Naval Ravikant is one of the most influential and well-read entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley. He is the co-founder of AngelList, a platform that connects startups with investors, and has been involved in over 100 companies. In addition to his work as an entrepreneur, Naval is also a prolific writer and thinker. His essays on topics such as happiness, self-awareness, and decision-making have garnered a large following online.

In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the Naval’s favorite books to read. These books are essential reading for anyone looking to improve their self-development skills!

20 Naval’s Favorite Books to Read

1 . “The Rational Optimist” by Matt Ridley

If you’re looking for a book that will challenge your beliefs and make you think about the world in a new way, then “The Rational Optimist” by Matt Ridley is a great choice. naval (an investor and entrepreneur) calls it his favorite book, and it’s easy to see why. Ridley makes a compelling case that human progress is not only possible but inevitable.

He argues that trade, innovation, and cooperation are the driving forces behind our species’ success and that we should be optimistic about the future. Though some of his ideas may be controversial, they’re always presented in a clear, thoughtful way. Whether you agree with him or not, “The Rational Optimist” is sure to get you thinking about the world in new and exciting ways.

2 . “Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!” by Richard P. Feynman 

Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman! is a collection of stories and anecdotes by the Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard P. Feynman. The book was published in 1985, and it quickly became a bestseller, cementing Feynman’s reputation as one of the most brilliant and entertaining science writers of his generation.

The book covers a wide range of topics, from Feynman’s work on the Manhattan Project to his years as a teacher at Caltech. But what makes the book so special is Feynman’s voice: funny, irreverent, and always enthusiastic about the joys of physics. As naval puts it, “This is easily my favorite book.” If you’re looking for an entertaining and enlightening read, look no further than Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!

3 . “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius 

“Meditations” is one of the naval’s favorite books. It is a collection of personal writings by Marcus Aurelius, the last of the Five Good Emperors. The book has been praised for its insights on Stoicism, a philosophy that emphasizes self-control, fortitude, and resilience in the face of adversity.

While the book is technically a series of private notes, it nonetheless offers valuable insights into Aurelius’s thoughts on a wide range of topics, from morality and ethics to politics and war. In addition, the book provides a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of history’s most remarkable leaders. As such, “Meditations” is well worth reading for anyone interested in philosophy or history.

4 . “Sapiens” by Yuval Noah Harari

Naval’s favorite book is “Sapiens” by Harari Yuval. This book is a fascinating read that covers the history of our species from the perspective of evolutionary biology. Harari discusses how we evolved from hominids to modern humans, and how our unique adaptations have allowed us to become the dominant species on Earth. He also covers the development of civilization, and how we have used our intelligence and technology to shape the world around us. Sapiens is an enlightening and thought-provoking book that is sure to leave you with a new appreciation for our history and our place in the world.

5 . “Poor Charlie’s Almanack” by Charlie Munger 

Poor Charlie’s Almanack is a collection of wisdom and wit from Charlie Munger, vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway. The book is based on a series of speeches Munger gave to students at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and covers a wide range of topics, from business and investing to psychology and philosophy. naval has called it his favorite book, and it’s easy to see why. Munger’s clear thinking and lucid writing style make complex concepts easy to understand, and his insights are as applicable today as they were when the book was first published. If you’re looking for a dose of inspiration and wisdom, Poor Charlie’s Almanack is well worth a read.

6 . “Good Calories, Bad Calories” by Gary Taubes

Naval’s favorite book is “Good Calories, Bad Calories” by Gary Taubes. In the book, Taubes argues that the main reason people gain weight is not that they consume too many calories, but because they consume the wrong types of calories. According to Taubes, processed foods and refined carbohydrates are the root cause of obesity, while fats and proteins are actually beneficial for weight loss.

Taubes presents a compelling case backed up by years of research, and his book has helped to change the way many people think about diet and weight loss. If you’re looking for a well-written and informative book on the subject of nutrition, “Good Calories, Bad Calories” is a great choice. naval won’t hesitate to tell you that it’s one of his favorites.

7 . “Reality Is Not What It Seems” by Carlo Rovelli

“Reality Is Not What It Seems” is a book written by Carlo Rovelli, and it is the naval’s favorite book. In the book, Rovelli argues that the scientific picture of reality that has developed over the past few centuries is incomplete. He then goes on to show how this new picture of reality can be used to explain some of the most mysterious phenomena in the universe, such as quantum entanglement and dark matter. The book is full of fascinating insights and is sure to leave readers questioning their understanding of reality. naval recommends it to anyone who is interested in learning more about the true nature of reality.

8 . “Wind, Sand and Stars” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

“Wind, Sand and Stars” is a book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry that naval officers often recommend. The book is an exciting account of the author’s experiences as a pilot in the early days of aviation. Saint-Exupéry was a gifted writer who had a deep understanding of the human condition. His prose is both lyrical and down-to-earth, and his stories have a universality that captures the imaginations of readers from all walks of life. If you’re looking for an inspiring read, “Wind, Sand and Stars” is definitely worth checking out.

9 . “Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends on It” by Kamal Ravikant

Naval’s favorite book is “Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends on It” by Kamal Ravikant. In it, the author offers a powerful case for self-love, arguing that it is the key to a happy and fulfilling life. Though some may dismiss the book as overly sentimental, naval finds its message to be both uplifting and practical. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with messages of self-doubt and insecurity, “Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends on It” is a much-needed reminder of the importance of self-care. Naval recommends this book to anyone seeking to live a happier, more positive life.

10 . “The Book of Life” by J. Krishnamurti

Naval’s favorite book is “The Book of Life” by J. Krishnamurti. In this book, Krishnamurti explores the nature of the human mind and how it functions in daily life. He offers a detailed examination of the various thought processes that shape our experience of the world, and he provides practical advice for dealing with the challenges of everyday life. “The Book of Life” is an essential work for anyone who wishes to understand the workings of the human mind, and it is sure to provide naval with insights that will be useful in his daily life.

11 . “Economics in One Lesson” by Henry Hazlitt

Naval’s favorite book “Economics in One Lesson” by Henry Hazlitt is naval’s favorite book. In it, Hazlitt argues that the principles of economics are not complicated and that if people would just take the time to learn them, there would be a lot less economic hardship in the world. Naval definitely agrees with this sentiment, and he has found that Hazlitt’s book is an excellent introduction to the subject. naval would highly recommend “Economics in One Lesson” to anyone who wants to learn more about how the economy works.

12 . “The Beginning of Infinity” by David Deutsch

If you’re looking for a book that will change the way you think about the world, then look no further than “The Beginning of Infinity” by David Deutsch. This book has been described as one of the most important works of philosophy ever written, and it’s easy to see why. Deutsch argues that there is no limit to what we can know or achieve and that the only thing holding us back is our own imagination. In other words, the sky really is the limit. This book is sure to open your mind and leave you feeling inspired and excited about the future. naval has said that this is his favorite book, so you know it’s worth a read!

13 . “The Sovereign Individual” by James D. Guru

If you’re looking for a book that will get your naval juices flowing, look no further than “The Sovereign Individual” by James D. Guru. This is the naval’s favorite book and for good reason. It’s an exciting tale of political intrigue and international espionage, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Plus, the characters are incredibly well-developed and the plot is highly believable. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, “The Sovereign Individual” is definitely the book for you.

14 . “Gödel, Escher, Bach” By Douglas Hofstadter

Douglas Hofstadter’s “Gödel, Escher, Bach” is naval’s favorite book. The book explores the connections between mathematics, logic, art, music, and the mind. It is a witty and exciting book that is both highly readable and deeply thought-provoking. In addition to being the naval’s favorite book, “Gödel, Escher, Bach” has also been extremely influential in the fields of computer science, linguistics, and philosophy. It is a truly remarkable work that is well worth reading.

15 . “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran

“The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran is the naval’s favorite book. It’s a collection of 26 prose poems, and each one is about a different aspect of life. The topics include love, marriage, compassion, death, and many others. Naval loves this book because it’s so relatable. He can find something in each poem that speaks to their own life experience. Naval also loves the way Gibran writes. His words are beautiful and poetic, and they flow together perfectly. Naval has read this book many times, and they never get tired of it. It’s a true classic that the naval will always treasure.

16 . “Incerto” by Nassim Nicholas Taleb

If you’re looking for a book that will keep you guessing, look no further than “Incerto” by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. This collection of essays and stories is the naval’s favorite book, and it’s easy to see why. Taleb weaves together a tapestry of ideas, ranging from the history of a chance to the importance of skin in the game. Along the way, he tells engaging stories and shares groundbreaking insights. It’s a book that will make you think, and it’s one that you won’t soon forget. So if you’re looking for a work of non-fiction that’s both informative and entertaining, be sure to check out “Incerto.” You won’t be disappointed.

17 . “Influence” by Robert Cialdini

Naval’s favorite book is “Influence” by Robert Cialdini. This book is all about the science of persuasion, coercion, and compliance. Naval learned a lot from this book, like the fact that people are more likely to say “yes” if they feel indebted to you, or if you make it seem like everyone else is doing it. He also found out that people respond better to personalized messages and requests, and that you can increase your chances of getting what you want by making a small request first. If you’re interested in learning more about how to influence people, then naval recommends this book!

18 . “Siddhartha” by Hermann Hesse

Naval’s favorite book is “Siddhartha” by Hermann Hesse. The book is about a man who leaves his family and home to follow his spiritual quest. Siddhartha travels to different teachers and learns from them, but ultimately he finds that the true path to enlightenment lies within himself. The book is beautiful and inspiring, and it has had a profound impact on naval’s life. Naval highly recommends “Siddhartha” to anyone who is seeking a deeper understanding of life.

19 . “The Elephant in the Brain” by Robin Hanson and Kevin Simler

If you’re looking for an engaging, thought-provoking read, “The Elephant in the Brain” by Robin Hanson and Kevin Simler is a great choice. The book explores the idea that we often display certain behaviors not because we want to, but because it serves some sort of hidden agenda. For example, we might pretend to be generous in order to gain social status or act like we’re interested in someone when really we just want their money. While this might sound cynical, the authors present their argument in a highly readable and entertaining way, backed up by research and real-world examples. Naval even called it his favorite book, so you know it’s good!

20 . “The Network State” by Balaji Srinivasan

If you’re looking for a book that will change the way you think about the future of the internet, then you need to check out “The Network State” by Balaji Srinivasan. This book is the naval’s favorite book and it’s easy to see why. It offers a bold vision for how the internet will evolve over the next few years and it’s crammed full of insights that will leave you feeling excited about the future. If you’re looking for a book that will challenge your assumptions and get you thinking about the future in new ways, then this is the book for you.

Conclusion

So, if you’re looking for a good read and some essential self-development advice, look no further than Naval’s list of favorite books. Who knows? You might even find your new favorite book on this list!

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