23 Favorite Books of your 23 Favorite Personalities
Explore the literary world that influenced the lives of 23 iconic personalities, from Steve Jobs to Barack Obama. Discover captivating books that shaped their journeys, sparked their imaginations, and left a lasting impact. Uncover the secrets of success, inspiration, and personal growth through the pages of these beloved reads. Get ready to be inspired and expand your own reading list with these remarkable recommendations.
Introduction:
Books have the incredible power to transport us to different worlds, inspire our imagination, and shape our perspectives. They hold a special place in the hearts of many influential individuals who have left an indelible mark on the world. In this blog post, we delve into the literary preferences of 23 fascinating personalities from diverse backgrounds. From tech moguls and business tycoons to actors and sports icons, these individuals have shared their favorite books, which have had a profound impact on their lives. Join us on this literary journey as we explore the titles that have captivated their attention and influenced their thinking.
1. Steve Jobs / Virat Kohli — “Autobiography of a Yogi”
by Paramahansa Yogananda
Steve Jobs, the visionary co-founder of Apple Inc., found solace and inspiration in the spiritual memoir “Autobiography of a Yogi.” Yogananda’s captivating storytelling and profound insights into spirituality fascinated Jobs and instilled in him a deep appreciation for introspection and mindfulness.
Virat Kohli, the charismatic cricketer and inspiring leader, shared his love for the book “Autobiography of a Yogi,” urging everyone to read it and embrace the challenge of having their thoughts and ideologies questioned. Kohli believes that the knowledge and understanding gained from this book have the power to transform one’s perspective and life, emphasizing the importance of believing in the divine and actively engaging in good deeds. Just as Steve Jobs found solace and inspiration in its pages, Kohli’s endorsement of this spiritual memoir highlights his appreciation for introspection, mindfulness, and the profound impact they can have on personal growth and enlightenment.
2. Ratan Tata — “The Innovator’s Dilemma”
by Clayton M. Christensen
Renowned industrialist Ratan Tata found inspiration in Clayton Christensen’s groundbreaking book, “The Innovator’s Dilemma.” This thought-provoking work explores disruptive innovation and its impact on established industries, offering valuable insights for entrepreneurs and business leaders.
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3. Warren Buffett — “The Intelligent Investor”
by Benjamin Graham
Considered one of the greatest investors of all time, Warren Buffett attributes much of his success to Benjamin Graham’s classic investment guide, “The Intelligent Investor.” This timeless book offers invaluable wisdom on value investing and remains a must-read for anyone seeking to navigate the world of finance.
“BY FAR THE BEST BOOK ON INVESTING EVER
WRITTEN”— WARREN BUFFETT
4. Aamir Khan — “The Kite Runner”
by Khaled Hosseini
Aamir Khan, the acclaimed Bollywood actor, recommends “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini. This emotionally charged novel takes readers on a journey through Afghanistan’s tumultuous history, exploring themes of redemption, friendship, and sacrifice.
5. Elon Musk / Shah Rukh Khan — “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”
by Douglas Adams
Both Elon Musk, the visionary entrepreneur, and Shah Rukh Khan, the Bollywood superstar, share a fondness for “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” Douglas Adams’ witty and satirical science fiction masterpiece provides an entertaining escape into an absurd yet thought-provoking universe.
6. Amitabh Bachchan / Atal Bihari Vajpayee — “Madhushala”
by Harivansh Rai Bachchan
The iconic Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan and the late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee were both moved by the poetic brilliance of “Madhushala” by Harivansh Rai Bachchan. This timeless collection of verses celebrates life, love, and the profound beauty of human existence.
7. Jeff Bezos — “The Remains of the Day”
by Kazuo Ishiguro
Jeff Bezos, the visionary founder of Amazon, recommends “The Remains of the Day” by Kazuo Ishiguro. This introspective novel explores themes of duty, regret, and the passage of time, offering profound reflections on life and personal choices.
8. Mahatma Gandhi — “Bhagavad Gita”
Mahatma Gandhi, the revered leader of India’s independence movement, found immense solace and guidance in the sacred scripture “Bhagavad Gita.” This timeless Hindu text imparts philosophical teachings and ethical principles that shaped Gandhi’s philosophy of nonviolence and spirituality.
9. Bill Gates — “The Better Angels of Our Nature”
by Steven Pinker
Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and philanthropist, recommends “The Better Angels of Our Nature” by Steven Pinker. This monumental work delves into the history of violence and argues that humanity has become less violent over time, presenting an optimistic outlook for the future.
10. N. R. Narayana Murthy — “Imagining India”
by Nandan Nilekani
N. R. Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of Infosys, finds inspiration in “Imagining India” by Nandan Nilekani. This insightful book explores the challenges and opportunities faced by India as it emerges as a global powerhouse, offering a vision for the country’s future.
11. Serena Williams — “The Measure of a Man”
by Sidney Poitier
Serena Williams, the legendary tennis champion, recommends “The Measure of a Man” by Sidney Poitier. Poitier’s memoir reflects on his life journey, racial identity, and the pursuit of personal excellence, inspiring readers to embrace their uniqueness and strive for greatness.
12. Saina Nehwal / Leander Paes / Sania Mirza — “Open”
by Andre Agassi
Saina Nehwal, Leander Paes, and Sania Mirza, renowned Indian athletes, all highly recommend “Open” by Andre Agassi. Agassi’s candid autobiography takes readers behind the scenes of professional tennis, revealing the challenges, triumphs, and self-discovery that shaped his remarkable career.
13. Richard Branson — “The Alchemist”
by Paulo Coelho
Richard Branson, the adventurous entrepreneur and founder of Virgin Group, finds solace in “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. This enchanting allegorical novel encourages readers to pursue their dreams, embrace the unknown, and listen to their hearts’ desires.
14. Shashi Tharoor — “Midnight’s Children”
by Salman Rushdie
Shashi Tharoor, the distinguished Indian politician and author, recommends “Midnight’s Children” by Salman Rushdie. This remarkable novel weaves together magical realism and historical events to portray the birth and struggles of modern India, captivating readers with its rich tapestry of storytelling.
15. Angelina Jolie / Priyanka Chopra — “The Diary of a Young Girl”
by Anne Frank
Angelina Jolie, the acclaimed actress and humanitarian, along with Priyanka Chopra, the global icon, both draw inspiration from “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank. Frank’s diary, documenting her experiences in hiding during the Holocaust, offers profound insights into the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope.
16. Azim Premji — “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind”
by Yuval Noah Harari
Azim Premji, the Indian business magnate and philanthropist, recommends “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari. This thought-provoking book traces the history of our species, examining the pivotal moments that have shaped human civilization and challenging readers to contemplate our future trajectory.
17. Mark Zuckerberg — “The Aeneid”
by Virgil
Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Facebook, finds inspiration in the epic poem “The Aeneid” by Virgil. This ancient Roman masterpiece chronicles the journey of Aeneas, offering profound insights into heroism, destiny, and the complexities of human nature.
18. Anand Mahindra — “The Discovery of India”
by Jawaharlal Nehru
Anand Mahindra, the renowned business tycoon and philanthropist, recommends “The Discovery of India” by Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru’s magnum opus provides a comprehensive exploration of India’s rich history, culture, and philosophy, offering readers a deep understanding of the nation’s identity.
19. Barack Obama — “Moby-Dick”
by Herman Melville
Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, appreciates the literary masterpiece “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville. This epic tale of obsession and revenge explores themes of human nature, ambition, and the pursuit of the unknown, leaving a lasting impression on readers.
20. Uday Kotak — “The Lean Startup”
by Eric Ries
Uday Kotak, the prominent Indian banker, and businessman, recommends “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries. This influential book provides entrepreneurs with a practical guide to building successful startups by embracing a culture of innovation, experimentation, and customer-centricity.
21. Emma Watson — “The Catcher in the Rye”
by J.D. Salinger
Emma Watson, the talented actress, and activist, finds resonance in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger. This coming-of-age novel explores themes of teenage angst, identity, and societal disillusionment, resonating with readers as they navigate the complexities of adolescence and adulthood.
22. Arvind Kejriwal — “To Kill a Mockingbird”
by Harper Lee
Arvind Kejriwal, the prominent Indian politician, draws inspiration from “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel addresses themes of racial injustice, compassion, and moral courage, encouraging readers to challenge social norms and fight for equality.
23. Naval Ravikant — “Siddhartha”
by Hermann Hesse
Naval Ravikant, the renowned entrepreneur and philosopher, recommends “Siddhartha” by Hermann Hesse. This philosophical novel follows the journey of Siddhartha, exploring the pursuit of enlightenment, self-discovery, and the quest for meaning in life.
If you’re a Naval Ravikant fan, you need to check out these books: 👇
Conclusion:
Books have the power to shape our thoughts, inspire our actions, and broaden our horizons. The favorite books of these 23 influential personalities provide a glimpse into their diverse perspectives, interests, and the profound impact that literature can have on one’s life. As you embark on your own reading journey, consider exploring these captivating titles that have left an indelible mark on the lives of remarkable individuals. Remember, the magic of books lies in their ability to ignite curiosity, foster empathy, and encourage lifelong learning.
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Blog Credit: Ankur Warikoo
