The world’s top innovators and business moguls are never far from a good book. This week, we spotlight the essential reads shaping the minds of Elon Musk, N.R. Narayana Murthy, and Oprah Winfrey—offering readers a unique toolkit of inspiration, strategy, and self-discovery. Whether you’re scaling a startup or seeking life wisdom, their choices bring together science, philosophy, psychology, and narrative craft.
Key Highlights
Elon Musk looks to science fiction, technological manifestos, and biographies for knowledge and bold vision.
N.R. Narayana Murthy emphasizes history, leadership, and the transformative power of science education.
Oprah Winfrey’s picks blend literary fiction, personal growth, and stories that spark deeper connection and empathy.
Elon Musk: Fuel for Inventors and the Imaginative
Musk absorbs books that mirror his grand ambitions—from rocket science to the future of consciousness. His current favorites include:
Foundation (Isaac Asimov): A sci-fi series channeling the prediction and rebuilding of civilizations.
Zero to One (Peter Thiel): A startup bible on creating unique, world-changing ventures.
Superintelligence (Nick Bostrom): Exploration of the risks and promise of artificial intelligence.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams): Musk draws life lessons from its philosophical humor and curiosity.
Benjamin Franklin: An American Life (Walter Isaacson): An in-depth look at one of history’s greatest inventors.
Structures: Or Why Things Don’t Fall Down (J.E. Gordon): A primer on engineering Musk often recommends to budding designers.
Ignition! (John D. Clark): A lively history of rocket propellants for tech enthusiasts.
N.R. Narayana Murthy: A Foundation in Ethics and Science
Infosys co-founder Murthy swears by books that stress both his moral compass and scientific clarity:
Conceptual Physics (Paul G. Hewitt): Touted by Murthy as a must-read for anyone pursuing science, aimed at making complex ideas accessible for young minds.
Winners Never Cheat Even in Difficult Times (Jon M. Huntsman): Life lessons in integrity in business.
What Money Can’t Buy (Michael J. Sandel): A philosophical view on the limits of markets.
The Republic (Plato): Timeless wisdom on governance and society.
The Discovery of India (Jawaharlal Nehru): A sweeping narrative of Indian civilization.
The Story of My Experiments with Truth (Mahatma Gandhi): Gandhi’s powerful personal and ethical journey.
Oprah Winfrey: Stories that Move and Heal
Oprah’s book club focuses on transformative novels and memoirs uplifting the spirit and revealing deep truths:
A New Earth (Eckhart Tolle): Spiritual wisdom on living with purpose beyond ego.
The River Is Waiting (Wally Lamb): A drama of healing and truth amidst family chaos.
The Emperor of Gladness (Ocean Vuong): Celebrated for its poignant storytelling and lyrical power.
Matriarch (Tina Knowles): A memoir exploring resilience through the lens of motherhood and creativity.
The Tell (Amy Griffin): A journey of memory, healing, and the courage to face past trauma.
Small Things Like These (Claire Keegan): A quiet but powerful novel of compassion and moral courage.
Hello Beautiful (Ann Napolitano): Oprah’s 100th pick, delving into complex family bonds and forgiveness.
The Covenant of Water (Abraham Verghese): Multigenerational tale tracing family, trauma, and hope across India.
Why These Reads Matter
Through brilliant fiction, probing philosophy, and sharp scientific inquiry, these leaders’ favorites span every genre and era. The common thread? Books as catalysts for innovation, reflection, and authentic leadership. Dip into their recommendations to push your thinking, renew your purpose, and build a well-stocked mind—weekend and beyond.
Sources: Times of India, GoodBooks.io, Oprah Daily, Economic Times, Penguin Random House, People.com, Fantastical Science, Instagram, Hamilton Public Library
