Elon Musk often talks about reading as the root of his ideas. Over the years he has pointed to a handful of books that changed how he thinks about technology, risk and the future.
What did he read that helped him build rockets, electric cars, and big companies? Which books sharpen practical skills and which ones stretch the imagination? Below are ten books Elon Musk has mentioned or recommended. I explain why each mattered to him and how it can help you—no PhD needed.
1. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy — Douglas Adams
This is a fun place to start. Musk has said this book taught him to ask simple questions and not take the world too seriously.
Why it matters: The story mixes humor with clever, clear thinking. It shows how a single bright idea can change how you see everything.
How to use it: Read it when you want creative jumps and a reminder that ideas can be playful and powerful.
2. Foundation series — Isaac Asimov
Asimov’s books are about long-term thinking, politics and making plans that span generations. Musk has cited Foundation as a major influence on his sense of scale.
Why it matters: It pushes you to think decades ahead and to ask how technologies shape societies.
How to use it: Use the books to practice strategic thinking. Ask: “If this tech exists in 20 years, how will people live?”
3. The Lord of the Rings — J.R.R. Tolkien
Musk grew up reading Tolkien and has said these tales of endurance and teamwork stuck with him.
Why it matters: Epic stories teach grit and the idea that big goals need long journeys.
How to use it: Read to remember that brave, steady progress beats quick bursts of panic.
4. The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress — Robert A. Heinlein
This novel blends engineering ideas, politics and rebellion. Musk has pointed to books like this as sparking his interest in colonies beyond Earth.
Why it matters: It shows how engineering and social systems must fit together. The best tech fails if social systems are broken.
How to use it: Think about technical design and the human systems around it. Who will use your product? How will they govern it?
5. Structures: Or Why Things Don’t Fall Down — J.E. Gordon
A practical, no-nonsense book about why structures work. Musk has recommended it for people who want to understand how things are built.
Why it matters: It teaches basic engineering thinking in plain language. You learn to judge what’s plausible and what’s not.
How to use it: Read it to build a mental model of how materials and forces interact. It’s a cheap shortcut to better engineering judgment.
6. Ignition! An Informal History of Liquid Rocket Propellants — John D. Clark
This is a deeply practical book about rocket chemistry and the messy realities of building engines. Musk has said he read widely on rockets when he started SpaceX.
Why it matters: It shows the gritty, experimental side of engineering. Real pioneers read the old manuals and case studies.
How to use it: If you work on hardware, read case histories. They teach more than theory—showing how people solved messy, real problems.
7. Superintelligence — Nick Bostrom
Musk has warned publicly about the risks of advanced AI and recommended reading on the subject. Bostrom’s book explores long-term scenarios and safety concerns.
Why it matters: It forces you to think about risk, ethics and planning for outcomes beyond your career span.
How to use it: Use the book to ask “what could go very wrong?” and to design safeguards before you scale a system.
8. Benjamin Franklin: An American Life — Walter Isaacson
Musk has mentioned biographies as useful. Franklin’s life shows practical invention, business sense and civic boldness.
Why it matters: Franklin combined curiosity with action. He wrote, experimented, and built institutions.
How to use it: Study figures who mixed ideas with public work. Note how they turned small projects into lasting impact.
9. The Lord of the Flies? No — look for perspective in different genres
Musk’s reading ranges widely—from science fiction to technical manuals to biographies. The lesson here is not a single book but reading across types.
Why it matters: Mixing fiction and non-fiction stretches your mind and grounds your skills. Fiction offers empathy and scale; non-fiction builds tools and judgement.
How to use it: Alternate a technical read with a novel. Your brain learns both how to build and how to imagine.
10. A mix of hard manuals and grand visions — the broader habit
Beyond specific titles, Musk’s habit shows one clear pattern: read things that teach both how to do a job and why the job matters.
Why it matters: Deep learning pairs practical manuals with big-picture thinking. That combination helps you solve real problems and aim big.
How to use it: Build a small reading plan: one practical book, one vision book, one biography every few months.
How to read like Musk — practical tips
Want to get more from books? Try these simple habits.
- Read actively. Ask questions as you go.
- Mix genres. Pair a technical book with a novel.
- Take notes and test ideas in small projects.
- Revisit books. A second read often reveals new lessons.
- Discuss what you read with friends or colleagues to refine your view.
Reading is only the start. The real growth happens when you try small experiments based on what you learn.
Two quick questions to keep you honest
Do you read to look smart or to build skills?
Are you reading to imagine a future or to fix today’s problems?
These two questions help you choose the right book for the right moment.
Final thoughts
Elon Musk’s reading mix shows a simple truth: combining imagination and craft makes big things possible. Science fiction expands your goals. Biographies teach how people actually act. Manuals show how to make it real.
You don’t need to copy his list. But try one of these books and one practical manual this month. Read with a notebook. Test one small idea from each book. That is how ideas turn into work.
Which book will you read next? Pick one, start tonight, and see where it leads.