Buzz
Reading the right book at a pivotal moment in life can profoundly shape one's future. This is the story of the individuals in this list, who, hailing from diverse backgrounds, discovered a book that significantly altered their path. In turn, these individuals went on to influence fields such as popular culture, science, technology, and politics.
10. Competing Against Time - Tim Cook
Tim Cook began his journey into the tech world after earning his degree, securing his first job with IBM in 1982. He joined Apple in 1996, during a challenging time for the company, which had just lost $1 billion in the previous year. Cook is renowned for restructuring Apple's manufacturing operations, streamlining its network of suppliers, and improving inventory management systems. His leadership played a key role in turning Apple into one of the most prosperous companies in history. When Steve Jobs passed away in 2011, Cook succeeded him as Apple's CEO.
The book that had the greatest influence on Cook, which he is known to give to colleagues, is Competing Against Time by George Stalk Jr. and Thomas M. Hout. It emphasizes how managing time effectively is essential for companies to reduce costs and enhance customer satisfaction. Cook, drawing on the book’s insights, urged his team to focus on delivering exactly what customers want, when they want it—because if they don't, competitors will.
Cook's approach is often contrasted with Steve Jobs', who had many influential books but none that stood out as singularly significant. One of the most impactful books for Jobs was Be Here Now by Ram Dass, which became an iconic text in the hippie movement. The book explores themes of meditation, yoga, and spirituality.
9. The Little Prince, James Dean
James Dean’s career was tragically brief, having made only three films, each of which is now regarded as a classic. Even though his time in the limelight was cut short, he was nominated posthumously for two Academy Awards. His legacy continues to endure, even six decades after his untimely death in a car accident on September 30, 1955, at the age of 24.
Dean’s favorite book, which he read during his high school years, was the beloved novella The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. First published in 1943, the story is told by a pilot stranded in the Sahara Desert. While repairing his plane, he meets a little blonde boy, the Little Prince, who asks him to draw a sheep. As their friendship grows, the prince shares his tale of leaving his tiny home planet, Asteroid 325, due to loneliness. Throughout their conversation, he reveals his encounters with adults, all of whom he found disheartening and disappointing.
The Little Prince, described by the author as “a book for children that is written for adults,” delves into themes of disillusionment with adulthood and the perils of close-mindedness. One of the key messages of the book is the importance of maintaining curiosity and keeping an open mind.
Dean felt a profound connection with the book, carrying it with him wherever he went. The book held such significance for him that his close friend, biographer, and potential lover, William Bast, mentioned it in an inscription at Dean’s memorial near the site of his tragic crash. The inscription begins with Dean’s beloved quote from the book: “What is essential is invisible to the eye.” Bast continues with his reflection: “This line from Jean Antoine de Saint Exupery’s ‘The Little Prince’ was likely James Dean’s favorite. It seemed to carry a deep, personal meaning for him, and he often read it, especially in the company of those he cherished.”
8. The Remains of the Day – Jeff Bezos
Amazon’s journey began in 1995 when Jeff Bezos, leaving his position as vice president at a Wall Street firm, relocated to Seattle to pursue his dream of building the business. Initially, Amazon started as a platform for selling books online, but it has now evolved into the largest marketplace on the web.
Bezos clearly recognized the worth of books. When asked about the most influential book he's ever encountered, many might expect him to name a business-oriented title, given Amazon's success and corporate environment. However, his choice was the Booker Prize-winning novel *Remains of the Day* by Kazuo Ishiguro. This 1989 classic unfolds from the perspective of Mr. Stevens, an English butler, who recounts his story through his diary entries and daily happenings. The narrative delves into his service at a manor and his unspoken affection for a former colleague.
Bezos expressed his admiration for the book, calling it an extraordinary achievement. He remarked that he didn't think it was possible for anyone to craft something so remarkable. When asked if he saw any connection between his work at Amazon and the novel, he replied, 'What we’re doing here is unusual, but in no way does it compare to something impossible.'
7. The Alchemist: Will Smith, Madonna, and Pharrell Williams
In addition to being some of the most successful musicians over the past 30 years, Will Smith, Madonna, and Pharrell Williams all share a profound connection to the same book, a book they believe has had a transformative impact on their lives. That book is the much-loved novel *The Alchemist*, written by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho.
This globally popular novel follows the journey of a young Spanish boy named Santiago. After experiencing a prophetic dream, Santiago feels compelled to travel to Egypt. Along the way, he learns about the concept of the Personal Legend, which represents a person's true calling in life. It's a deep, instinctive desire that children often express freely. The novel suggests that if you pursue your Personal Legend, the universe will align itself to help you succeed, enabling even seemingly impossible feats like alchemy—transforming lead into gold.
In a passionate interview, Will Smith shared how the book influenced him and how he dedicates his life to proving that the impossible can be achieved if you’re willing to try. He views his life as a symbol of possibilities and even considers himself a metaphorical alchemist. Pharrell Williams, on the other hand, described the book as a revelation. Reflecting on his own life, he expressed immense gratitude for everyone who helped him along his Personal Legend. Oprah, who is another fan of *The Alchemist*, recalled that Madonna first introduced her to it in 1996, and Madonna herself said it 'changed her life.'
6. Emma: J.K. Rowling
In today's age of rapid technological progress, J.K. Rowling achieved the seemingly impossible by inspiring millions of children to read. Even more remarkable is the fact that her books have gone beyond the realm of children's literature, winning the hearts of readers of all ages.
The book that had the greatest impact on Rowling is her all-time favorite, written by her favorite author: *Emma*, by Jane Austen. Published in 1815, *Emma* is a comedic exploration of social manners, centered on a young, attractive, wealthy, and intelligent woman named Emma Woodhouse. Emma, content in her single life, enjoys meddling in the romantic affairs of those around her.
Rowling has always been captivated by the mystery woven into the novel, particularly the secret engagement between two characters, Frank Churchill and Jane Fairfax, which is hidden throughout the entire story. She admitted that, no matter what she wrote, she *would never be able* to create a mystery as compelling as the one found in *Emma*. She also praised the book for its brilliantly developed protagonist, Emma, and revealed how much she identifies with her.
5. Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman! Sergey Brin
Sergey Brin first met Larry Page, who would become his business partner, at Stanford University. Together, they built a search engine that ranked results based on their popularity. This search engine was called Google, and it revolutionized the world.
The book that had a profound impact on Brin was *Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!*, authored by Nobel-winning theoretical physicist Richard Feynman. Feynman contributed to the development of the nuclear bomb and wrote books that made complex physics accessible to the general public. He was also known for his witty, semi-autobiographical works, and one of his most well-known books was 1985's *Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!*
What resonated most with Brin over the years was Feynman’s open-minded approach to life. Brin admired Feynman’s ambition to be the Leonardo da Vinci of his era, excelling not only in science but also as a musician, storyteller, and humorist. The book had a huge influence on Brin, helping him realize the importance of being *both innovative and creative*.
Interestingly, one of Brin’s other favorite books is *Snow Crash* by Neal Stephenson. This novel foresaw the rise of online communities and technologies like Google Earth.
4. Perfume: The Story Of A Murderer: Kurt Cobain
Kurt Cobain, the lead singer of Nirvana, is widely regarded as the *voice of his generation*. Many fans felt he captured their sense of disillusionment and frustration. Nirvana’s influence on American culture was profound, and Cobain’s tragic death on April 20, 1994, marked one of the most significant moments of the 1990s.
The book that had the most profound impact on Kurt Cobain was the 1985 German novel *Perfume: The Story of a Murderer* by Patrick Süskind. The novel is celebrated for its *sensory, transcendent quality*, especially its ability to evoke the sense of smell, making it a highly immersive experience. *Perfume* is set in a filthy 18th-century Paris and follows the life of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, an orphan with a unique connection to scents. For instance, he lacks his own scent, which makes him an outcast. Additionally, Grenouille possesses an extraordinarily sensitive nose, capable of dissecting smells with such precision that it’s like a chef breaking down every ingredient in a taste. He can track scents over long distances, experiencing the world in a way similar to how Marvel’s Daredevil perceives his surroundings.
Due to his overwhelming sense of smell, Grenouille grows repelled by the odor of humans. His inability to connect with people leads him to become a solitary figure, obsessed with capturing the scents of beautiful women—sometimes through murder. Despite being an outsider, Grenouille uses his remarkable talent to create perfumes so exquisite that they make him famous, with the public eagerly seeking them.
In hindsight, the parallels between *Perfume* and Cobain’s own life are striking, particularly with regard to the novel’s ending, which we won’t reveal here. Cobain shared that he read the book at least ten times and always kept it close. The story even inspired the song 'Scentless Apprentice' on Nirvana’s *In Utero* album.
3. That Printer of Udell’s: Ronald Reagan
As a child, former President Ronald Reagan was deeply affected by the Christian novel *That Printer of Udell’s* by Harold Bell Wright. The story centers around Dick Falkner, a boy born into a broken family with an alcoholic father. In the beginning, his mother dies of starvation while his father is passed out drunk. After losing both parents, Falkner moves to Boyd City, where he believes that 'true Christians' will offer him help. However, he’s turned down everywhere—except by a printer. The printer hires Dick, and together they embrace Christianity. Later, Dick becomes a minister and helps save Boyd City. In the end, he heads to Washington, D.C., to pursue a career in politics.
The book had a profound effect on Reagan in two significant ways that shaped the course of his life. First, it *inspired him to get baptized*, and he became a lifelong Presbyterian. Second, the story reinforced his belief that good could overcome evil, and that the righteous followed a strong moral code. This belief would influence Reagan’s political actions, especially his firm stance against communism and his War on Drugs.
Another book that left a lasting mark on Reagan was *Witness* by Whittaker Chambers. This book recounts Chambers’s experience in the U.S. Communist Party, where he became a Soviet spy. After eventually renouncing communism, Chambers testified against Alger Hiss in a famous perjury and espionage trial. This book solidified Reagan’s firm opposition to communism.
2. A Treatise Of Human Nature: Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein, renowned as one of the greatest minds in history, is a name synonymous with brilliance. But which book shaped such an extraordinary intellect? The answer lies in *A Treatise of Human Nature* by David Hume, a work first published in 1738. Hume, a Scottish philosopher, is celebrated for his pioneering contributions to philosophical skepticism.
*A Treatise of Human Nature*, a three-part work, was Hume’s bold attempt to approach philosophy from a novel perspective. As expected from a book cherished by Einstein, it’s quite intricate. In the first section, “Of the Understanding,” Hume explores the origins of ideas and dives into his skepticism about concepts such as space, time, knowledge, and probability, along with the nature of cause and effect. The second section, “Of the Passions,” delves into how our emotions and reason shape our actions, discussing the distinctions between first and second impressions. The final part, “Of Morals,” presents Hume’s argument that morality is more a product of passion than logic.
Einstein spoke several times about how *A Treatise of Human Nature* significantly influenced his thinking. He read it just before developing his famous theory of special relativity. In one of his letters, Einstein revealed that the ideas in Hume’s work helped him to articulate his own thoughts. It was as if the concepts were already forming in his mind, and Hume’s writing gave him the clarity to express them.
1. The Aeneid - Mark Zuckerberg
The Aeneid, a Latin epic poem composed between 29 and 19 BC, follows a group of Trojan survivors led by Aeneas, who flee the fallen city of Troy after the Greek invasion. During their escape, Aeneas learns it is his destiny to establish Rome. The Trojans, enduring a perilous journey that includes a visit to the underworld, continue their quest because they are fated to create the greatest empire the world will ever witness.
Mark Zuckerberg shared that he first encountered the book in high school, studying Latin. He sees similarities between his journey and that of Aeneas. Like the Trojan hero, Zuckerberg sought to build something monumental, the world's most powerful social network. One key lesson Zuckerberg took away was Aeneas's determination to pursue his fate and construct a city of boundless influence, one that would "know no boundaries in time and greatness."
