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

Plan B 3.0: Mobilizing to Save Civilization

Brown provides a comprehensive plan for reversing environmental degradation and saving civilization, emphasizing the need for renewable energy, sustainable development, and population stabilization.

Medieval Technology and Social Change

White examines the profound impact of technological innovations on medieval society, including the stirrup’s role in changing warfare and feudalism, and the adoption of the heavy plow in agriculture.

A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction

This influential book proposes a functional approach to architectural and urban design, presenting 253 design problems typical of urban environments, and offering corresponding solutions based on natural and human-centered principles.

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:
Oprah Winfrey  Ernest Hemingway 

Foundation and Empire

The second book in Asimov's Foundation series, exploring the inevitable decay of a sprawling empire and the efforts by the Foundation to manage and mitigate the catastrophic loss of knowledge.
Also recommended by:
Elon Musk  Lex Fridman 

The Score Takes Care of Itself: My Philosophy of Leadership

This book outlines the leadership philosophy of Bill Walsh, the legendary San Francisco 49ers coach, focusing on his innovative management practices, commitment to excellence, and the lessons he learned about team building and leadership.

A Life Decoded: My Genome: My Life

Venter, one of the leading scientists in genomic research, recounts his controversial race to decode the human genome, offering insights into his groundbreaking scientific contributions and the ethical, legal, and social implications of genetic research.

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 

Winning

Welch, the former CEO of General Electric, shares his insights and strategies for success in business management, covering everything from leadership and hiring to competitive strategy and corporate growth.
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