neal Stephenson
• The Rosie Effect , by Graeme Simsion
• The Rosie Project , by Graeme Simsion
• Patriot and Assassin , by Robert Cook
• Turtles All the Way Down , by John Green
• The Hunger Games , by Suzanne Collins
• The Cat’s Table , by Michael Ondaatje
• The Catcher in the Rye , by J. D. Salinger
• A Separate Peace , by John Knowles
• Lincoln in the Bardo , by George Saunders

Books by Vaclav Smil

• Energy and Civilization: A History , by Vaclav Smil
• Should We Eat Meat? , by Vaclav Smil
• Making the Modern World: Materials and Dematerialization , by Vaclav Smil
• Harvesting the Biosphere , by Vaclav Smil
• Energy Myths and Realities , by Vaclav Smil
• Japan’s Dietary Transition and Its Impacts , by Vaclav Smil and Kazuhiko Kobayashi
• Made in the USA: The Rise and Retreat of American Manufacturing , by Vaclav Smil
• Prime Movers of Globalization , by Vaclav Smil
• The Earth’s Biosphere , by Vaclav Smil
• Energy at the Crossroads , by Vaclav Smil
• Energies: An Illustrated Guide to the Biosphere and Civilization , by Vaclav Smil
• Global Catastrophes and Trends , by Vaclav Smil
• Enriching the Earth , by Vaclav Smil
• Why America is Not a New Rome , by Vaclav Smil
• Transforming the Twentieth Century , by Vaclav Smil
• Energy Transitions: History, Requirements, Prospects , by Vaclav Smil
• Creating the Twentieth Century , by Vaclav Smil

Development and foreign aid

• Poor Numbers: How We are Misled by African Development Statistics and What to Do About it , by Morten Jerven
• Getting Better: Why Global Development is Succeeding—and How We Can Improve the World Even More , by Charles Kenny
• Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity , by Katherine Boo
• The Man Who Fed the World: Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Norman Borlaug and His Battle to End World Hunger , by Leon Hesser
• The Last Hunger Season: A Year in an African Farm Community on the Brink of Change , by Roger Thurow
• However Long the Night: Molly Melching’s Journey to Help Millions of African Women and Girls Triumph , by Aimee Molloy
• In the Company of the Poor , by Paul Farmer and Gustavo Gutierrez
• Mighty be Our Powers: How Sisterhood, Prayer, and Sex Changed a Nation at War , by Leymah Gbowee
• One Billion Hungry: Can We Feed the World? , by Gordon Conway
• Poor Economics: A Radical Rethinking of the Way to Fight Global Poverty , by Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee and Esther Duflo
• How to Spend $50 Billion to Make the World a Better Place , by Bjørn Lomborg
• The Foundation: How Private Wealth Is Changing the World , by Joel L. Fleishman
• Give Smart: Philanthropy that Gets Results , by Thomas J. Tierney and Joel L. Fleishman
• Jim Grant—UNICEF Visionary , by Richard Jolly (Ed.)
• Tomorrow’s Table: Organic Farming, Genetics, and the Future of Food , by Pamela Ronald and Raoul Adamchak
• The Great Escape: Health, Wealth, and the Origins of Inequality , by Angus Deaton
• The Idealist: Jeffrey Sachs and the Quest to End Poverty , by Nina Munk
• Interventions: A Life in War and Peace , by Kofi Annan
• Why Does College Cost So Much? , by Robert B. Archibald and David H. Feldman
• A World-Class Education: Learning from International Models of Excellence and Innovation , by Vivien Stewart
• Academically Adrift: Limited Learning on College Campuses , by Richard Arum and Joshipa Roksa
• Why Don’t Students Like School? A Cognitive Scientist Answers Questions about how the Mind Works and What It Means for the Classroom , by Dan T. Willingham
• Change.edu: Rebooting for the New Talent Economy , by Andrew Rosen
• Unlocking the Gates , by Taylor Walsh
• Class Warfare: Inside the Fight to Fix America’s Schools , by Steven Brill
• Who’s Teaching your Children? , by Vivian Troen and Katherine C. Boles
• Stretching the School Dollar: How Schools and Districts Can Save Money while Serving Students Best , by Frederick M. Hess and Eric Osberg (Eds.)
• Where Do School Funds Go? , by Marguerite Roza
• Liberating Learning: Technology, Politics, and the Future of American Education , by Terry M. Moe and John E. Chubb
• Work Hard. Be Nice: How Two Inspired Teachers Created the Most Promising Schools in America , by Jay Mathews
• Value-Added Measures in Education: What Every Educator Needs to Know , by Douglas N. Harris
• The Gene: An Intimate History , by Siddhartha Mukherjee
• For the Love of Physics: From the End of the Rainbow to the Edge of Time, a Journey through the Wonders of Physics , by Walter Lewin
• Feynman Lectures on Physics, Vol. 1: Mainly Mechanics, Radiation, and Heat , by Richard P. Feynman, Robert B. Leighton, and Matthew Sands
• Feynman Lectures on Physics, Vol 2: Mainly Electromagnetism and Matter , by Richard P. Feynman, Robert B. Leighton, and Matthew Sands
• Feynman Lectures on Physics, Vol 3: Quantum Mechanics , by Richard P. Feynman, Robert B. Leighton, and Matthew Sands
• The New Science of Strong Materials , by J.E. Gordon
• The Hair of the Dog and Other Scientific Surprises , by Karl Sabbagh
• 13 Things that Don’t Make Sense: The Most Baffling Scientific Mysteries of our Time , by Michael Brooks
• Modernist Cuisine: The Art and Science of Cooking , by Nathan Myhrvold
• The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer , by Siddhartha Mukherjee
• I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes within Us and a Grander View of Life , by Ed Yong
• Stuff Matters: Exploring the Marvelous Materials that Shape our Man-Made World , by Mark Miodownik

Climate change and energy

• The Quest: Energy, Security, and the Remaking of the Modern World , by Daniel Yergin
• Sustainable Energy—without the Hot Air , by David J.C. MacKay
• Unlocking Energy Innovation , by Richard K. Lester and David M. Hart
• World on the Edge: How to Prevent Environmental and Economic Collapse , by Lester R. Brown
• Global Warming: The Complete Briefing , by John Houghton
• Beyond Smoke and Mirrors: Climate Change and Energy in the 21st Century , by Burton Richter
• Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution—and How it Can Renew America , by Thomas Friedman
• Reinventing Fire: Bold Business Solutions for the New Energy Era , by Amory B. Lovins and Rocky Mountain Institute

Economics and wealth inequality

• Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis , by J.D. Vance
• Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City , by Matthew Desmond
• The Power to Compete: An Economist and an Entrepreneur on Revitalizing Japan in the Global Economy , by Hiroshi Mikitani and Ryoichi Mikitani
• The Rise and Fall of American Growth: The U.S. Standard of Living since the Civil War , by Robert Gordon
• How Asia Works: Success and Failure in the World’s Most Dynamic Region , by Joe Studwell
• Capital in the Twenty-First Century , by Thomas Piketty
• Stress Test: Reflections on Financial Crises , by Timothy F. Geithner
• The Bet: Paul Ehrlich, Julian Simon, and our Gamble over Earth’s Future , by Paul Sabin
• The Price of Inequality: How Today’s Divided Society Endangers our Future , by Joseph E. Stiglitz
• Why Nations Fail , by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson
• This Time Is Different: Eight Centuries of Financial Folly , by Carmen Reinhart and Kenneth Rogoff
• Beyond the Crash: Overcoming the First Crisis of Globalization , by Gordon Brown
• Too Big to Fail , by Andrew Ross Sorkin
• The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century , by Thomas Friedman
• That Used to Be Us: How America Fell Behind in the World it Invented and How We Can Come Back , by Thomas Friedman and Michael Mandelbaum
• The End of Poverty , by Jeffrey Sachs
• In Fed We Trust: Ben Bernanke’s War on the Great Panic , by David Wessel
• SuperFreakonomics: Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes, and Why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance , by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner
• The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves , by Matt Ridley

Disease and public health

• Eradication: Ridding the World of Diseases Forever? , by Nancy Leys Stepan
• The Fever: How Malaria Has Ruled Humankind for 500,000 Years , by Sonia Shah
• House on Fire: The Fight to Eradicate Smallpox , by William H. Foege
• Smallpox: The Death of a Disease , by D.A. Henderson
• Infections and Inequalities: The Modern Plagues , by Paul Farmer
• Reinventing American Health Care: How the Affordable Care Act Will Improve our Terribly Complex, Blatantly Unjust, Outrageously Expensive, Grossly Inefficient, Error Prone System , by Ezekiel Emanuel
• The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right , by Atul Gawande
• Global Health: An Introductory Textbook , by A. Lindstrand, et al.
• Health Care Will Not Reform Itself , by George Halvorson
• Dirt and Disease: Polio before FDR , by Naomi Rogers
• The Making of a Tropical Disease: A Short History of Malaria , by Randall M. Packard
• Priorities in Health , by Dean T. Jamison and Joel G. Breman
• Vaccine: The Controversial Story of Medicine’s Greatest Lifesaver , by Arthur Allen
• Tropical Infectious Diseases , by Richard L. Guerrant and David H. Walker
• Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man who Would Cure the World , by Tracy Kidder
• Polio: An American Story , by David Oshinsky
• Epic Measures: One Doctor. Seven Billion Patients , by Jeremy Smith

Leadership and management

• The Myth of the Strong Leader , by Archie Brown
• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success , by Carol Dweck
• How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character , by Paul Tough
• The Art of Being Unreasonable: Lessons in Unconventional Thinking , by Eli Broad
• Measure What Matters: How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation Rock the World With OKRs , by John Doerr
• Change by Design: How Design Thinking Transforms Organizations and Inspires Innovation , by Tim Brown

Happiness, psychology, and purpose

• The Road to Character , by David Brooks
• Where Good Ideas Come from , by Steven Johnson
• Awakening Joy , by James Baraz and Shoshana Alexander
• Whistling Vivaldi: How Stereotypes Affect Us and What We Can Do , by Claude Steele
• Outliers , by Malcolm Gladwell
• Showing up for Life , by Bill Gates Sr.
• Life Is What You Make It , by Peter Buffett
• String Theory , by David Foster Wallace
• A Champion’s Mind , by Pete Sampras
• Open , by Andre Agassi
• Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything , by Joshua Foer
• The City that Became Safe: New York’s Lessons for Urban Crime and Its Control , by Franklin Zimring
• Frank Stewart’s Bridge Club , by Frank Stewart

Correction : The post has been updated to clarify its methodology, and has been corrected to include three books previously omitted and to account for duplicates.

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Top 76 Books Recommended By Bill Gates (By Year)

Damini Bhandary

Books are a big source of inspiration, it helps you travel the world and provide the knowledge that you needed, in a beautiful and subtle way. A person can find worldly knowledge and information in books. Not only that, it can create a deep impact on our minds and provide us with enough motivation to live our lives freely.

There are a huge number of successful people who recommend books because the books lead them to self-improvement and are their cause of euphoria. They can be entertaining, motivational and an eye-opener; sometimes it also helps you in realizing your own dream.

One of the most successful people in the world, the founder of Microsoft, William Henry Gates III, also known as Bill Gates is a huge bibliophile. It is said that he reads at least 50 books every year and that is something enormous. Even in his busy schedule, he always finds a way to read books, and the best part he in his own dedicated blog called GatesNotes shares about the book he is reading and recommends the best ones. So, are you not curious to know, what the founder of one of the biggest technology companies read?

In this article, we will disclose all the books that Bill Gates has recommended over the span of 7 years. This list is comprised of science, technology, business, fiction, non-fiction, history, biography, and others So, let’s get started.

Bill Gates's love for books knows no bounds, every year in the summer and winter he recommends some of his favourite books that he has read in his blog. Some of the popular books from the last seven years are listed below. So, Let's look at the Books Recommended by Bill Gates.

“Whether I’m at the office, at home, or on the road, I always have a stack of books I’m looking forward to reading.”

-Bill Gates

Books Recommended by Bill gates in 2015 Books Recommended by Bill gates in 2016 Books Recommended by Bill gates in 2017 Books Recommended by Bill gates in 2018 Books Recommended by Bill gates in 2019 Books Recommended by Bill gates in 2020 Books Recommended by Bill Gates in 2021 Books Recommended by Bill Gates in 2022

Books Recommended by Bill gates in 2015

1. the magic of reality: how we know what’s really true, author: richard dawkins, originally published: 15 september 2011.

This 2011 book written by Richard Dawkins made its place on the list of Gates’s recommended books in 2015. The book is a favourite amongst children and young adults as it is written for them. It deals with re-telling the myths that are famous all over the world.

The origins of particular phenomena are also penned here. It is filled with interesting facts about the world that one should know about. This is a good book on science and answers the questions that one can have about the universe.

2. Hyberbole And A Half

Author: allie brosh, originally published: 29 october 2013.

The 2013 book written by Allie Brosh is all about the stories of her daily life full of hysterical stories that are extremely funny. Hyperbole And A Half is a blog and a webcomic. Then it has now become a book, where all the stories including the author's childhood experience are also contained in this book.

3. What If?

Author: randall munroe, originally published: 2 september 2014.

This book by Munroe is non-fiction in which the author answers all the hypothetical science-related questions that are sent by the people who read his comic site 'xkcd'. He compiles all the answers to the questions that he has answered in his webcomic and has published them in this book.

4. On Immunity

Author: eula biss, originally published: 30 september 2014.

This 2014 non-fiction book reasons why vaccination is so important for children. All the myths about the conception of immunity. It breaks all those misconceptions that people have about vaccination and are against it. This book showcased how vaccination is important for children as we cannot protect them on our own.

5. How To Lie With Statistics

Author: darrel huff, originally published: 1954.

This book by Darrel Huff can be considered as an introduction of statistics to readers. It elaborates on the misuse of statistics that can happen through errors while interpreting statistics that can lead to the wrong conclusions.  

6. Should We Eat Meat?

Author: vaclav smil, originally published: 2013.

This 2013 book talks about how eating meat has played a role in the evolution of humans and how its influence is increasing in recent days. The book also details the production of meats in modern days. This book answers if we can produce meat for people without harming the planet. This book is very informative and does not just answer if we should eat meat or not.

7. The Road To Character

Author: david brooks, originally published: 14 april 2015.

In the month of December 2015, Bill Gates included The Road To Character written by the columnist of The New York Times, David Brooks. This book has blended psychology, politics, and spirituality together and talks about the deeper values that we should have in our life.

It shows how some of the world’s greatest thinkers are able to create a strong and rich inner character. It is considered one of the best books for self-improvement and is named one of the best books of the year 2015 by The Economist.

8. Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff In Simple Words

Originally published: 24 november 2015.

The book is quite interesting and fascinating because the author just used 1000 English words that are very much common to explain the complicated things of various complex 54 subjects. The subject includes pencils, atom bombs, and aeroplane engines. The book also has some jokes to entertain the readers.

9. Being Nixon: A Man Divided

Author: evan thomas, originally published: 16 june 2015.

This book is a New York Times bestselling biography of Richard Nixon. This book follows the growth of Nixon and his psychological profile, his childhood influences, and most importantly his career in politics. An insightful look into his political journey and how some of his decisions and weaknesses prove to be the villain and destroyed his presidency.

10. Sustainable Materials With Both Eyes Open

Author: julian m. allwood, jonathan m, cullen, and mark a. carruth, originally published: 2012.

This 2012 book talks about how we should save energy for the future. It is a follow-up to the book Sustainable Energy Without The Hot Air and talks about how one should concentrate on making materials in such a way that they can be sustainable and will be available for future generations.

11. Eradication: Ridding The World Of Diseases Forever?

Author: nancy leys stepan, originally published: 2011.

This book by award-winning historian Nancy Stepan talks about the advantages and disadvantages of helping the world to get rid of some diseases one by one. The different approaches that have been tried to erase the diseases and the time that it failed to reach a conclusion that proved a success. Gates said that the book is written in an academic style.

12. Mindset: The New Psychology Of Success

Author: carol s. dweck, originally published: 28 february 2006.

This book showcases how our mindset can change our entire life. We can achieve success in almost every area, be it school, work, or sports, if we have the right mindset, nothing is impossible. A fixed mindset will help you in the growth of your life. This book is truly very inspirational and helps you in getting motivation.

Books Recommended by Bill gates in 2016

13. sapiens: a brief history of human kind, author: yuval noah harari.

Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens made a place in the list of Bill Gates’s summer book recommendations in the year 2016. This book answers the question, what makes us sapiens? This 2011 book talks about the history and the future of human beings on the planet and busts some ancient myths that are part of human society for a long time. This Non-fiction was even a part of Gates’s spring vacation.

14. Seveneves

Author: neal stephenson, originally published: 19 may 2015.

This book is a science fiction novel and tells the story of all the efforts made to save human beings when the Earth faces an apocalypse after the moon got destroyed. All the nations across the world joined their hand to ensure the survival of the humans in outer space at the time of the apocalypse.

15. How Not To Be Wrong

Author: jordan ellenberg, originally published: 29 may 2014.

Another New York Times Best Selling book that made its place on Gates's list. This 2014 book showcases how different economics and philosophies of society are connected with mathematics and statistical principles. Basically how mathematics is connected with our everyday.

16. The Vital Question

Author: nick lane, originally published: 2015.

This book by Nick Lane talks about the origin of life and its evolution. The vital question tries to answer the complexity between the biology of life and energy. The book mainly focuses on answering why are we here and why are we like this?

17. The Power To Compete

Author: ryoichi mikitani and hiroshi mikitani, originally published: 20 october 2014.

As Gates said in his blog, if someone wants to know more about Japan, it is a must-read for them. This book gives the viewpoint of all the issues that are faced by Japan and they are not recognized despite being the fourth-largest economy in the world. The authors talk about how the problem can be solved to make the country's future more bright.

18. String Theory

Author: david foster wallace, originally published: 10 may 2016.

This book by David Foster Wallace may sound like something that deals with Physics but in reality, this book talks about Wallace’s favourite sport, Tennis. In the year 2016, this was one of the many books on the list of Gate's winter collection. It contains everything about tennis, a competitor’s insight, a fan’s enthusiasm, and many other things. A must-read for a sports enthusiast .

19. Shoe Dog

Author: phil knight, originally published: 26 april 2016.

Almost everyone is familiar with the sportswear brand Nike , this book is written by its co-founder Phil Knight and talks about the history of Nike and the challenges that the company faces, and how it has become one of the most profitable and recognizable companies in the whole world .

20. The Gene

Author: siddhartha mukherjee, originally published: 17 may 2016.

This 2016 book is all about genes and genetic researches. Siddhartha Mukherjee is a physician and oncologist who focuses on the power of genes that is related to the traits of human beings in this book.

21. The Myth Of The Strong Leader

Author: archie brown, originally published: 2014.

This book by Archie Brown explains that a strong leader will not always be a successful leader. This book features Nelson Mandela, Margaret Thatcher, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Tony Blair and discusses the types and qualities of their leadership .

22. The Grid

Author: gretchen bakke, originally published: 26 july 2016.

The book talks about how the electrical grid in America that are made in the 20th century is now becoming a nuisance in the present time as they do not fit in modern times. It also talks about the various challenges faced by the grid in recent times.

Books Recommended by Bill gates in 2017

23. born a crime, author: trevor noah, originally published: 15 november 2016.

This book by Trevor Noah was published in the year 2016 and Bill Gates put it in his 2017 book list. Trevor Noah is an award-winning comedian from South Africa. It has the detailed story of Noah’s life and how he was termed illegal for being born of a mixed race. The struggles and the prejudices he faced while growing up is all detailed here.

24. The Heart

Author: maylis de kerangal.

It is a medical fiction novel that surrounds the death of a 19-year-old, Simon Limbres who died in a car accident. The story then focuses on how the transplantation of Simon's heart affects his parents, the doctors, the recipient, and their families in the span of 24 hours.

25. Hillbilly Elegy

Author: j.d. vance, originally published: 28 june 2016.

The book deals with the themes of class and social mobility, economic inequality, and family. It talks about his ethnic Appalachian values, their social problems. It is also a New York Times Bestseller book that deals with health and economic problems as well.

26. Homo Deus

The book is all about the future of humans. It also states that in the 21st-century humans will make an attempt in gaining God-like powers and immortality and states that with technological powers developing Human may not be the dominant species in front of highly intelligent algorithms .

27. A Full Life

Author: jimmy carter, originally published: 7 july 2015.

This 2015 book is an autobiography of the author Jimmy Carter who was the former American President. It is after his 90th birthday how has lived a pretty interesting life.

28. Energy And Civilization: A History

Author: professor of geography vaclav smil, originally published: 2017.

This book by Professor Vaclav Smil details how energy makes life possible and is a prime factor to make society works. The book talks about fossil fuel-driven civilization that is extremely dependent on energy and how humans are the only beings that can create energies outside their bodies through different technologies.

29. The Best We Could Do

Author: thi bui, originally published: 7 march 2017.

The book follows the journey of the author, Thi Bui's parents. Their life before the Vietnam War and the situation during the war and how they escape from Vietnam and become a refugee in the United State of America. The theme also includes the trauma that one suffers after the war.

30. Evicted: Poverty And Profit In The American City

Author: mathew desmond, originally published: 1 march 2016.

The book follows the journey of eight families during the financial crisis of 2007 and 2008 and how they were struggling to pay their rent. The issues that are highlighted in this book are economic problems, extreme poverty and affordable housing.

31. Believe Me

Author: eddie izzard, originally published: 13 june 2017.

It is a New York Times Bestseller book that is an autobiography of Izzard himself and talks about how the death of his mother affected him in his childhood and shaped his future. It also talks about his life in comedy, film, politics, and philanthropy .

32. The Sympathizer

Author: viet thanh nguyen, originally published: 2 april 2015.

This 2015 best-selling novel received the Pulitzer Prize in 2016 for Fiction. The story deals with love, friendship, and betrayal and is about a communist double agent and classic war fiction where the protagonist's political belief is standing against his loyalties.

Books Recommended by Bill gates in 2018

33. leonardo da vinci, author: walter isaacson, originally published: 17 october 2017.

This 2017 book by Walter Isaacson made it on Gates's list in the year 2018. This book detailed how one of the greatest painter's skills can also be improved in us. Observation, curiosity, and imagination can be developed and nurtured in ourselves. The book also stated how the great painter was an immense believer in science and technology. Bill Gates considered Leonardo one of the most fascinating people ever in his blog.

34. Everything Happened For A Reason And Other Lies I've Loved

Author: kate bowler, originally published: 6 february 2018.

This 2018 book is an autobiography that focuses on the life of the author herself. Kate Bowler is a 35-year-old professor, after giving birth to her baby, she started experiencing stomach pain and was diagnosed with colon cancer. This book talks about her life history and all the struggles she has gone through.

35. Lincoln In The Bardo

Author: george saunders, originally published: 14 february 2017.

This book is an experimental novel by George Saunders that deals with how Abraham Lincoln deals with his grief after the death of his son, William Wallace Lincoln. It is a very critically acclaimed book that has been ranked as one of the best novels of the decade by many publications.

36. Origin Story: A Big History Of Everything

Author: david christian, originally published: 14 may 2018.

This 2018 book talks about the creation of the Universe and how it is now a complex planet where over 7 billion humans exist. It talks about the big bang, the creation of living and non-living beings, and everything that has led to recent times.

37. Factfulness

Author: hans rosling, originally published: 3 april 2019.

The book was published after the death of Hans Rosling. This book talks about how most people are actually wrong about the situation of the world. Here, the author talks about how it is unfair to divide the world into developed and developing countries. As per him, people who deemed the world as unhealthy, full of poverty are actually misinformed.

38. Educated

Author: tara westover, originally published: 18 february 2018.

The 2018 memoir by Tara Westover and made its place in Gates’s list as well as in the best sellers list. This book describes Westover’s life, her father’s paranoia of hospitals. Her family was isolated from the world and she was 17 years old when she first enters school and how she educated her own self.

39. Army Of None

Author: paul scharre, originally published: 24 april 2018.

This 2018 book explores what happened when the era of automatic weapons arrive. In a world where weapons that can identify their own target exists, what will be the outcome if they get hacked ? This book gives all those answers.

40. Bad Blood

Author:john carreyrou, originally published: 21 may 2018.

This 2018 non-fiction book follows the rise and fall of the company, Theranos by Elizabeth Holmes. It was a multi-billion dollar biotech startup. How Elizabeth Holmes was involved in a scam and everything else. This book has also won the 2018 Financial Times and Mckinsey Business Book of the Year Award.

41. 21 Lesson For The 21st Century

Originally published: 23 august 2018.

This 2018 book gives insight into all the important issues that exist in the present world. It covers all the political, social, technological, and existential situations and how should we deal with them. This book provides all those lessons to the readers.

42. The Headspace Guide To Meditation And Mindfulness

Author: andy puddicombe.

This book teaches the strong techniques of meditation that helps in providing a positive impact in your life. This also conveys that meditation can help in changing your life and one can achieve a different level of calmness and happiness through it. One just needs to give 10 minutes of their day to meditation.

Books Recommended by Bill gates in 2019

43. upheaval: how nations cope with crisis and change, author: jared diamond, originally published: 7 may 2019.

This Non-Fiction by Jared Mason Diamond was published in 2019 and immediately become a part of Bill Gates’s book list. This book gives insight into how humans and nations can manage when crises and challenges arise in life. It talks about the six modern nations have managed when they face some catastrophes. This shows how if one sets their minds they have the ability to solve problems.

44. Nine Pints

Author: rose george, originally published: 23 october 2018.

This book dwells inside the cultural history and science of blood. The importance of blood in life and how it saves lives from deadly infection everything that needs to be known about blood can be found in this book. It also talks about how menstruation is still a topic of taboo.

45. A Gentleman In Moscow

Author: amor towles, originally published: 6 september 2016.

This historical fiction of 2016 deals with the theme of romance, parenthood, politics, and poetry and follows the story of Count Alexander Rostov, who was ordered to spend his entire life in a luxury hotel.

46. Presidents Of War

Author: michael beschloss, originally published: 9 october 2018.

This 2018 book talks about the Presidents of America during the time of war. It consists of American history and how Presidents had to take all the difficult decisions while there was a war. It also talks about how 21st-century leaders have the power of Nuclear warfare in their hands.

47. The Future Of Capitalism

Author: paul collier, originally published: 4 october 2018.

This book by world-renowned economist Paul Collier focuses on modern times' economic and social inequalities. The book has provided some solutions that are given by some world-known social scientists to save capitalism from itself and minimize the negative aspect that it brings.

48. An American Marriage

Author: tayari jones, originally published: 29 january 2018.

An American Marriage is written by Tayari Jones was first published in the year 2018. This fictional story deals with an African-American couple named Celestial and Roy, who faced a big turmoil in their life when Roy was wrongfully accused of rape that he did not commit. This book shows how two people were separated and suffered and how moving forward is sometimes the only option.

49. These Truths

Author: jill lepore, originally published: 18 september 2018.

This is a book of American history and has focused on how all truths regarding American politics, laws, and everything has played a role in the evolution of the nation. The book is divided into four sections including a part of modern times as well.

Originally published: 6 September 2019

This 2019 book focuses on the growth of nature and society from tiny microorganisms to big empires. It includes man-made objects as well and talks about the growth of humans from their childhood to their adulthood.

51. Prepared: What Kids Need For A Fulfilled Life

Author: diane tavenner, originally published: 17 september 2019.

The book talks about how the parents should help their children in preparing for their future, instead of worrying about it. Diane Tavenner founded a school in 2003, called Summit Public School. In this book, the author shares some personal stories and lessons of the teachers and the students and asks the parents to learn this lesson so that they can prepare their children for the future.

52. Why We Sleep

Author: matthew walker, originally published: 28 september 2017.

This 2017 book highlights the importance of sleep in our life and how it helps us in living a healthy life. Sleep is the prime thing that has a huge impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of a human being . The author is a neuroscientist and sleep expert who explains in this book how sleep can secure us from fatal diseases as well. In this book, he also suggests some ways that can guarantee a good night's sleep.

Books Recommended by Bill gates in 2020

53. the ride of a lifetime, author: robert iger, originally published: 23 september 2019.

This memoir written by businessman Bob Iger was able to make into the list of Bill Gates. In this book, Iger talks about the achievement of his life and the lessons he has learned while being the CEO of Walt Disney Company for 15 years.

Here, he has shared all the ideas and values that he has perceived in these years and how he believed optimism, courage, and fairness can help in becoming a better person. Bill Gates said it is one of the business books that he’ll unapologetically recommend, that gives tips on how to build a business.

54. The Choice: Embrace The Possible

Author: dr. edith eva eger.

It is an autobiography of Edith Eger when at the age of sixteen she was a gymnast and ballerina and was sent to Auschwitz. This book also includes the point where she saved her sister, in this book she has explained that our mind has become a prison, how freedom can be possible if only we confront our misery.

55. Cloud Atlas

Author: david mitchell, originally published: march 2004.

This 2004 book is a merge of historical fiction and science fiction. This story is about the 19th century Hawai in a post-apocalyptic future. It consists of six stories and Bill Gates considers it 'A wonder mind-bending novel.'

56. The Great Influenza

Author: john m. barry, originally published: 2004.

This non-fiction talks about the havoc created by the 1918 flu that was one of the worst pandemics in history. The entire history of the 1918 pandemic can be found in this book, how it started, spread, and the invention of medicine to fight against it.

57. Good Economics For Hard Times

Author: abhijit v. banerjee and esther duflo, originally published: 12 november 2019.

This 2019 Non-fiction was written by the 2019 Nobel prize winner duo and talks about different economics research that will help in solving the problems faced by the different societies and the modern economies. It includes immigration, inequality in income, climate change, and others.

58. The Spy And The Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story Of The Cold War

Author: ben macintyre.

This book by Ben Macintyre was published in the year 2018 and tells the tale of Oleg Gordievsky. This spy thriller throws light on the cold war era and how Gordievsky worked for the West and exposed several Russian spies and destroyed their plans. The story brings the reader to the world of betrayal and is considered one of the best spy thriller books.

59. The New Jim Crow

Author: michelle alexander, originally published: 5 january 2010.

This 2010 book covers the topic of race in America and how the justice system sometimes targets people from different communities and colours especially, black people. Racial discrimination is real and this book enlightens people of its horror and its consequence.

Author: David Epstein

Originally published: 28 may 2019.

In this book, Epstein talked about the world's most successful people from different fields. He argued that generalists find their path late but they really good at what they do. The book talks about how it is okay to start late and gain lots of experience.

61. The Splendid And The Vile

Author: erik larson, originally published: 25 february 2020.

This book by Erik Larson talks about the years 1940 and 1941 when the citizens were worried that Germany would bomb them any day. The fear and anxiety that the people experienced at that time and how Winston Churchill help them out during this period of time.

62. Breath From Salt

Author: bijal p, trivedi, originally published: 8 september 2020.

This 2020 book by Trivedi talks about the amazing scientific invention that helps cystic fibrosis patients. The emotions of the family of the patient, the doctor including the patients as well, the book described everything.

Books Recommended by Bill Gates in 2021

63. lights out: pride, delusion and the fall of general electric, author: thomas gryta and ted mann, originally published: 21 july 2020.

This 2020 book is a Wall street journal bestseller that describes how America's one of the biggest companies General Electric failed. In here all the mistakes that are done by the company have been explained that has resulted in its downfall .

64. Under A White Sky: The Nature Of The Future

Author: elizabeth kolbert.

This book by Kolbert has mainly focused on numerous types of environmental crises. It talks about how taking the help from technologies for countering climate change can lead to some more problems. This book also talks about the role of technology in our lives in modern times.

65. A Promised Land

Author: barack obama, originally published: 17 november 2020.

This 2020 book by Barack Obama, the former President of the United States of America is an autobiography and a memoir and talks about his political career and the years that have changed the history of the country. One of the events that are also included here is the killing of Osama bin Laden in 2011.

66. The Overstory

Author: richard powers.

This 2019 book by Powers is an environmental fiction and talks about 9 people from America and their experience with trees and their connections with them that made them realize the importance of trees and what consequences the destruction of forest will bring in the world.

67. An Elegant Defense: The Extraordinary New Science Of The Immune System

Author: matt richtel, originally published: 12 march 2019.

This 2019 book will help you understand the human immune system and its defence network. The book describes how our immunity helps us in healing wounds, fighting deadly diseases, and basically keeping humans alive. Gates considers this book a guideline that will help humans in taking valuable steps to stop Covid-19.

68. Project Hail Mary

Author: andy weir, originally published: 4 may 2021.

This 2021 Science Fiction tells the tale of Ryland Grace, a teacher-turned astronaut who is suffering from amnesia after waking up from a coma. Although he is the last hope of humanity, he doesn't remember his name. Project Hail Mary talks about discovery and survival. Gates considers it a fun book to read as the plot is woven amazingly.

69. A Thousand Brains: A New Theory of Intelligence

Originally published: 2 march 2021.

This book talks about the theory of intelligence and the mystery of brains. It also talks about what will be the future of AI in our world. The book answers some of science's greatest questions. Gates considered this book fascinating as it talks about the whole architecture of the brain.

Author: Maggie O'Farrell

Originally published: 31 march 2020.

This 2020 book set a fictional situation where the author meets Sakespeare's son Hamnet, who died at the young age of 11. The book shows how the grief-stricken family has been torn apart after the death of the little child. Gates said that the book is well written.

71. The Code Breaker : Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race

Originally published: 9 march 2021.

This book is basically the biography of the 2020 Nobel Prize Winner in Chemistry, Jennifer Doudna. Doudna won the prize for showing gene editing where one can cure blood diseases by cutting DNA. It was the number one book on New York Times Bestseller list.

Books Recommended by Bill Gates in 2022

72. the power, author: naomi alderman, originally published: 27 october 2016.

This 2016 Novel is Science fiction and the plot is surrounded on women who got the ability to produce electric jolts from their fingers, thus making the female gender powerful. The book was recommended by Gates's daughter to him. The book basically talks about gender equality what could happen when the female gender gets an upper hand.

73. Why We're Polarized

Author: ezra klein, originally published: 28 january 2020.

This 2020 Non-fiction book talks about the political polarization in the United States of America between the two main parties in the country. The book shows you that political ideologies have split up the people of the country and it also talks about the human psychology behind it.

74. The Lincoln Highway

Originally published: 5 october 2021.

The Lincoln Highway is a sequel to a book called A Gentleman in Moscow. The plot surrounded two brothers who are en route to California from Nebraska in search of their mother. The book shows how our journey is never predictable and is full of twists and turns.

75. The Ministry for the Future

Author: kim stanley robinson, originally published: 6 october 2020.

This 2020 Novel is a Science fiction that revolves around the future world and how climate change has affected the planet. The complexity of the situation has been well explained in the book which could happen in the future if one is not aware of the difficult situation now.

76. How the World Really Works

Originally published: 27 january 2022.

The 2022 book covers various topics and is written for general audiences. This book like its title actually talks about how the world works. From food production to energy conservation, it consists of all the basic information that involves our survival on the planet. Gates has considered this book a masterpiece and a must-read.

Bill Gates has recommended many books and asked people to read them because he strongly believes that a reader becomes a leader in the future. He is an ardent reader himself and reads almost 50 books a year.  All these books in the list above will entertain, educate and inspire people with their interesting content and can be considered as treasures for book lovers.

Who is Bill Gates?

Bill Gates is an American businessman, author, developer, and philanthropist. He is the co-founder of a multinational technology company.

How many Books does Bill Gates read every year?

Bill Gates reads approximately 50 books every year.

Does Bill Gates have a Blog?

Yes, Bill Gates does have a personal blog and its name is Gates Notes.

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Bill Gates Book Recommendations (242 Books)

Bill Gates is an American business magnate, software developer, investor, and philanthropist. Wikipedia

Books Recommended by Bill Gates

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• Bill Gates Recommended Books

Why We Sleep

Unlocking the power of sleep and dreams, matthew walker.

Source : "Explains how neglecting sleep undercuts your creativity, problem solving, decision-making, learning, memory, heart health, brain health, mental health, emotional well-being, immune system, and even your life span." - Bill Gates

Energy and Civilization

Vaclav smil.

Source : "Goes deep and broad to explain how innovations in humans’ ability to turn energy into heat, light, and motion have been a driving force behind our cultural and economic progress over the past 10,000 years." - Bill Gates

The Most Powerful Idea in the World

A story of steam, industry, and invention, william rosen.

Source : "An entertaining narrative weaving together the clever characters, incremental innovations and historical context behind the steam engines that gave birth to our modern world." - Bill Gates

The Feynman Lectures on Physics ( 3 books)

Richard p. feynman.

Source : "You don't have to take a course [to learn physics]. If you're hardcore, read [this series] and do the problems." - Bill Gates

The Great Gatsby

F. scott fitzgerald.

Source : "Melinda and I really like [this book]. When we were first dating, she had a green light that she would turn on when her office was empty and it made sense for me to come over." - Bill Gates

The New Psychology of Success

Carol s. dweck.

Source : "Dweck and her research have helped my foundation colleagues and me understand more about the attitudes and habits that allow some students to persevere in school despite big challenges." - Bill Gates

Blitzscaling

The lightning-fast path to building massively valuable companies, reid hoffman.

Source : "The case studies you’re about to explore and the tools you’re about to gain have never been more relevant. This is an ideal moment to be reading this book." - Bill Gates

The Art of Computer Programming ( 4 books)

Donald knuth.

Source : "You want to learn to do software? Read [this series]. Good luck doing the problems." - Bill Gates

On Immunity

An inoculation.

Source : "[I] had no idea how informative [this book] would be, even for someone like me who has been supporting and learning about vaccine research for many years." - Bill Gates

Rebooting for the New Talent Economy

Andrew s rosen.

Source : "Builds a persuasive case that many non-traditional students, such as working adults, parents and those at risk of dropping out, are not well served by traditional institutions." - Bill Gates

A World-Class Education

Learning from international models of excellence and innovation, vivien stewart.

Source : "Looks at five countries—Singapore, Canada, Finland, China, and Australia—where students are doing significantly better on global assessments than students in the U.S." - Bill Gates

The Cost of Hope

Amanda bennett.

Source : "Amanda’s story is personal, filled with moments of anguish, grief and love but she also tries to draw attention to what she discovers is a flawed health care system." - Bill Gates

UNICEF Visionary

Peter adamson.

Source : "The amazing story of Jim Grant, whose influence in making vaccines widely available in the developing world is credited with saving the lives of 25 million children." - Bill Gates

Sustainable Energy

Without the hot air, david jc mackay.

Source : "If someone wants an overall view of how energy gets used, where it comes from, and the challenges in switching to new sources, this is the book to read." - Bill Gates

The World Until Yesterday

What can we learn from traditional societies, jared diamond.

Source : "Made me think about how we have had to overcome some deeply ingrained behaviors in order to develop a modern, interconnected society." - Bill Gates

An American Story

David m. oshinsky.

Source : "Influenced the decision that Melinda and I made to make polio eradication the top priority of the foundation, as well as my own personal priority." - Bill Gates

The Magic of Reality

Richard dawkins.

Source : "An engaging, well-illustrated science textbook offering compelling answers to big questions, from how the universe formed to what causes earthquakes." - Bill Gates

Future Forward

Leadership lessons from patrick mcgovern, the visionary who circled the globe and built a technology media empire, glenn rifkin.

Source : "Patrick McGovern shaped the way that millions of people grew to understand the enormous potential of computers and how they would change the world." - Bill Gates

Breath from Salt

A deadly genetic disease, a new era in science, and the patients and families who changed medicine forever, bijal p. trivedi.

Source : "Documents a story of remarkable scientific innovation and how it has improved the lives of almost all cystic fibrosis patients and their families." - Bill Gates

Moonwalking with Einstein

The art and science of remembering everything, joshua foer.

Source : "I never thought much about whether I could improve my memory across a wider set of domains, but now I think I could, after reading [this book]." - Bill Gates

Life Is What You Make It

Find your own path to fulfillment, peter buffett.

Source : "Peter Buffett writes about the values he absorbed growing up as one of three children of Warren Buffett and the late Susan Buffett." - Bill Gates

Source : "Gave me new perspective on why so many big challenges get bogged down in political battles rather than being focused on problem-solving." - Bill Gates

The Power to Compete

An economist and an entrepreneur on revitalizing japan in the global economy, hiroshi mikitani.

Source : "A series of dialogues between Hiroshi—founder of the Internet company Rakuten—and his father, Ryoichi, a respected economist and author." - Bill Gates

Tara Westover

Source : "I thought I was pretty good at teaching myself—until I read [this book]. Her ability to learn on her own blows mine right out of the water." - Bill Gates

The Rosie Project

Don tillman, book 1, graeme simsion.

Source : "Anyone who occasionally gets overly logical will identify with the hero. [...] one of the most profound novels I’ve read in a long time." - Bill Gates

Play Nice But Win

A ceo's journey from founder to leader, michael dell.

Source : "Walks you through every step of his journey, from starting a company in his college dorm to pulling off the largest all-tech acquisition in history." - Bill Gates

In FED We Trust

Ben bernanke's war on the great panic, david wessel.

Source : "If someone wants to understand what happened during what they call the 'Great Panic,' this is one of the books they should be read." - Bill Gates

The New Jim Crow

Mass incarceration in the age of colorblindness, michelle alexander.

Source : "Offers an eye-opening look into how the criminal justice system unfairly targets communities of color, and especially Black communities." - Bill Gates

The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness

How mindfulness can change your life in ten minutes a day, andy puddicombe.

Source : "If you want to try meditation for yourself, one good way to ease into it—especially if you’re as skeptical as I was—is to pick up a copy of [this book]." - Bill Gates

Reinventing American Health Care

How the affordable care act will improve our terribly complex, blatantly unjust, outrageously expensive, grossly inefficient, error prone system, ezekiel j. emanuel.

Source : "Makes the case for why the U.S. health care system needed reform and how Obamacare sets out to fix the problems." - Bill Gates

Interventions

A life in war and peace.

Source : "For anybody who wants to understand the complexities of the role of the Secretary General, this book is an illuminating read." - Bill Gates

The Inner Game of Tennis

The classic guide to the mental side of peak performance, w. timothy gallwey.

Source : "Gives excellent advice about how to move on constructively from mistakes, which I’ve tried to follow both on and off the court over the years." - Bill Gates

Energy Myths and Realities

Bringing science to the energy policy debate.

Source : "Examines the various predictions that have been made in the past and are still being made about energy use." - Bill Gates

How the World Really Works

The science behind how we got here and where we're going.

Source : "If you want a brief but thorough education in numeric thinking about many of the fundamental forces that shape human life." - Bill Gates

Under a White Sky

The nature of the future, elizabeth kolbert.

Source : "About a number of the ways that people are intervening with nature, including gene drive and geoengineering." - Bill Gates

Naomi Alderman

Source : "I gained a stronger and more visceral sense of the abuse and injustice many women experience today." - Bill Gates

How to Lie with Statistics

Darrell huff.

Source : "A great introduction to the use of statistics, and a great refresher for anyone who’s already well versed in it." - Bill Gates

Poverty and Profit in the American City

Matthew desmond.

Source : "Gave me a better sense of what it is like to be very poor in this country than anything else I have read." - Bill Gates

That Used to Be Us

How america fell behind in the world it invented and how we can come back, thomas l. friedman.

Source : "I mostly agree with their message that the answers to America’s economic challenges are to be found in its past." - Bill Gates

How Asia Works

Joe studwell.

Source : "A good read for anyone who wants to understand what actually determines whether a developing economy will succeed." - Bill Gates

The Future of Capitalism

Facing the new anxieties, paul collier.

Source : "About something I’m also keenly interested in—the polarization we’re seeing in the U.S., Europe, and other places." - Bill Gates

Hit Refresh

The quest to rediscover microsoft's soul and imagine a better future for everyone, satya nadella.

Source : "Has charted a course for making the most of the opportunities created by technology while also facing up to the hard questions." - Bill Gates

40 Songs, One Story

Source : "A super fun read about how a boy from the suburbs of Dublin grew up to become a world-famous rock star and philanthropist." - Bill Gates

The Lincoln Highway

Amor towles.

Source : "Seems to be saying that our personal journeys are never as linear or predictable as we might hope." - Bill Gates

Deng Xiaoping and the Transformation of China

Ezra f. vogel.

Source : "If you’re going to read one book about modern China in the period after Mao, then this is the book you should read." - Bill Gates

Should We Eat Meat?

Evolution and consequences of modern carnivory.

Source : "I can’t think of anyone better equipped to present a clear-eyed analysis of this subject than Vaclav Smil." - Bill Gates

Billion Dollar Whale

The man who fooled wall street, hollywood, and the world.

Source : "As Bad Blood is to biotech, Billion Dollar Whale is to international finance... a wonderful read... Thrilling." - Bill Gates

The Man Who Fed the World

Leon hesser.

Source : "A biography of Norman Borlaug, a brilliant agricultural scientist who [...] saved a billion people from starvation." - Bill Gates

Energy Transitions

Global and national perspectives.

Source : "Explains the energy transitions that have driven social, economic and technological change worldwide over time." - Bill Gates

The Great Escape

Health, wealth, and the origins of inequality, angus deaton.

Source : "If you want to learn about why human welfare overall has gone up so much over time, you should read [this book]." - Bill Gates

Poor Numbers

How we are misled by african development statistics and what to do about it, morten jerven.

Source : "Makes a strong case that a lot of GDP measurements we thought were accurate are far from it." - Bill Gates

How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger

Marc levinson.

Source : "Mostly about globalization, but there is also a larger story here that touches on business and philanthropy more broadly."- Bill Gates

Lincoln in the Bardo

George saunders.

Source : "Despite being a work of fiction, it offered fresh insight that made me rethink parts of [Abraham Lincoln's] life." - Bill Gates

How Not to Be Wrong

The power of mathematical thinking, jordan ellenberg.

Source : "On the surface it’s about math, but it’s really about how much math plays into our daily lives without our even knowing it." - Bill Gates

Hyperbole and a Half

Unfortunate situations, flawed coping mechanisms, mayhem, and other things that happened, allie brosh.

Source : "You will rip through it in three hours, tops. But you’ll wish it went on longer, because it’s funny and smart as hell." - Bill Gates

These Truths

A history of the united states, jill lepore.

Source : "The most honest account of the American story I’ve ever read, and one of the most beautifully written." - Bill Gates

Epic Measures

One doctor. seven billion patients., jeremy n. smith.

Source : "A highly readable account for anyone who wants to know more about [Chris Murray]’s work and why it matters." - Bill Gates

Tomorrow's Table

Organic farming, genetics, and the future of food, pamela c. ronald.

Source : "For anyone who wants to learn about the science of seeds and the challenges faced by farmers." - Bill Gates

SuperFreakonomics

Global cooling, patriotic prostitutes, and why suicide bombers should buy life insurance, steven d. levitt.

Source : "I recommend this book to anyone who reads nonfiction. It is very well written and full of great insights." - Bill Gates

The Sixth Extinction

An unnatural history.

Source : "Makes a compelling case that all this [human] activity is leading to the sixth mass extinction in the Earth’s history." - Bill Gates

Why Does College Cost So Much?

Robert b. archibald.

Source : "Looks at college costs in the context of the larger economy, and offers suggestions for policy to increase access." - Bill Gates

Harvesting the Biosphere

What we have taken from nature.

Source : "Gives as clear and as numeric a picture as is possible of how humans have altered the biosphere." - Bill Gates

Life and Work

Source : "Ray Dalio has provided me with invaluable guidance and insights that are now available to you in Principles." - Bill Gates

A Brief History of Humankind

Yuval noah harari.

Source : "I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a fun, engaging look at early human history." - Bill Gates

The Rosie Effect

Don tillman, book 2.

Source : "[Melinda and I] enjoyed [this book] so much that we invited Graeme to come to Seattle to talk to us about it." - Bill Gates

Measure What Matters

How google, bono, and the gates foundation rock the world with okrs.

Source : "I’d recommend [John Doerr]’s book for anyone interested in becoming a better manager." - Bill Gates

Behind the Beautiful Forevers

Life, death, and hope in a mumbai undercity, katherine boo.

Source : "If you want to read an unvarnished, first-hand account of life in one of India’s slums you should pick up [this book]." - Bill Gates

Work Hard. Be Nice.

How two inspired teachers created the most promising schools in america, jay mathews.

Source : "Gives a great sense of how hard it was to get KIPP going and how intense the focus on good teaching is." - Bill Gates

Hillbilly Elegy

A memoir of a family and culture in crisis, j. d. vance.

Source : "I came away with new insights into the multifaceted cultural and family dynamics that contribute to poverty." - Bill Gates

Liberating Learning

Technology, politics, and the future of american education, terry m. moe.

Source : "Looks at current efforts to use technology for online learning and to measure achievement." - Bill Gates

The Ride of a Lifetime

Lessons learned from 15 years as ceo of the walt disney company, robert iger.

Source : "A short, readable book with smart insights, and along the way he crosses paths with some colorful characters." - Bill Gates

The Rational Optimist

How prosperity evolves, matt ridley.

Source : "Its subject is the history of humanity, focusing on why our species has succeeded and how we should think about the future." - Bill Gates

Academically Adrift

Limited learning on college campuses, richard arum.

Source : "Raises some fundamental and surprising questions about the quality of U.S. undergraduate education." - Bill Gates

Stretching the School Dollar

How schools and districts can save money while serving students best, frederick m. hess.

Source : "Argues that schools can and must improve dramatically without additional resources – even, despite budget cuts." - Bill Gates

Randall Munroe

Source : "This is one of two Randall Munroe books I’ve read, and it is (by design) the funnier of the pair." - Bill Gates

Where Good Ideas Come From

The natural history of innovation, steven johnson.

Source : "Quite good at giving examples of how you create environments that can encourage good ideas." - Bill Gates

Making the Modern World

Materials and dematerialization.

Source : "[I] gained a new appreciation for all the materials that make modern life possible." - Bill Gates

Mendeleyev's Dream

The quest for the elements, paul strathern.

Source : "A fascinating look at how science develops and how human curiosity has evolved over the millennia." - Bill Gates

The New Science of Strong Materials

Or why you don't fall through the floor, j.e. gordon.

Source : "A recapitulation of the history of materials told in an interesting and approachable way." - Bill Gates

Prime Movers of Globalization

The history and impact of diesel engines and gas turbines.

Source : "An entire book about the development and impact of gas turbines and diesel engines." - Bill Gates

Tap Dancing to Work

Warren buffett on practically everything, 1966-2013, carol j. loomis.

Source : "A compilation of forty-plus years’ worth of coverage of Warren [Buffett] by the writers of Fortune." - Bill Gates

Educational Economics

Where do school funds go, marguerite roza.

Source : "For a basic understanding of where education money comes from and how it gets spent." - Bill Gates

The Moment of Lift

How empowering women changes the world, melinda gates.

Source : "I would say this even if I weren’t married to the author: [this book] is a terrific read." - Bill Gates

The Idealist

Jeffrey sachs and the quest to end poverty.

Source : "I’ve told everyone at our foundation that I think it is worth taking the time to read [this book]." - Bill Gates

Neal Stephenson

Source : "Belongs in the subgenre of hard science fiction, which means it emphasizes scientific accuracy." - Bill Gates

A Gentleman in Moscow

Source : "Technically historical fiction, but you’d be just as accurate calling it a thriller or a love story." - Bill Gates

The Art of Being Unreasonable

Lessons in unconventional thinking.

Source : "As a creator of successful companies, Eli Broad has few equals, and [this book] clearly shows why." - Bill Gates

The Myth of the Strong Leader

Political leadership in the modern age, archie brown.

Source : "Most people think strength is a positive quality in a leader, but this book proves them wrong." - Bill Gates

The Ministry for the Future

Kim stanley robinson.

Source : "Presents a stimulating and engaging story, spanning decades and continents." - Bill Gates

The Vital Question

Energy, evolution, and the origins of complex life.

Source : "One of those original thinkers who makes you say: More people should know about this guy’s work." - Bill Gates

Everything Happens for a Reason

And other lies i've loved, kate bowler.

Source : "A wise and funny memoir from a young woman facing her own mortality." - Bill Gates

A Memoir by the Creator of Nike

Phil knight.

Source : "A refreshingly honest reminder of what the path to business success really looks like." - Bill Gates

Stuff Matters

Exploring the marvelous materials that shape our man-made world, mark miodownik.

Source : "Read this book and you’ll never look at a pencil or razor the same way." - Bill Gates

String Theory

David foster wallace on tennis, david foster wallace.

Source : "I would say to anyone who likes tennis as much as I do, you have to read [this book]." - Bill Gates

What Kids Need for a Fulfilled Life

Diane tavenner.

Source : "Offers amazing tips on preparing kids for college, a career, and life." - Bill Gates

Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Max tegmark.

Source : "Anyone who wants to discuss how artificial intelligence is shaping the world should read this book." - Bill Gates

An Intimate History

Siddhartha mukherjee.

Source : "Mukherjee once again shows his gift for making hard science easily accessible." - Bill Gates

Tools and Weapons

The promise and the peril of the digital age.

Source : "A clear, compelling guide to some of the most pressing debates in technology today." - Bill Gates

Why America Is Not a New Rome

Source : "Points out [why comparisons of the US] with the decline of the Roman Empire fall short." - Bill Gates

Stress Test

Reflections on financial crises, timothy f. geithner.

Source : "The former Treasury Secretary's front-row view of the financial crisis." - Bill Gates

How Malaria Has Ruled Humankind for 500,000 Years

Source : "If you want to read just one book about malaria, [this book] is probably the best choice." - Bill Gates

Why We're Polarized

Source : "Fundamentally about American politics, but it’s also a fascinating look at human psychology." - Bill Gates

The Splendid and the Vile

A saga of churchill, family, and defiance during the blitz, erik larson.

Source : "A great addition to the literature focused on that [World War II] tragic period." - Bill Gates

A Promised Land

Barack obama.

Source : "A fascinating look at what it’s like to steer a country through challenging times." - Bill Gates

The Rise and Fall of American Growth

The u.s. standard of living since the civil war, robert j. gordon.

Source : "I did find his historical analysis, which makes up the bulk of the book, utterly fascinating." - Bill Gates

A Memoir of Love, Death, and Jazz Chickens

Eddie izzard.

Source : "If you have seen Eddie’s stuff and you like it [...] I promise you’ll love this book." - Bill Gates

Army of None

Autonomous weapons and the future of war, paul scharre.

Source : "The book I had been waiting for. I can’t recommend it highly enough." - Bill Gates

A Beginner's Guide

Source : "There is no author whose books I look forward to more than Vaclav Smil." - Bill Gates

The Better Angels of Our Nature

Why violence has declined, steven pinker.

Source : "One of the most important books I’ve read—not just this year, but ever." - Bill Gates

Guns, Germs, and Steel

The fates of human societies.

Source : "Fascinating.... Lays a foundation for understanding human history." - Bill Gates

The Road to Character

David brooks.

Source : "It got me thinking about my own motivations and limitations in new ways." - Bill Gates

Why Nations Fail

The origins of power, prosperity, and poverty, daron acemoglu.

Source : "A major disappointment. I found the authors’ analysis vague and simplistic." - Bill Gates

Energy, Security, and the Remaking of the Modern World

Daniel yergin.

Source : "Quite comprehensive in looking at many different kinds of energy." - Bill Gates

The Best We Could Do

An illustrated memoir.

Source : "This powerful graphic novel explores parenthood and life during wartime." - Bill Gates

Pride, Delusion, and the Fall of General Electric

Thomas gryta.

Source : "An unflinching look at the mistakes and missteps made by GE’s leadership." - Bill Gates

Origin Story

A big history of everything, david christian.

Source : "Lifelong learners will appreciate this book about the history of everything." - Bill Gates

Poor Economics

A radical rethinking of the way to fight global poverty, abhijit v. banerjee.

Source : "Does a great job of bringing alive the complexities of poor people’s lives." - Bill Gates

The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress

Robert a. heinlein.

Source : "Probably the [science fiction book] I read the most when I was younger." - Bill Gates

Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions

Source : "Munroe’s approach is a great way to learn about science." - Bill Gates

Awakening Joy

10 steps that will put you on the road to real happiness, james baraz.

Source : "Even if you don’t read many inspirational books, try this is one." - Bill Gates

Value-Added Measures in Education

What every educator needs to know, douglas n. harris.

Source : "An economist explores a controversial subject: teacher accountability." - Bill Gates

The Evolutionary Origins of a Good Society

Nicholas a. christakis.

Source : "Explains that humans have evolved to work together and be social." - Bill Gates

Capital in the Twenty-First Century

Thomas piketty.

Source : "A 700-page treatise on economics translated from French." - Bill Gates

Born a Crime

Stories from a south african childhood, trevor noah.

Source : "Trevor Noah’s funny and moving account of growing up in South Africa." - Bill Gates

Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World

David j. epstein.

Source : "I think [the author's] ideas even help explain some of Microsoft's success." - Bill Gates

From Microorganisms to Megacities

Source : "The newest of 39 brilliant books by one of my favorite thinkers." - Bill Gates

Sustainable Materials

Julian m. allwood.

Source : "An excellent book about another key factor: how we make stuff." - Bill Gates

One Billion Hungry

Can we feed the world, gordon conway.

Source : "Provides a roadmap for eliminating hunger in the world." - Bill Gates

Capitalism without Capital

The rise of the intangible economy, jonathan haskel.

Source : "Explains how things we can’t touch are reshaping the economy." - Bill Gates

The Coming Wave

Technology, power, and the twenty-first century's greatest dilemma, mustafa suleyman.

Source : "An excellent guide for navigating unprecedented times." - Bill Gates

Thing Explainer

Complicated stuff in simple words.

Source : "Nuclear physics, space travel, and other topics made easy." - Bill Gates

I Contain Multitudes

The microbes within us and a grander view of life.

Source : "Helped me see microorganisms in a whole new light." - Bill Gates

The Overstory

Richard powers.

Source : "One of the most unusual novels I’ve read in years." - Bill Gates

Becoming Steve Jobs

The evolution of a reckless upstart into a visionary leader, brent schlender.

Source : "Has me thinking of my old friend. A true visionary." - Bill Gates

An American Marriage

Tayari jones.

Source : "A moving look at how incarceration changes relationships." - Bill Gates

A Full Life

Reflections at ninety, jimmy carter.

Source : "A quick, condensed tour of [Jimmy Carter]’s fascinating life." - Bill Gates

Factfulness

Ten reasons we're wrong about the world - and why things are better than you think, hans rosling.

Source : "A fantastic book, and I hope a lot of people read it." - Bill Gates

Leonardo da Vinci

Walter isaacson.

Source : "Sheds light on every facet of [Leonardo da Vinci]’s life." - Bill Gates

The Sympathizer

Viet thanh nguyen.

Source : "This thrilling story about a double agent lived up to the hype." - Bill Gates

An Elegant Defense

The extraordinary new science of the immune system: a tale in four lives, matt richtel.

Source : "A super interesting look at the science of immunity." - Bill Gates

The Bottom Billion

Why the poorest countries are failing and what can be done about it.

Source : "On the short list of books that I recommend to people." - Bill Gates

A Brief History of Tomorrow

Source : "A thoughtful look at what may be in store for humanity." - Bill Gates

Being Nixon

A man divided, evan thomas.

Source : "Explores the different sides of a complicated man." - Bill Gates

The Bully Pulpit

Theodore roosevelt, william howard taft, and the golden age of journalism, doris kearns goodwin.

Source : "How Teddy Roosevelt and William Taft changed America." - Bill Gates

House on Fire

The fight to eradicate smallpox, william h. foege.

Source : "The amazing story of the eradication of smallpox." - Bill Gates

Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup

John carreyrou.

Source : "I couldn’t put down this thriller with a tragic ending." - Bill Gates

Stranger in a Strange Land

Source : "One of my favorite sci-fi novels of all time." - Bill Gates

The Spy and the Traitor

The greatest espionage story of the cold war, ben macintyre.

Source : "Every bit as exciting as my favorite spy novels." - Bill Gates

Getting Better

Why global development is succeeding--and how we can improve the world even more, charles kenny.

Source : "Shines a light on the real successes of aid." - Bill Gates

Class Warfare

Inside the fight to fix america's schools, steven brill.

Source : "Shows just how difficult it is going to be to improve education." - Bill Gates

Eradication

Ridding the world of diseases forever, nancy leys stepan.

Source : "A useful history of efforts to eliminate diseases." - Bill Gates

The Signal and the Noise

Why so many predictions fail-but some don't, nate silver.

Source : "About predictions in many domains besides politics." - Bill Gates

For the Love of Physics

From the end of the rainbow to the edge of time - a journey through the wonders of physics, walter lewin.

Source : "Helps you appreciate that physics is pretty basic stuff." - Bill Gates

Turning Points for Nations in Crisis

Source : "Explains why some nations flourish in tough times." - Bill Gates

Business Adventures

Twelve classic tales from the world of wall street, john brooks.

Source : "The best business book I've ever read." - Bill Gates

Maylis de Kerangal

Source : "Melinda thought I would love [this book]. She was right." - Bill Gates

Only the Paranoid Survive

How to exploit the crisis points that challenge every company, andrew s. grove.

Source : "[This] basic theme is in the culture of Microsoft." - Bill Gates

21 Lessons for the 21st Century

Source : "A guide to worrying in the 21st century." - Bill Gates

Turtles All the Way Down

Source : "My family loved reading this book together." - Bill Gates

The Emperor of All Maladies

A biography of cancer.

Source : "I loved [this] brilliant book about cancer." - Bill Gates

Enlightenment Now

The case for reason, science, humanism, and progress.

Source : "My new favorite book of all time." - Bill Gates

Presidents of War

The epic story, from 1807 to modern times, michael beschloss.

Source : "Gave me insights about leadership." - Bill Gates

A Journey Through the Mysterious, Miraculous World of Blood

Rose george.

Source : "Everything you wanted to know about blood." - Bill Gates

When Breath Becomes Air

Paul kalanithi.

Source : "This book left me in tears." - Bill Gates

The Story of Success

Malcolm gladwell.

Source : "Makes a lot of great points." - Bill Gates

Creating the Twentieth Century

Technical innovations of 1867-1914 and their lasting impact.

Source : "My favorite [Vaclav Smil] book." - Bill Gates

The Checklist Manifesto

How to get things right, atul gawande.

Source : "A great read." - Bill Gates

A Separate Peace

John knowles.

Source : "My second favorite book." - Bill Gates

13 Things That Don't Make Sense

The most baffling scientific mysteries of our time, michael brooks.

Source : List of books Bill Gates read in 2011.

Brain Rules

12 principles for surviving and thriving at work, home, and school, john medina.

Source : List of books Bill Gates read in 2012.

The Black Swan

Incerto, book 2, nassim taleb.

Poor Charlie's Almanack

The wit and wisdom of charles t. munger, charlie munger.

How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed

Thinking, Fast and Slow

Daniel kahneman.

The World Is Flat

A brief history of the twenty-first century.

Too Big to Fail

The inside story of how wall street and washington fought to save the financial system--and themselves, andrew ross sorkin.

Brief Interviews with Hideous Men

Source : List of books Bill Gates read in 2019.

The Cat's Table

Michael ondaatje.

Showing Up for Life

Thoughts on the gifts of a lifetime, bill gates sr..

The Demand for Dignity and the Politics of Resentment

Francis fukuyama.

Source : List of books Bill Gates read in 2018.

Broken Genius

The rise and fall of william shockley, creator of the electronic age, joel n. shurkin.

Modernist Cuisine

The art and science of cooking, nathan myhrvold.

Who's Teaching Your Children?

Why the teacher crisis is worse than you think and what can be done about it, vivian troen.

Big History

From the big bang to the present, cynthia stokes brown.

Why Don't Students Like School?

A cognitive scientist answers questions about how the mind works and what it means for the classroom, daniel t. willingham.

The Perfect Weapon

War, sabotage, and fear in the cyber age, david e. sanger.

Hot, Flat, and Crowded

Why we need a green revolution--and how it can renew america.

Jim Gaffigan

Unlocking the Gates

How and why leading universities are opening up access to their courses, taylor walsh.

This Time Is Different

Eight centuries of financial folly, carmen m. reinhart.

An Autobiography

Andre agassi.

Beyond Smoke and Mirrors

Mexican immigration in an era of economic integration, douglas s. massey.

A History of a Cold War Missile Program

David stumpf.

The Hair of the Dog

And other scientific surprises, karl sabbagh.

A Journey Through the Heart of Our Electrified World

Phillip f. schewe.

Six Days of the Condor

Condor, book 1, james grady.

How to Spend $50 Billion to Make the World a Better Place

Bjørn lomborg.

His Life and Universe

World on the Edge

How to prevent environmental and economic collapse, lester r. brown.

The Path Between the Seas

The creation of the panama canal, 1870-1914, david mccullough.

Source : List of books Bill Gates read in 2013.

The City That Became Safe

New york's lessons for urban crime and its control, franklin e. zimring.

The End of Poverty

Economic possibilities for our time, jeffrey d. sachs.

Science Business

The promise, the reality, and the future of biotech, gary p. pisano.

The Unfiltered Genius and Controversy of Four-Time CEO Hunter Harrison

Howard green.

An Illustrated Guide to the Biosphere and Civilization

A Champion's Mind

Lessons from a life in tennis, pete sampras.

Unlocking Energy Innovation

How america can build a low-cost, low-carbon energy system, richard k. lester.

The Post-American World

Fareed zakaria.

The Man Who Stayed Behind

Sidney rittenberg.

The Making of a Tropical Disease

A short history of malaria, randall m. packard.

Global Catastrophes and Trends

The next 50 years.

The Controversial Story of Medicine's Greatest Lifesaver

Arthur allen.

Money Well Spent

A strategic plan for smart philanthropy.

Limits to Growth

The 30-year update, donella h. meadows.

Frank Stewart's Bridge Club

Frank stewart.

Enriching the Earth

Fritz haber, carl bosch, and the transformation of world food production.

The Epic Quest for Oil, Money & Power

The Foundation

A great american secret; how private wealth is changing the world, joel l. fleishman.

Priorities in Health

Dean t. jamison.

Beyond the Crash

Overcoming the first crisis of globalization, gordon brown.

Tropical Infectious Diseases

Principles, pathogens and practice, richard l. guerrant.

Health Care Will Not Reform Itself

A user's guide to refocusing and reforming american health care, george c. halvorson.

Philanthropy that Gets Results

Thomas j. tierney.

Energy at the Crossroads

Global perspectives and uncertainties.

Dirt and Disease

Polio before fdr, naomi rogers.

The Making of an American Capitalist

Roger lowenstein.

The Earth's Biosphere

Evolution, dynamics, and change.

Reinventing Fire

Bold business solutions for the new energy era, amory lovins.

Global Warming

The complete briefing, john theodore houghton.

The Death of a Disease

D.a. henderson.

Global Health

An introductory textbook, ann lindstrand.

Mountains Beyond Mountains

The quest of dr. paul farmer, a man who would cure the world, tracy kidder.

The Hunger Games

The hunger games, book 1, suzanne collins.

The Future Is Better Than You Think

Peter diamandis.

The Catcher in the Rye

J.d. salinger.

Source : "My favorite book." - Bill Gates

Team of Rivals

The political genius of abraham lincoln.

Source : "I loved [this book]." - Bill Gates

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13 books recommended by Bill Gates to add to your reading list

Reading nourishes and sharpens the intellect, and it would be safe to say that all the world’s greatest minds have a habit of reading. To this, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is no exception. His book recommendations not only offer a window into his thoughts on the future of the world but also reveal the depth of his knowledge — for which Gates is particularly respected by many.

With an estimated net worth of over USD 100 billion (INR 82,18,07,50,00,000), Gates is one of the world’s richest people. He is widely hailed not only as an entrepreneur but also as one of the world’s most brilliant brains. There is, in fact, a 2019 Netflix documentary rather aptly titled Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gates .

Outside of building Microsoft and changing the landscape of technology as we see it, Gates has also very deeply invested himself in philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The foundation was originally created with his then-wife, Melinda, in 1994 as the William H. Gates Foundation. In 2000, it merged with the Gates Learning Foundation to become the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which is behind some of the largest global health programmes in the world.

Despite his extremely busy schedule, Bill Gates finds time to read, and he shares his recommendations on the books he likes on his official blog .

So what kind of books does Gates read? Are they fiction or non-fiction, or a number-crunching business books or lectures on motivation? Are they science-fiction or dramatic novellas? It appears that the billionaire entrepreneur prefers books that are loaded with data and are scientific in nature. This is evident from his admiration for Robert Heinlein’s books and his picks from the works of Vaclav Smil and Paul Strathern.

Bill Gates: The best book recommendations by the tech czar

Jump to / table of contents, brave new words  by sal khan, infectious generosity  by chris anderson , the women by kristin hannah , a gentleman in moscow  by amor towles, growth: from microorganisms to megacities  by vaclav smil, how the world really works  by vaclav smil, klara and the sun  by kazuo ishiguro, mendeleyev’s dream  by paul strathern, stranger in a strange land  by robert heinlein, surrender  by bono, team of rivals  by doris kearns goodwin, the heart  by maylis de kerangal, the inner game of tennis  by timothy gallwey.

Khan Academy’s CEO and founder Sal Khan is one of the world’s most famous educationists of our times. His book, Brave New Words  is about the most important technological development of our time — artificial intelligence (AI).

The book says that AI has the potential to help “close the education gap” by assisting overworked teachers and providing low-cost tutoring tailored to individual students’ needs.

Gates on the book:  “Sal argues that AI will radically improve both outcomes for students and the experiences of teachers, and help make sure everyone has access to a world-class education. He’s well aware that innovation has had only a marginal impact in the classroom so far but makes a compelling case that AI will be different.”

Chris Anderson is the head of TED Conferences and, as such, one of the most innovative minds in the world of public speaking and motivation.

In his book, Chris Anderson is no stranger to discussing big, world-changing ideas. In his new book, Anderson argues “that we need to expand our definition of generosity,” Gates writes.

The title of the book is almost self explanatory. In it, Anderson explores the meaning of generosity. He also places people and corporations who undertake generous acts on the yardstick of how they act, for instance, whether they go beyond simple donations to charity and actually give their skills and time to the cause.

Gates on the book:  “If you want to help create a more equitable world but don’t know where to start, Infectious Generosity  is for you.”

A historical fiction, The Women is set during the Vietnam War. The protagonist in Hannah’s tale is an Army Nurse Corps member Frances McGrath, who witnesses the division in American society angry over the war upon her return to the US.

Gates was inspired to read the book by Kristin Hannah, who is best known as the author of the 2015 bestseller The Nightingale , by his brother-in-law, who is a Vietnam War veteran.

Gates on the book:  “Although I’ve read and watched a lot about the war in Vietnam, The Women made me think about it in a new light. I didn’t know about the critical role so many women played, and it was both eye-opening and inspiring to learn more about the frontline nurses who saved countless lives.”

This novel moved Gates so deeply that he cried. Towles, an American author, takes readers back in time to Russia of 1922 when the Bolsheviks had the upper hand in the Russian Revolution.

The story follows an aristocrat named Count Alexander Rostov who is sentenced by a Bolshevik tribunal to house arrest in the grand hotel Metropol across the street from the Kremlin. Though he has never worked a day in his life, the Count will have to spend his remaining days in an attic and work in the hotel. It is under the new circumstances that the erudite and witty Count rediscovers himself.

Gates on the book: “ A Gentleman in Moscow is an amazing story because it manages to be a bit of everything. It has romance, politics, espionage, parenthood and poetry. The book is technically historical fiction, but you’d be just as accurate in calling it a thriller or a love story. Even if Russia isn’t on your must-visit list, I think everyone can enjoy Towles’s trip to Moscow.”

Image credit: Amazon

Vaclav Smil is a Czech-Canadian Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg in Canada. He obtained his PhD in Geography from the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences of Pennsylvania State University in 1971 and was named among the Top 100 Global Thinkers by Foreign Policy  in 2010.

Published by the MIT Press of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Growth  is a book about everything on our planet — from microorganisms to civilisations. It underlines the fact that growth is at the heart of everything, but that there are challenges in measuring the impact of societal growth vis-à-vis evolutionary growth.

However, the book is not for everyone. Bill Gates mentioned in his review that the book contains long sections that read like an engineering manual, even though it can indeed teach a lot about growth in both human-made and natural worlds.

Gates on the book: “The book gave me a new appreciation for how many smart people had to try things out, make mistakes, and eventually succeed.”

In this book, Smil takes a look at the seven fundamental areas governing the survival and prosperity of the human race. Energy and food production are two of the areas. Through his observations and conclusions, Smil underlines that goals such as globalisation and decarbonisation are distant dreams in the modern world.

Gates says that he is an admirer of Smil’s works, but warns that the author’s “style is not for everyone.”

“Many of his books are dense and packed with data, and it is an understatement to say they have never sold especially well,” the billionaire businessman observes in his review.

Gates on the book: “Because he [Smil] has gone so deep into such specific topics, he is qualified to step back and write a broad overview for a general audience, which is what he has done with How the World Really Works . If you want a brief but thorough education in numeric thinking about many of the fundamental forces that shape human life, this is the book to read.”

Kazuo Ishiguro is a Japanese-British novelist who won the Booker Prize for The Remains of the Day  in 1989 and the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2017. He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for Living at the 2023 Academy Awards, becoming only the sixth Nobel laureate in history to earn an Oscar nod.

Klara and the Sun is a sci-fi novel set in a dystopian future where some children are genetically enhanced for better academic performance. Because of the lack of socialising, robots serve as companions to children. Klara is one such robot, and the story is narrated by the machine who is brought to act as the companion of a girl named Josie, who is suffering from an illness due to genetic engineering.

Gates on the book: “Ishiguro certainly makes you think about what life with super-intelligent robots might look like. He never claims to be a technologist or a futurist, but his perspective on artificial life is provocative nonetheless.”

Discover some of the most terrifying sci-fi horror movies ever made

Mendeleyev’s Dream  is about Russian scientist Dmitri Mendeleyev (also written as Dmitri Mendeleev). In 1969, Mendeleyev first presented his periodic table, which is today a cornerstone of chemistry. He famously wrote in his diary: “I saw in a dream a table where all the elements fell into place as required. Awakening, I immediately wrote it down on a piece of paper.”

Through his book, Strathern takes readers on a journey through time and the history of chemistry from the ancient philosophies to the splitting of the atom. And at the heart of it, all is the dream that Mendeleyev saw.

Gates on the book: “ Mendeleyev’s Dream  is the best book I’ve ever read on the periodic table. It helps you understand how it all got pieced together and why it’s so helpful. It’s also a fascinating look at how new science develops.”

Robert Heinlein is perhaps one of the greatest American science fiction writers and is credited with making significant contributions to the genre. He wrote for both children and young adults. Gates says in his review of Stranger in a Strange Land  that computing and Heinlein were the interests around which he bonded with Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen when they were kids.

Stranger in a Strange Land is recognised by many as Heinlein’s best-known work. Published in 1961, the story follows Valentine Michael Smith, a human born and raised on Mars. An adult Smith returns to Earth at a time when it has been ravaged by World War III and organised religions wield enormous power. Smith, who is physically more powerful than Earthlings, challenges the order by creating a religion of his own where concepts such as free love and communal living are encouraged.

Gates on the book: “Of all the sci-fi I read as a teenager, Stranger in a Strange Land is my favourite. It was published in 1961 and is Heinlein’s most popular book…Everything I had read before them had a tidy ending. Here, though, the ending is unclear. It’s up to us to decide what happens next, just like in real life.”

Everyone admires Bono. Gates perhaps a little more as he calls himself “lucky enough” to be the U2 frontman’s friend. In fact, the Gates Foundation is a major supporter of ONE, a non-profit organisation that Bono co-founded.

Surrender  is Bono’s autobiography. From his early life in Dublin to his work as an activist fighting poverty and AIDS, the acclaimed musician describes key details about himself and his work. Of course, his time as the frontman of one of the world’s greatest bands is also part of the book.

“When I started to write this book, I was hoping to draw in detail what I’d previously only sketched in songs. The people, places, and possibilities in my life,” Bono, whose real name is Paul David Hewson, writes about the book on its official site .

“Surrender is the story of one pilgrim’s lack of progress…With a fair amount of fun along the way,” he adds.

Gates on the book: “I loved Surrender . You get to observe the band in the process of creating some of their most iconic songs. The book is filled with clever, self-deprecating lines like “Just how effective can a singer with anger issues be in the cause of nonviolence?” And you’ll learn a lot about the challenges he dealt with in his campaigns for debt relief and HIV treatment in Africa.”

Know about the Sphere, the Las Vegas dome which was opened with a show by Bono

Doris Kearns Goodwin won a Pulitzer Prize for her 1994 book No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II.

Her book Team of Rivals is a biography of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States. It informs readers how Lincoln rose to power during the turbulent times of the 1850s and 1860s in America by placing himself in the shoes of others and his ability to understand their feelings.

The book, which Gates calls the best he has ever read about the great American president, served as the inspiration for Lincoln , the 2012 film which received 12 Academy Award nominations , winning two including Best Actor for Daniel Day-Lewis.

Gates on the book: “There are significant parallels between the current moment and the 1860s, when the nation was dealing with violent insurrection, difficult questions about race, and ideological divides between states and regions. Team of Rivals has a lot of insights about Lincoln that leaders can learn from today.”

In his 2017 review of the book, Gates notes that The Heart  is “poetry disguised as a novel.”

“Poetry” is, in fact, the word several prominent reviewers have used to describe the beauty of the book, which, interestingly, is about death, grief and closure.

The story spans 24 hours. Three friends go surfing, and one of them is killed in a car accident on their way back. What follows is the dilemma of the deceased boy’s family over a decision to transplant his heart to another body which needs it. De Kerangal, an acclaimed French author, makes the heart transplant the centre of her book’s exploration of philosophy as well as a key piece in explaining how organ donation works in France.

Gates on the book: “It’s not the plot that makes The Heart such a wonderful book. First of all, there’s the language. It makes me think of Vladimir Nabokov more than anybody else…The book connects you deeply with people who are only in the story for a few minutes. You get really detailed backstories about all the characters…And then there are the themes Kerangal is dealing with: grief most of all, and how it feels to have to change your life suddenly because somebody who was in it isn’t in it anymore.”

The Inner Game of Tennis was published in 1974 and is a book on human psychology that reveals how the actual game of tennis involves two parts — an outer game and an inner game. Gallwey posits that while the outer game is against the opponent on the court, the inner game is played within the player’s own mind against opponents such as anxiety and self-doubt.

The book is hailed as one of the best in sports psychology, which came at a time when the concept didn’t even exist. Today, it is not just an essential read for players but also for those in management or basically anyone looking to sharpen their mental skills.

Gates on the book: “Even though I stopped playing tennis in my 20s so I could focus on Microsoft and didn’t start again until my forties, Gallwey’s insights subtly affected how I showed up at work. For example, although I’m a big believer in being critical of myself and objective about my own performance, I try to do it the Gallwey way: in a constructive fashion that hopefully improves my performance.”

Hero image: Courtesy Amazon; Featured image: Courtesy The Lowy Institute/LowyInstitute/Twitter

Manas Sen Gupta

Manas Sen Gupta writes at the intersection of tech, entertainment and history. His works have appeared in publications such as The Statesman, Myanmar Matters, Hindustan Times and News18/ETV. In his spare time, Manas loves studying interactive charts and topographic maps. When not doing either, he prefers reading detective fiction. Spring is his favourite season and he can happily eat a bowl of noodles any time of the day.

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Bill Gates: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies) Hardcover – Illustrated, 1 January 2014

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• ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1440830134
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Greenwood Publishing Group; Illustrated edition (1 January 2014)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781440830136
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1440830136
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 7 - 17 years
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 522 g
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.6 x 1.43 x 23.39 cm
• Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ India
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About the author

Michael becraft.

I realized early on a knack for logic and computer programming; this led to opportunities in college and beyond, where those skills helped me advance in both the private and public sector, including higher education. In the case of a book like "Bill Gates", I benefited from experiences such as developing the initial Windows 2000 Readiness Tests plus fortuitous events such as interacting with U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson while a staff member at one of the Maryland state colleges. A consistent goal is to use my background and training to write for many different audiences.

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• What Bill Gates reveals about other billionaires

An unusual biography of the technologist-turned-philanthropist

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Billionaire, Nerd, Saviour, King. By Anupreeta Das. Simon & Schuster; 336 pages; $32 and £22

“A mericans appear to be growing increasingly uneasy about billionaires,” observes Anupreeta Das, a journalist and former finance editor at the New York Times . Do they embody the American dream or endanger it? And who gets to decide what billionaires owe to society? Ms Das has chosen an original way to address these questions: by writing a biography of Bill Gates, the first superstar tech billionaire. With his long career and its many ups and downs, Mr Gates is “the perfect prism through which to refract these thorny moral questions” in pursuit of a “collective rethink” about American values.

Ms Das goes from the founding of Microsoft in 1975 to its stockmarket flotation 11 years later (which made Mr Gates America’s youngest billionaire) in just four paragraphs. This lets her broaden her analysis to the tech billionaires who followed in his footsteps. By 1995 Mr Gates was the richest person in America but was facing a new problem: his company was so dominant that it attracted the attention of antitrust regulators. The heroic nerd had come to be seen as a villain, a fate that awaited other tech bosses , such as Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos. In his mishandling of the antitrust suit, Mr Gates provided a lesson to others in what not to do.

Chastened, Mr Gates reinvented himself as a philanthropist, establishing the world’s largest charitable foundation with his then wife Melinda and promoting among other billionaires the Giving Pledge (a promise to donate most of one’s wealth to charitable causes). So successful was this reinvention that Mr Gates was the most admired man in the world from 2014 to 2019, according to YouGov polls.

But then his infidelity and friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, a financier and paedophile, led to the collapse of his marriage. At the same time, the power of his foundation began to come under increasing scrutiny. It pours billions into public-health initiatives, outspending many governments, and thus shapes health policy in many countries—yet it is accountable to nobody but the Gateses. During the covid-19 pandemic , Mr Gates was also the subject of conspiracy theories suggesting that he was profiting from vaccines and even injecting tiny microchips into people. The geeky hero had once again become a villain.

Ms Das considers different facets of Mr Gates’s life, from his friendship with Warren Buffett and the breakdown of his marriage to the running of his foundation and the management of his wealth. Some of this is eye-opening. Mr Gates is, among other things, the largest private owner of farmland in America, and his investment firm, Cascade, owns big chunks of everything from Four Seasons Hotels to John Deere. But Ms Das’s book is most interesting when it shows how Mr Gates has influenced other billionaires—how they have emulated him, and how they have not.

Mr Zuckerberg, for example, faced his own crisis over Facebook’s role in the American election of 2016, and turned to Mr Gates for advice. (Mr Zuckerberg dropped his hoodie for a sharp suit, but has recently reinvented himself as a hippie.) And when it comes to philanthropy , other tech billionaires have embraced Mr Gates’s technocratic, evidence-based approach, but have chosen to structure their philanthropic vehicles in different ways.

The book shows Mr Gates from many angles but provides few glimpses of him as a person. There is a Gates-shaped hole at the centre of the narrative; Ms Das was not granted an interview. So what does she conclude about billionaires? They are, she suggests, lightning rods for deeper concerns about inequality and privilege. But she holds back from making a strong argument about Mr Gates or the tech jet-set. She drops hints that she disapproves, noting that family offices are “unregulated entities” and that private jets have large carbon footprints. It is as if she is waiting for readers to boo. A book that promises to tackle billionaires’ place in society asks many questions—but also asks readers to make up their own minds. ■

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This article appeared in the Culture section of the print edition under the headline “Dollar Bill”

Culture August 17th 2024

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‘Scariest person in the world’ Bill Gates ‘terrified’ his mega-charity employees: new book

Employees who worked at Bill Gates’ mega-charity claimed they were terrified by the billionaire’s domineering behavior — with one likening the tech tycoon to France’s King Louis XIV, according to a new book.

Gates, the billionaire co-founder of Microsoft who went on to start one of the world’s largest philanthropic endeavors, is said to have lorded over the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation with an intimidating presence that left staffers dreading his “inquisition.”

The charity has been renamed the Gates Foundation following the departure of ex-wife Melinda French Gates , who divorced the software pioneer over his reputed philandering as well as his friendship with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

While Bill Gates was perceived by the outside world as a “global statesman,” those who interacted with him professionally saw him as an “absolute monarch,” New York Times journalist Anupreeta Das wrote in her new biography of the billionaire.

“He’s the scariest person in the world to provide a recommendation or briefing to because he scans a page and comes back at you saying something like, ‘what you say in the footnote on page 9 does not match with the footnote on page 28,'” a former employee of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation told Das.

Das’ new book, “Billionaire, Nerd, Savior, King: Bill Gates and His Quest to Shape Our World,” was recently released nationwide.

An excerpt of the book appeared on the news site Business Insider.

A former foundation executive told Das that meetings with Gates “had the feel of a king holding court, as though Gates were Louis XIV and the employees were courtiers bowing and scraping before him in Versailles, hoping to earn their ruler’s favor.”

Another ex-executive told Das that staffers “would scrutinize Gates’s expressions” during the meetings.

“The slightest hint of a smile or a nod could mean that he approved; an impassive face could mean he didn’t,” Das wrote in the book, citing the ex-executive.

Gates’ feedback — or lack thereof — would be the talk among staffers for days after the fact, according to Das.

“Once the meeting ended, and people went back to their offices and desks, they would dissect Gates’s questions and expressions for days, often celebrating if they concluded that they had impressed their boss,” another person who attended the strategy sessions told the author.

Foundation staffers sought praise from their boss, though “even the absence of opprobrium was seen as validation,” a former staffer told Das.

“Sometimes, the interpretation of what Gates wanted could take up hours of back and forth among the directors and teams,” this person said.

“I felt we were spending more time managing up than working to meet the needs of the people.”

The Post has sought comment from Gates.

A Gates spokesperson told Business Insider: “Relying almost exclusively on second- and third-hand hearsay and anonymous sources, the book includes highly sensationalized allegations and outright falsehoods that ignore the actual documented facts our office provided to the author on numerous occasions.”