Follow Elon Musk’s Advice and Skip the MBA. Read These 10 Books Instead

Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, is known for his unconventional approach to business and his visionary ideas. Despite not having an MBA degree, Musk has been incredibly successful in the business world.

In fact, he has openly expressed his skepticism toward the value of an MBA. Instead, he recommends reading books that cover various topics such as science, engineering, and economics. In this blog post, we will explore 10 books that Elon Musk recommends reading instead of pursuing an MBA.

1. Structures: Or Why Things Don’t Fall Down

by J.E. Gordon

This book explores the science of structural engineering and how various structures, such as bridges and buildings, are designed and built to withstand forces like gravity and wind. Musk has cited this book as an inspiration for his work on SpaceX’s rockets and their design.

2. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

by Douglas Adams

This science fiction classic is a humorous take on the idea of space travel and exploration. Musk has cited this book as an inspiration for his work on SpaceX and his vision for colonizing Mars.

3. The Feynman Lectures on Physics

by Richard Feynman

This series of lectures covers the fundamental principles of physics, from electromagnetism to quantum mechanics. Musk has cited Feynman as one of his favorite scientists and has said that he was inspired by Feynman’s approach to problem-solving and his ability to think outside the box.

4. The Lord of the Rings

by J.R.R. Tolkien

This epic fantasy series is a classic tale of adventure and heroism. Musk has cited this book as an inspiration for his work on SpaceX, specifically the naming of the company’s autonomous spaceport drone ships, which are named after the ships in the series.

5. The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

by Douglas Adams

This is a compilation of all five books in the “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” series. Musk has cited this book as an inspiration for his work on SpaceX and his vision for space exploration and colonization.

6. Zero to One

by Peter Thiel

This book is a guide to startup entrepreneurship and covers topics such as innovation, business strategy, and market competition. Musk and Thiel are close friends, and Musk has cited Thiel as one of his biggest influences and inspirations.

7. The Innovator’s Dilemma

by Clayton Christensen

This book explores the challenges that companies face when trying to innovate and disrupt established markets. Musk has cited this book as an inspiration for his work on Tesla and his vision for the future of transportation.

8. The Lean Startup

by Eric Ries

This book is a guide to startup entrepreneurship and covers topics such as product development, customer validation, and lean manufacturing. Musk has cited this book as an inspiration for his work on SpaceX and his approach to building rockets and spacecraft.

9. The Foundation Trilogy

by Isaac Asimov

This science fiction classic is a tale of the rise and fall of a galactic empire. Musk has cited this book as an inspiration for his work on SpaceX and his vision for the future of space exploration and colonization.

10. Benjamin Franklin: An American Life

by Walter Isaacson

This biography of Benjamin Franklin covers his life as a scientist, inventor, diplomat, and founding father of the United States. Musk has cited Franklin as one of his biggest inspirations and has said that he admires Franklin’s ability to excel in multiple fields.

In conclusion, while an MBA degree can be valuable, it is not always necessary for success in the business world. By reading books on a wide range of topics, we can broaden our perspectives, gain new insights, and develop the skills