Steve Jobs book list | Unleashing Wisdom: 17 Books Steve Jobs Thought Everyone Should Read
Immerse yourself in the literary world that influenced one of the greatest visionaries of our time. Steve Jobs, the iconic co-founder of Apple, wasn’t just a tech enthusiast; he was also an avid reader. He derived inspiration from a myriad of books that spanned genres and time periods. This curated list of 17 books comes with a brief description and a source link to where Steve Jobs reportedly recommended them. Dive in and perhaps, in the pages of these books, you may find the spark of inspiration that fueled a legend.
1. “Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda
Through this spiritual classic, Jobs found profound lessons in mindfulness and self-realization. This book was famously handed out at his memorial service.
2. “Be Here Now” by Ram Dass
A guide to meditation and the importance of living in the present, ‘Be Here Now’ offers wisdom that Jobs reportedly valued highly.
3. “King Lear” by William Shakespeare | Steve Jobs Book List
Jobs’s fascination with Shakespeare, especially with the tragedy of King Lear, speaks to the complex dynamics of power and family he often pondered upon.
4. “1984” by George Orwell
Jobs appreciated this dystopian novel so much that it inspired the famous Apple Macintosh ad, which aired during the Super Bowl in 1984.
5. “Moby Dick” by Herman Melville
The tale of obsession and the high seas possibly gave Jobs insights into the nature of fixation and the perils it entails.
Books Steve Jobs Thought Everyone Should Read | Steve Jobs book list
6. “The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton Christensen
This book analyzes how businesses fail because they ignore innovation. It was a major influence on Jobs and his business strategies.
7. “Diet for a Small Planet” by Frances Moore Lappé
Aligning with his initial vegan lifestyle, this book might have been part of Jobs’s exploration into the environmental impacts of food choices.
8. “Inside the Tornado” by Geoffrey A. Moore
Moore’s analysis of marketing high-tech products to mainstream customers provided Jobs with perspectives on consumer technology adoption.
9. “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand
Jobs reportedly admired Rand’s philosophy of objectivism, which emphasizes individualism, a principle he embodied through his works.
10. “The Tao of Programming” by Geoffrey James
This book’s satirical take on programming and management within the tech industry might have resonated with Jobs’s sense of humor and his management style.
11. “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind” by Shunryū Suzuki
Offering a simplified approach to Zen teachings, this book aligns with Jobs’s minimalist and Zen-influenced design philosophy.
12. “Only the Paranoid Survive” by Andrew S. Grove
Jobs might have found wisdom in Grove’s advocacy for strategic inflection points and the importance of navigating significant shifts in business.
13. “The Collected Poems of Dylan Thomas”
The poetry of Dylan Thomas, known for its vivid imagery and emotional gravity, was another facet of literature that captivated Jobs.
Books Steve Jobs Thought Everyone Should Read | Steve Jobs book list
14. “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger
This classic American novel possibly provided Jobs with a reflection on rebellion and the complexities of teenage life.
15. “The Whole Earth Catalog” by Stewart Brand
Jobs referred to this as ‘Google in paperback form,’ an indispensable guide during his college years that promoted a sense of self-sufficiency.
16. “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu
Jobs’s strategic thinking in business was arguably influenced by Sun Tzu’s ancient tactics and warfare strategies.
17. “Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism” by Chögyam Trungpa
Jobs’s quest for deeper spiritual enlightenment despite material success may have drawn him to this book.
Enrich your mind and perhaps catch a glimpse of the world through the eyes of Steve Jobs with these 17 books. Each read on this list provides a unique perspective that, when pieced together, paints a broader picture of the forces that molded an industry titan. Whether seeking inspiration, strategic insight, or simply a connection to a kindred spirit, the wisdom contained in these pages is timeless and free for those who seek it. So, turn the page and begin a journey that has the power to transform the way you think, work, and live.
