Bill Gates Thinks You Should Read These 6 Books This Year
The
Microsoft founder continues his tradition of offering a suggested reading list
to TED attendees.
You
might know Bill Gates as a hugely successful entrepreneur, the billionaire founder
of Microsoft, or even, in his latest incarnation, a dynamic philanthropist, but
in his quieter, less public moments he's also something else -- an avid reader.
Like
many of the most successful business people, Gates recognizes the incredible power of reading to nurture the mind and give us fresh perspectives on the
world.
Perhaps that's why each year at TED he offers his fellow attendeesa suggested reading list of books he thinks they should
check out. Here are his picks for 2015.
1. Business Adventures, by John Brooks
"Warren
Buffett recommended this book to me back in 1991, and it's still the best
business book I've ever read. Even though Brooks wrote more than four decades
ago, he offers sharp insights into timeless fundamentals of business, like the
challenge of building a large organization, hiring people with the right
skills, and listening to customers' feedback," writes Gates.
2. The Bully Pulpit, by Doris Kearns Goodwin
An
historian, Kearns Goodwin examines the presidencies of Theodore Roosevelt and
William Taft in this book. Why would an entrepreneur not particularly
interested in early-20th century U.S. presidents respond to it? The tenure
of these leaders is used to explore fascinating questions, Gates explains.
"I'm especially interested in the central question that Goodwin
raises: How does social change happen? Can it be driven solely by an
inspirational leader, or do other factors have to lay the groundwork
first?"
3. On Immunity, by Eula Biss
With the recent measles outbreak in the U.S. making
headlines, this pick by Gates seems particularly timely. "The eloquent
essayist Eula Biss uses the tools of literary analysis, philosophy, and science
to examine the speedy, inaccurate rumors about childhood vaccines that have
proliferated among well-meaning American parents," Gates writes,
recommending the book particularly for new parents.
4. Making the Modern World, by Vaclav Smil
Gates
calls historian Smil "probably his favorite living author," whose
every work is a must-read thanks to his clear vision and nuanced thinking. In
this book, writes Gates, "Smil examines the materials we use to meet the
demands of modern life, like cement, iron, aluminum, plastic, and paper. The
book is full of staggering statistics."
5. How Asia Works, by Joe Studwell
Why
add this one to your personal reading list? "Business journalist Joe
Studwell produces compelling answers to two of the greatest questions in
development economics: How did countries like Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and
China achieve sustained, high growth? And why have so few other countries
managed to do so?" Gates enthuses.
6. How to Lie With Statistics, by Darrell Huff
Data is all the rage, but getting the most out of it requires
numerical savvy and clear thinking. This oldie but goodie (published in 1954)
can help you separate insightful uses of data from numbers that are all smoke
and mirrors. According to Gates, the topic is "more relevant than ever.
One chapter shows you how visuals can be used to exaggerate trends and give
distorted comparisons. It's a timely reminder, given how often infographics
show up in your Facebook and Twitter feeds these days."
BY JESSICA STILLMAN
http://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/bill-gates-thinks-you-should-read-these-6-books-this-year.html?cid=em01016week17c
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