Dive into the literary world of Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI.

Sam Altman is an influential entrepreneur and investor, known particularly for his role as the former president of Y Combinator, one of the most successful startup accelerators that has helped launch companies like Airbnb, Dropbox, and Stripe. Born in 1985 in Chicago, Altman started his first company, Loopt, at the age of 19 while attending Stanford University. Although he eventually dropped out to pursue his entrepreneurial ventures, his leadership at Y Combinator and his investments across various technology sectors have made him a key figure in Silicon Valley. Currently, he is the CEO of OpenAI, an artificial intelligence research lab that aims to promote and develop friendly AI in a way that benefits humanity as a whole.

If you are not learning, you are regressing; such is the nature of the world we live in.❞ — Sam Altman

Sam Altman has expressed his appreciation for reading, particularly non-fiction and scientific materials, which he integrates into his work in technology and AI. Reading plays a significant role in his ongoing education and in staying abreast of the latest developments and ethical considerations in technology. Although not frequently public about his personal life, Altman's professional advice often includes the importance of continual learning and adapting, which reading undoubtedly supports. His leadership style involves a deep understanding of technological trends and societal needs, where reading and education are fundamental to navigating the complexities of innovation.

Sam Altman's Favorite Books

Last Updated: June 2024

Anna Karenina

Leo Tolstoy's masterpiece traces the tragic love affair between Anna Karenina and Count Vronsky, set against the backdrop of nineteenth-century Russian society, exploring themes of passion, loyalty, and societal norms.
Also recommended by:
Ernest Hemingway  Oprah Winfrey 

Brave New World

Set in a dystopian future where individuals are systematically controlled and conditioned for roles in a totalitarian society, Huxley’s novel critiques the dangers of sacrificing individuality for technological and governmental control.

Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future

Peter Thiel provides unconventional wisdom and practical advice for entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of innovation and creating new products that jump from zero to one, rather than improving on existing products.
Also recommended by:
Elon Musk 

Mind of Napoleon: A Selection of His Written and Spoken Words

This collection offers insight into Napoleon Bonaparte’s thoughts on war, politics, and governance, providing a glimpse into the strategic mind and ambitious spirit of one of history’s most influential leaders.

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The Beak of the Finch: A Story of Evolution in Our Time

Weiner’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book documents the work of biologists Peter and Rosemary Grant in the Galápagos Islands, providing compelling real-time observations of evolution in action among finch populations.

The Republic

In this foundational philosophical text, Plato explores themes of justice, order, and character through a series of dialogues led by Socrates, culminating in a detailed discussion of the philosopher-king and the ideal city-state.

Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage

In this collection of short stories, Munro masterfully explores the complexities of human relationships through the tales of ordinary people dealing with love, loss, and the pivotal moments that shape their lives.

Blitzscaling: The Lightning-Fast Path to Building Massively Valuable Companies

This book provides a practical framework for a strategy that prioritizes speed over efficiency in an environment of uncertainty, and it’s used by Silicon Valley entrepreneurs to rapidly grow their companies and achieve massive scale.
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