8 Inspiring Books That Steve Jobs Wanted Everyone to Read
When we think of great leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators and thinkers, it’s hard to miss Steve Jobs. His success in life is a matter of great wonder for many people. And this is probably why today he’s not just known as a great entrepreneur but an inspiring phenomenon of the twenty first century.
However lucky he may seem to be from the outside, the man never had it easy. He was a veracious reader and a curious learner all throughout his life. Success came as a result of his abundant knowledge and awareness about his work and life in general. The following books had a great impact on him:
1. King Lear by William Shakespeare
The story portrays how misguided judgments can lead to tragedies. King Lear is fooled by his two hypocritical daughters and makes a mistake by giving them his property. Fogged by illusion, he even missed to see the true love his third daughter had for him. Steve Jobs read this mind-bending story in his high school.
2. Moby Dick by Herman Melville
What would you call a story where a crew is on a quest to catch a white whale? A thrilling adventure, perhaps? Herman Melville’s Moby Dick is more than just that. The classic tale, in deeper sense, is about faith, perception and human drive. This is also one of Steve Job’s favorite books.
3. The Collected Poems of Dylan Thomas by Dylan Thomas
Dylan Thomas considers this collection of poems as a curation of his best work ever. Sadly, he died of swelling in brain before the book was published. Who knew one day the collection will end up inspiring Steve Jobs during his tough times. Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night is one of Job’s favorites from the splendid collection.
4. Be Here Now by Ram Dass
After reading the book in the first year of his college, Jobs said, “it (the book) transformed me and many of my friends”. Through this profound book, the author intends to help the world explore, and therefore, discover the spiritual side of their human selves using the timeless principles of yoga and meditation.
5. Diet For A Small Planet by Frances Moore Lappe
Steve Jobs decided to give up on his meat diet after reading this book. Diet For A Small Planet is written to give us a new perspective on our eating habits. By providing simple rules to eat protein-rich and meat-less meals, the book proves to be a transformative guide to eating smart in today’s times.
6. Mucusless Diet Healing System by Arnold Ehret
Health is a major concern in many people’s lives. But hardly do people ever take responsibilities to adopt new habits and break their toxic eating patterns. The book inspired Steve Jobs to try a series of extreme diets to be healthier. Read this book if you’re looking for a complete course that can help you take control of your health.
7. Autobiography Of A Yogi by Paramhansa Yogananda
Published around 60 years ago, the book is an insightful, eloquent and a witty perspective of Paramhansa Yogananda — one of the best spiritual leaders of our time. Steve Jobs first read this book in his high school. He read it again when he stayed in the foothills of Himalayas in India. He then re-read this life-changing book every year after that.
8. Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki
Steve Jobs attended one of the author’s classes in the 1970s. And ever since, the Japanese monk’s teachings has had a great influence on Job’s personal as well as professional life. Through this book, Shurunyu Suzuki answers complex spiritual questions about the world, people and life in general, and thereby, helps us find our true, original selves.
