Reading is having conversations with the great minds of the present and the past. What we can learn from experts in different subjects seems endless when we take a book in our hands.
Even when reading poetry or novels we can realize, little by little, the ideas that are hidden in those verses and fictions.
Bill Gates is one of the most charismatic billionaires to the general public. Of course there are those who criticize him, but there are also those who highlight his philanthropic passion. But what everyone agrees on is possibly his intelligence.
The man who many times wins the position as the richest man on the planet is also an avid reader who can devour up to 50 works in a year. These are some of his favorites. Those that I would take to a deserted island, and that can open your mind in terms of intelligence, compassion and understanding.
“Seveneves” (2015) – Neal Stephenson
This is the book that reminded Gates why he loves science fiction. In the “hard” science fiction genre, the novel uses too many scientific terms and definitions, forcing the reader to become interested and even research in that field to understand the novel’s epic. When the moon is suddenly destroyed, the human race finds itself in a race to save itself. To everyone’s surprise, history does not last a few years, it has a jump of 5 thousand years, which makes us suppose what will become of us in the very, very distant future. This is the book that Gates recommends to arouse your curiosity.
“From Animals to Gods” (2011) – Yuval Noah Harari
The history of humanity summarized. The book explains how before there were six species of humans and now only Homo Sapiens remains. In addition, it makes a demonstration of the imaginary capacity of the human being (after all money, religion and all our forms of relationship between humans do not exist, they are only symbols). Gates also recommends reading “Homo Deus,” the follow-up to the book, which he explains where we’re headed. This is his recommendation to understand human nature.
“How Not to Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking” (2014) – Jordan Ellenberg
A book that explains the way in which mathematics is embedded in our daily lives, even if we think it is not true. If you ever thought that mathematics was only used to pass the subject when you studied, the book will prove to be just what you needed in class to make sense of everything you saw on the blackboard.
“The Vital Question” (2015) – Nick Lane
The answer to almost everything seems to be in one word: energy. Lane’s book is the product of the most recent research on the origin of the universe and life. According to the author, energy is the source of everything and what we should investigate the most, since understanding it allows questions such as “Why two sexes?” or “Why do we age?” are valid. This is his recommendation to understand the universe.
“The Angels Inside Us” (2011) – Steven Pinker
According to Gates, this is perhaps the book that has most changed his way of understanding humanity. Pinker deduces that today’s society, despite the wars, torture and tensions it lives through, is at its most peaceful point in its entire history. The book says that now we see violence everywhere because of the globalized media and that a change in values allows more and more people to denounce what is happening in the world. This is the book he recommends if you want one that really makes you think.
Between fiction and reality, Gates’ recommendations can help you understand the world from scientific and logical points of view. Millions of books are published every year and you always have to look for the needle in the haystack.