Paul Graham
Co-founder of Y Combinator, known for his essays on startups and venture capital.
81 books recommended
How To Win Friends and Influence People
Dale Carnegie
A timeless guide on building strong relationships, persuading others, and increasing influence in personal and professional life.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Robert M. Pirsig
A philosophical exploration of quality, values, and the nature of life, framed through a motorcycle journey.
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions
Thomas S. Kuhn
Introduces the concept of paradigm shifts in science, explaining how scientific progress occurs through revolutionary changes in fundamental theories.
The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress
Robert A. Heinlein
A science fiction story about a lunar colony's rebellion against Earth’s rule, exploring politics, freedom, and self-governance.
Founders at Work
Jessica Livingston
Collection of interviews with successful startup founders sharing their journeys.
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin
Franklin's life story and his thoughts on self-improvement and civic responsibility.
The Power Law
Sebastian Mallaby
A history of venture capital, exploring its role in shaping technology and entrepreneurship.
Medieval Technology and Social Change
Lynn White
Examines how technological innovations in the Middle Ages affected social structures and economic systems.
Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs
Harold Abelson
A foundational text in computer science, focusing on programming principles and problem-solving.
The Old Way
Elizabeth Marshall Thomas
A study of the lives of the Kalahari Bushmen, examining the hunter-gatherer lifestyle and its relevance to human evolution.
The Soul of A New Machine
Tracy Kidder
A narrative about the development of a new computer, capturing the drive and culture of engineers in the tech industry.
The Iliad
Homer
An ancient Greek epic poem about the Trojan War, exploring themes of honor, heroism, and fate.
The Double Helix
James D. Watson Ph.D.
Watson’s personal account of the discovery of the DNA structure, highlighting the process and controversies behind scientific breakthroughs.
Hard Drive
James Wallace
The biography of Bill Gates and the early days of Microsoft, detailing his rise and the evolution of the tech giant.
The Man Who Knew Infinity
Robert Kanigel
The biography of mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, exploring his genius and unique contributions to mathematics.
Plagues and Peoples
William McNeill
A historical analysis of how infectious diseases have shaped societies, cultures, and economies.
Barbarian Days
William Finnegan
A memoir of a life spent surfing, reflecting on the culture, adventure, and personal growth found through the sport.
The Origin of Species
Charles Darwin
The foundational text on evolutionary biology, introducing the theory of natural selection.
With the Old Breed
E. B. Sledge
A firsthand account of brutal combat during WWII, detailing the author’s experiences in the Pacific theater.
Guns, Sails, and Empires
Carlo M. Cipolla
Analyzes how advancements in military technology and maritime power influenced the rise of European empires.
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