Billionaire bedtime stories: What the world's richest people read

When they are not busy calculating their next big move, or attending meetings or seminars- what do these billionaires do? What do the world’s wealthiest people do to unwind? They read. But don’t expect saucy thrillers or rom-coms. For billionaires, books aren’t just leisure, they’re an investment. The right book can offer a fresh perspective for decision making, reveal the psychology behind influence, or provide the kind of existential clarity that money can’t buy.




Here we dive into the books that continue to enrich the minds of those who continue to reshape the world silently and sometimes loudly too.


Atlas Shrugged by Ayn RandThis isn’t just a dystopian novel, it’s a declaration of belief. A favorite of Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, and Mark Cuban, Rand’s celebration of the self-made genius has become required reading in billionaire circles. Her tale of a world dragged down by mediocrity, and saved only by its brightest minds, hits differently when you see yourself as one of those "prime movers."



Principles by Ray DalioRay Dalio didn’t just run a hedge fund—he created an operating manual for life and business. Principles is where philosophy meets spreadsheets. Jack Dorsey, Dustin Moskovitz, and Drew Houston swear by his system of radical transparency, failure-as-feedback, and decision-making algorithms. For billionaires, it’s not just about making money, it’s about making sense of it all.

The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben HorowitzWhen running a company stops being cool and starts being gut-wrenching, Horowitz is the voice you want in your head. In this brutal, honest account of what leadership really looks like, he doesn’t offer tidy answers, just war stories. Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Page, and Keith Rabois have all taken notes from Horowitz’s painful lessons in high-stakes responsibility.

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale CarnegieBefore Warren Buffett became the Oracle of Omaha, he was just a nervous young man who took a Dale Carnegie course, and called it the best investment of his life. This timeless guide to human connection is less about manipulation and more about understanding what truly moves people.


The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen

Why do big companies fail while little startups eat their lunch? Christensen’s theory of disruptive innovation has practically become scripture in Silicon Valley. If you’re wondering how Jeff Bezos or Steve Jobs predicted and built the future while their competitors clung to the past, this is the blueprint.

Zero to One by Peter ThielThiel’s central thesis? Real wealth is built when you stop copying and start inventing. Loved by Elon Musk and countless startup founders, Zero to One is a rallying cry for contrarian thinkers. It's not about being better, it's about being the only one who can do what you do.


Shoe Dog by Phil KnightNike’s origin story isn’t as clean or glamorous as its swoosh suggests. Phil Knight’s memoir is a messy, vulnerable, occasionally chaotic ride through the reality of building a brand from scratch.

Built to Last by Jim CollinsWhat makes companies endure while others fade fast? Collins offers answers through deep research and sharp insight. It’s no wonder Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos have studied it closely, when your empire spans decades, staying power matters more than hype.

The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake KogaWhen you have more eyes on you than the average celebrity, detachment becomes a superpower. This Japanese bestseller, rooted in Adlerian psychology, challenges everything about needing approval.