5 Books Recommended By Elon Musk

Last Updated: Apr 8, 2026, 21:36 IST

Elon Musk is an entrepreneur and engineer who founded SpaceX, co-founded Tesla, and acquired Twitter (now X). He is known for driving achievements in electric vehicles, space exploration, and AI. Here are five books recommended by Elon Musk.

5 books recommended by Elon Musk
5 books recommended by Elon Musk

Elon Musk is an entrepreneur and engineer who founded SpaceX, co-founded Tesla, and acquired Twitter (now X). He is known for driving achievements in electric vehicles, space exploration, and AI. His other ventures include Neuralink, The Boring Company, and OpenAI. Born in South Africa, Musk moved to Canada at age 17. He attended Queen's University and later transferred to the University of Pennsylvania. He earned degrees in physics and economics.

As of April 2026, Elon Musk is the world's richest person, with an estimated net worth of approximately $799 billion as per Forbes. If you are looking for motivation, here is a motivating quote by Elon Musk. He once said, "If you give yourself 30 days to clean your house, it will take 30 days. But if you give yourself 3 hours, it will take 3 hours." The same applies to your goals, ambitions, and potential, he added.

5 Books Recommended By Elon Musk

elon-musk-book-recommendations

Here is a list of five books that Elon Musk recommends that you must read.

1. Zero to One

Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future by Pater Thiel (Billionaire investor and PayPal investor) shares insights on startup philosophy. The author argues that true innovation involves creating something entirely new, rather than incrementally improving existing products. The book focuses on building monopolies by creating unique technology.

2. Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies

Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies by Nick Bostrom argues that if artificial intelligence surpasses human cognitive abilities, it poses an extential threat to humanity. Elon Musk has frequently cited this book as a primary influence on his concern regarding AI.

3. Einstein: His Life and Universe

Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson portrays Einstein as an imaginative thinker whose unconventional thought experiments enabled him to revolutionise physics. The biography highlights his development of relativity and his personal life.

4. Benjamin Franklin: An American Life

Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson chronicles how a runaway apprentice became a pivotal inventor, entrepreneur, and diplomat. The biography emphasis Franklin's curiosity, self-improvement, and civic innovations. Elon Musk considers this book a deeply inspiring account of a personal idol.

5. Lying 

Lying by Sam Harris argues that even small lies, often intended to spare feelings, are harmful, distort reality, and prevent genuine connections. The author addresses how dishonesty erodes trust, complicates relationships, and causes harm. Musk recommends this book to highlight the importance of transparency and radical honesty in both personal and professional environments.

Roopashree Sharma
Roopashree Sharma

Deputy Manager

Roopashree Sharma is a seasoned content writing professional with over 5 years of experience in digital journalism, specialising in writing explainers and IQ quizzes across geopolitics, business, finance, and pop culture. She holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and has contributed to leading media houses, including Zee, Times, and India TV. Currently serving as Deputy Manager – Editorial at Jagran New Media, she writes and produces videos for the General Knowledge (GK) section of the Jagran Josh (English) portal. For inquiries, contact her at roopashree.sharma@jagrannewmedia.com.

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First Published: Apr 8, 2026, 21:36 IST

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