The 10 Books Billionaires Are Reading

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The 10 Books Billionaires Are Reading

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Christian Wiedeck, M.Sc.

1. “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel

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1. “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel (image credits: unsplash)

Money isn’t just about math—it’s about behavior. That’s the core message of this bestseller, adored by billionaires like Warren Buffett. Housel breaks down why people make irrational financial decisions and how to avoid them. The book teaches patience, long-term thinking, and the power of compounding. Unlike dry finance textbooks, it’s filled with real-life stories that stick with you. If you want to understand wealth on a deeper level, this is your starting point.

2. “Principles” by Ray Dalio

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2. “Principles” by Ray Dalio (image credits: wikimedia)

Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, shares the life and business principles that made him a billionaire. The book is packed with no-nonsense advice on decision-making, risk-taking, and embracing failure. Dalio’s “radical transparency” philosophy is a game-changer for leaders. Many billionaires credit this book for helping them build resilient teams. It’s not just theory—it’s a practical blueprint for success.

3. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear

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3. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear (image credits: wikimedia)

Small habits lead to massive results, and billionaires know this better than anyone. Clear’s book explains how tiny changes compound into extraordinary success. Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos have both emphasized the importance of daily routines. The book covers habit stacking, environment design, and the science of consistency. If you’re stuck in a rut, this is the push you need.

4. “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman

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4. “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman (image credits: wikimedia)

Nobel Prize winner Kahneman explores how our brains make decisions—often irrationally. Billionaires love this book because it reveals the hidden biases that sabotage success. From overconfidence to loss aversion, it’s a masterclass in critical thinking. If you want to outsmart your own mind, this is essential reading.

5. “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries

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5. “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries (image credits: unsplash)

Silicon Valley’s elite swear by this book. Ries teaches how to build a business with minimal waste and maximum agility. The “build-measure-learn” loop is a mantra for startup founders. Billionaires love its focus on rapid experimentation and pivoting. Even if you’re not an entrepreneur, the lessons apply to any ambitious project.

6. “Sapiens” by Yuval Noah Harari

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6. “Sapiens” by Yuval Noah Harari (image credits: wikimedia)

This sweeping history of humanity is a favorite among deep thinkers like Bill Gates. Harari explores how humans evolved and shaped the modern world. The book forces you to question everything—money, religion, even happiness. For billionaires, it’s a reminder to think beyond quarterly earnings.

7. “The 4-Hour Workweek” by Tim Ferriss

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7. “The 4-Hour Workweek” by Tim Ferriss (image credits: wikimedia)

Ferriss’s book is a bible for escaping the 9-to-5 grind. Billionaires appreciate its focus on efficiency and automation. The idea isn’t to work less—it’s to work smarter. From outsourcing to lifestyle design, it’s packed with unconventional strategies. Even if you don’t want a four-hour workweek, the mindset shift is priceless.

8. “Zero to One” by Peter Thiel

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8. “Zero to One” by Peter Thiel (image credits: wikimedia)

PayPal co-founder Thiel argues that true innovation means going from zero to one—not copying what already exists. Billionaires love his contrarian ideas on competition and monopolies. The book is short but packed with wisdom for disruptors. If you want to build the future, start here.

9. “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius

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9. “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius (image credits: unsplash)

The Roman emperor’s personal journal is a timeless guide to stoicism. Billionaires like Reid Hoffman turn to it for mental resilience. The lessons on controlling emotions and focusing on what matters are gold. In a chaotic world, this book is an anchor.

10. “The Hard Thing About Hard Things” by Ben Horowitz

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10. “The Hard Thing About Hard Things” by Ben Horowitz (image credits: wikimedia)

Building a business isn’t glamorous—it’s messy. Horowitz’s raw, unfiltered advice resonates with billionaires who’ve been in the trenches. The book doesn’t sugarcoat failure; it teaches you to survive it. If you want the unvarnished truth about leadership, this is it.

These books aren’t just for billionaires—they’re for anyone who wants to think bigger. Which one will you pick up first?

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