Steve Jobs was known for his love of books and reading. He was a voracious reader and even recommended books to friends and colleagues. In his book, “The Innovator’s Dilemma,” author Clayton Christensen said that Jobs would often recommend books to people he met.
“He would always say, ‘You’ve got to read this book,'” Christensen said.
Jobs was particularly interested in books that taught him about different subjects or that helped him think about things in a different way.
12 Books Steve Jobs Wanted You to Read
Here are 12 books Jobs recommended to people over the years:
The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen
“The Innovator’s Dilemma” is a book about how successful companies can be disrupted by new technologies. Jobs was particularly interested in this book because it talked about how Apple had been disrupted by the PC industry.
The Art of War by Sun Tzu
“The Art of War” is a book about military strategy. Jobs was interested in this book because he believed it could be applied to business.
The Personal Computer: A Personal History by Douglas Fairbanks
“The Personal Computer” is a book about the history of the personal computer. Jobs was interested in this book because it detailed the history of the PC industry and Apple’s place in it.
The Mask of Command by John Keegan
“The Mask of Command” is a book about how leaders can use their appearances to influence people. Jobs was interested in this book because he believed it could help him better understand how to lead Apple.
The Lessons of History by Will and Ariel Durant
“The Lessons of History” is a book about the history of civilization. Jobs was interested in this book because he believed it could help him better understand the world.
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
“How to Win Friends and Influence People” is a book about how to be successful in life. Jobs was interested in this book because he believed it could help him better connect with people.
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin
“The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin” is a book about the life of Benjamin Franklin. Jobs was interested in this book because he believed it could help him learn about the importance of self-improvement.
The Bible
Jobs was interested in the Bible because he believed it contained valuable wisdom and insight.
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
“The Prophet” is a book of spiritual essays. Jobs was interested in this book because he believed it could help him better understand spiritual matters.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig
“Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” is a book about philosophical inquiry. Jobs was interested in this book because he believed it could help him better understand the world.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
“The Catcher in the Rye” is a book about teenage angst. Jobs was interested in this book because he believed it could help him better understand the teenage mind.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
“To Kill a Mockingbird” is a book about racism and injustice. Jobs was interested in this book because he believed it could help him better understand the world.
Happy reading.
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