Dive into the literary world of Bill Gates, Former CEO of Microsoft.

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, is one of the most influential tech entrepreneurs and philanthropists of our time. Born in 1955 in Seattle, Washington, Gates demonstrated early interest and aptitude in computer programming, which led him to drop out of Harvard University to pursue his vision of personal computing for every household. Under his leadership, Microsoft became a dominant player in the tech industry, revolutionizing software development and accessibility with products like Windows and Office. Since stepping down from Microsoft, Gates has dedicated much of his vast fortune to global health, education, and climate change initiatives through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Reading is still the main way that I both learn new things and test my understanding.❞ — Bill Gates

Gates is well-known for his dedication to reading and learning, often discussing books on his personal blog and sharing annual reading lists that span a range of topics from public health to climate change and political history. His avid reading habits are part of a broader commitment to lifelong learning and understanding complex global issues. Gates credits reading not only as a source of knowledge but also as a way to test his understanding and to challenge his assumptions. His reflective approach to reading emphasizes the importance of being informed and remaining curious about the world.

Bill Gates' Favorite Books

Last Updated: June 2024

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness

Alexander argues that the War on Drugs has created a new racial underclass in America, as systemic racial discrimination in the criminal justice system has effectively disenfranchised millions of African Americans.

The Bet: Paul Ehrlich, Julian Simon, and Our Gamble over Earth s Future

This book recounts the famous wager between biologist Paul Ehrlich, who predicted resource scarcity leading to societal collapse, and economist Julian Simon, who believed human ingenuity could overcome environmental limits, framing a larger debate about environmental policy and the future of our planet.

Energy and Civilization: A History

Smil provides a comprehensive account of how energy transformations and consumption have shaped human history, from pre-agricultural times to the present industrial world, emphasizing the inextricable link between energy and the advancement of civilization.

The Signal and the Noise: Why So Many Predictions Fail-But Some Don't

Silver examines the world of prediction, investigating a variety of fields including baseball, politics, and weather forecasting to explore why some predictions succeed and many others fail, emphasizing the importance of statistical and probabilistic thinking in increasing prediction accuracy.
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Educated: A Memoir

This memoir recounts Westover's struggle to educate herself beyond her isolated and survivalist upbringing in Idaho, showcasing her journey from home-schooling without formal education to earning a PhD from Cambridge University.

Believe Me: A Memoir of Love, Death, and Jazz Chickens

Izzard's memoir combines humor with reflection, detailing his multifaceted life as a comedian, actor, and marathon runner, while discussing his personal relationships, gender identity, and the pursuit of his dreams.

Moonwalking With Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything

Foer recounts his journey from journalist covering the U.S. Memory Championship to becoming a participant in the event, exploring the techniques of the contestants and the scientific foundations of human memory.

Making the Modern World: Materials and Dematerialization

Smil examines the material basis of modern civilization, discussing how the extraction and processing of materials have shaped industries and the environment, and explores the trends and necessities of dematerialization for sustainable future development.

These Truths: A History of the United States

Lepore offers a sweeping narrative of American history from 1492 to the present, weaving together political, technological, and cultural threads to explore the ideals and contradictions of the American experiment.
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