Books mentioned in this video (Amazon Links):
1. The Innovator’s Dilemma, by Clayton Christensen
2. Only the Paranoid Survive, by Andrew S. Grove
3. The Way of the White Clouds by Lama Anagarika Govinda
4. Autobiography of a Yogi, by Paramahansa Yogananda
5. Meetings with Remarkable Men by George Ivanovich Gurdjieff
6. Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, by Shunryu Suzuki
7. 1984, by George Orwell
8. Moby Dick, by Herman Melville
9. Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand
10. Insanely Simple by Ken Segall
11. Be Here Now, by Baba Ram Dass
12. Diet for a Small Planet, by Frances Moore Lappe
13. Inside the Tornado, by Geoffrey A. Moore
14. Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism by Chogyam Trungpa
15. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig
16. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson (Bonus)
Steve Jobs was a visionary entrepreneur who revolutionized the world of technology. He was also an avid reader who believed in the power of books to expand our minds and challenge our thinking. In this blog post, we will explore 15 books that Steve Jobs thought everyone should read.
The Innovator’s Dilemma, by Clayton Christensen
The Innovator’s Dilemma is a groundbreaking book that explores why successful companies can fail to innovate and be overtaken by new, disruptive technologies. Steve Jobs was fascinated by this book and saw its relevance to his own work at Apple.
Only the Paranoid Survive, by Andrew S. Grove
Andrew S. Grove, the former CEO of Intel, coined the phrase “only the paranoid survive” to describe the need for companies to constantly be on the lookout for threats and opportunities. Steve Jobs saw this book as a valuable guide to staying ahead in the competitive world of technology.
The Way of the White Clouds by Lama Anagarika Govinda
The Way of the White Clouds is a spiritual travelogue that follows the journey of a Westerner who becomes a Buddhist monk in Tibet. Steve Jobs was deeply interested in Buddhism and saw this book as a source of inspiration and insight.
Autobiography of a Yogi, by Paramahansa Yogananda
Autobiography of a Yogi is a classic spiritual memoir that explores the teachings of yoga and meditation. Steve Jobs was a devoted practitioner of meditation and saw this book as a guide to the inner workings of the mind.
Meetings with Remarkable Men by George Ivanovich Gurdjieff
Meetings with Remarkable Men is a memoir by the Russian philosopher George Ivanovich Gurdjieff, who travelled the world in search of spiritual enlightenment. Steve Jobs saw this book as a powerful reminder of the importance of seeking out new experiences and perspectives.
Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, by Shunryu Suzuki
Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind is a classic text on Zen Buddhism that explores the importance of cultivating a beginner’s mind in order to see the world with fresh eyes. Steve Jobs was a student of Zen and saw this book as a guide to the art of simplicity.
1984, by George Orwell
1984 is a dystopian novel that explores the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of individual freedom. Steve Jobs saw this book as a warning about the dangers of complacency and the need to remain vigilant against threats to our liberties.
Moby Dick, by Herman Melville
Moby Dick is a classic novel that explores the themes of obsession, ambition, and the pursuit of knowledge. Steve Jobs saw this book as a metaphor for his own quest to create revolutionary products that would change the world.
Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand
Atlas Shrugged is a controversial novel that explores the themes of individualism, capitalism, and the pursuit of happiness. Steve Jobs saw this book as a source of inspiration for his own entrepreneurial spirit.
Insanely Simple by Ken Segall
Insanely Simple is a book that explores the power of simplicity in design and communication. Steve Jobs was a master of simplicity and saw this book as a guide to creating products that were intuitive and easy to use.
Be Here Now, by Baba Ram Dass
Be Here Now is a classic spiritual book that explores the importance of living in the present moment. Steve Jobs saw this book as a reminder of the importance of mindfulness and focus in his work and personal life.
Diet for a Small Planet by Frances Moore Lappe
Diet for a Small Planet by Frances Moore Lappe is a book that looks at the environmental impact of food production and consumption. Steve Jobs was interested in environmental issues and sustainability, and this book may have influenced his thinking in this area.
Inside the Tornado by Geoffrey A. Moore
Inside the Tornado is a book that looks at how companies can navigate the challenges of the technology market. Steve Jobs was known for his ability to anticipate and respond to market changes, and this book may have influenced his thinking in this area.
Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism by Chogyam Trungpa
Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism is a book that explores the pitfalls of spiritual materialism and the path to genuine spiritual awakening. Steve Jobs was interested in spirituality and mindfulness, and this book may have influenced his thinking in this area.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is a book that explores the nature of quality and the pursuit of excellence. Steve Jobs was known for his focus on quality and design excellence, and this book may have influenced his thinking in this area.
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
Finally, it’s worth mentioning Walter Isaacson’s biography of Steve Jobs. While not technically a book recommended by Jobs himself, it provides invaluable insights into his life, career, and philosophy. The book draws on extensive interviews with Jobs himself, as well as his colleagues, friends, and family, and is a must-read for anyone interested in his legacy.
Conclusion
Steve Jobs was a voracious reader and had a deep appreciation for books that challenged his thinking and broadened his perspective. From business and technology to spirituality and philosophy, the books on this list cover a wide range of topics and offer valuable insights into Jobs’ thinking and approach to life. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a designer, a student, or simply someone looking to expand your horizons, these books are sure to provide inspiration and food for thought.
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