Bill Gates’ Book Recommendations: A Curated Reading List from a Visionary Thinker

Bill Gate poses for a portrait at NPR headquarters in Washington, D.C., June 13, 2024. — Bill Gates poses for a portrait at NPR headquarters in Washington, D.C., June 13, 2024.

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and one of the world’s most prominent philanthropists, is as well-known for his voracious reading habits as he is for his technological and humanitarian achievements. Through his blog, Gates Notes, Gates regularly shares his insights on the books he’s reading, spanning a wide range of topics, including science, history, health, and personal development. Below is a curated list of some of Gates’ standout recommendations and a brief overview of why these books caught his attention.

Science and Technology

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

Gates praises Harari’s ability to synthesize complex historical and evolutionary concepts into an engaging narrative. The book explores humanity’s journey from hunter-gatherers to the modern age, providing insights into how our species has shaped and been shaped by the world around us. It dives into the cognitive revolution, agricultural advancements, and industrial transformations that have defined human history.

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Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

Audible Audiobook
Yuval Noah Harari (Author) – Derek Perkins (Narrator)
English (Publication Language)
08/15/2017 (Publication Date) – HarperAudio (Publisher)

What makes this book stand out to Gates is its ability to connect the dots between science, sociology, and history in a way that feels accessible and thought-provoking. It raises important questions about where humanity is headed and challenges readers to think critically about our impact on the planet and each other.

The Gene: An Intimate History by Siddhartha Mukherjee

A favorite for its exploration of genetics and its profound implications for humanity, Gates appreciates how Mukherjee combines science with personal anecdotes. The book traces the history of genetic research, from Gregor Mendel’s pea plants to the groundbreaking Human Genome Project, shedding light on how genes influence everything from our appearance to our susceptibility to diseases.

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The Gene: An Intimate History

Mukherjee, Siddhartha (Author)
English (Publication Language)
608 Pages – 05/02/2017 (Publication Date) – Scribner (Publisher)

Gates is particularly drawn to Mukherjee’s ability to humanize science, weaving together stories of scientists and patients to show the real-world implications of genetic discoveries. It’s a compelling read that bridges the gap between complex science and personal storytelling.

How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates

While Gates authored this book, it reflects his deep commitment to addressing climate change. It’s a practical guide to achieving net-zero emissions, outlining actionable steps for governments, businesses, and individuals. Gates emphasizes the urgency of innovation in energy production, storage, and consumption to mitigate the effects of global warming.

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How to Avoid a Climate Disaster: The Solutions We Have and the Breakthroughs We Need

Gates, Bill (Author)
English (Publication Language)
272 Pages – 08/23/2022 (Publication Date) – Vintage (Publisher)

Through detailed analysis and case studies, the book provides a hopeful yet realistic blueprint for tackling one of the world’s biggest challenges. Gates uses his platform to inspire readers to consider their role in creating a sustainable future.

History and Biography

The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined by Steven Pinker

Gates often references this book for its optimistic view on the decline of violence over human history. Backed by extensive data and analysis, Pinker argues that humanity is living in one of the most peaceful eras ever, thanks to advancements in governance, trade, and cultural norms.

The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined [Steven Pinker]-Paperback

DeskFul (Publisher)

This book resonates with Gates because of its data-driven approach to optimism, a perspective that aligns with his views on progress. Pinker’s meticulous research and engaging writing style make it a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the trajectory of human civilization.

Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson

Gates admires Isaacson’s biography for portraying Leonardo’s insatiable curiosity and diverse talents. The book delves into da Vinci’s life as a painter, scientist, and inventor, revealing the genius behind iconic works like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.

Leonardo da Vinci

Amazon Kindle Edition
Isaacson, Walter (Author)
English (Publication Language)
808 Pages – 10/17/2017 (Publication Date) – Simon & Schuster (Publisher)

For Gates, this biography is not just a look at Leonardo’s accomplishments but a study of how curiosity and interdisciplinary thinking can drive innovation. It inspires readers to nurture their own curiosity and creativity.

Economics and Business

Factfulness: Ten Reasons Were Wrong About the World and Why Things Are Better Than You Think by Hans Rosling

This book profoundly resonates with Gates due to its data-driven optimism about the state of the world and its call for informed decision-making. Rosling and his co-authors use engaging stories and statistics to debunk misconceptions about global trends, such as poverty, health, and education.

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Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About the World–and Why Things Are Better Than You Think

Rosling, Hans (Author)
English (Publication Language)
352 Pages – 04/07/2020 (Publication Date) – Flatiron Books (Publisher)

Gates appreciates how the book empowers readers with the tools to think critically about the information they consume. It’s a refreshing reminder that, despite our challenges, progress is happening on many fronts.

Business Adventures by John Brooks

Gates has called this his favorite business book of all time. It’s a collection of fascinating stories from the business world, offering timeless lessons on risk, leadership, and resilience. Each chapter examines a specific company or event, from Ford’s Edsel debacle to the rise of Xerox.

Business Adventures Twelve Classic Tales from the World of Wall Street

Hardcover Book
John Brooks (Author)
English (Publication Language)
461 Pages – 01/01/2014 (Publication Date) – Open Road Integrated Media (Publisher)

What Gates finds most compelling is how Brooks captures the human side of business, showing how decisions made under pressure can lead to triumphs and failures. The lessons in this book remain relevant for today’s entrepreneurs and executives.

Health and Global Development

Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress by Steven Pinker

Another Pinker title, this book’s focus on progress aligns closely with Gates’ belief in innovation and science as drivers of positive change. Pinker argues that the principles of the Enlightenment—reason, science, and humanism—have led to remarkable advancements in human welfare.

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Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress

Pinker, Steven (Author)
English (Publication Language)
576 Pages – 01/15/2019 (Publication Date) – Penguin Books (Publisher)

Gates values the book’s thorough analysis and optimistic tone, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in humanity’s future. It’s a powerful reminder of what we can achieve through collaboration and evidence-based thinking.

Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End by Atul Gawande

Gates appreciates this book’s compassionate exploration of end-of-life care and its implications for healthcare systems. Gawande examines how modern medicine often prioritizes prolonging life over quality of life, and he advocates for a more patient-centered approach.

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Being Mortal

Gawande, Atul (Author)
English (Publication Language)
304 Pages – 09/05/2017 (Publication Date) – Metropolitan Books (Publisher)

For Gates, this book highlights the importance of empathy and innovation in addressing one of the most challenging aspects of healthcare. It’s a thought-provoking read that resonates with both professionals and lay readers.

Fiction Favorites

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

A rare fiction pick from Gates, this humorous and heartwarming story about a socially awkward professor resonates with readers on many levels. The protagonist’s journey to find love through a structured “Wife Project” is endearing and thought-provoking.

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The Rosie Project: A Novel

Simsion, Graeme (Author)
English (Publication Language)
295 Pages – 06/03/2014 (Publication Date) – Marysue Rucci Books (Publisher)

Gates enjoys this book for its lighthearted exploration of human relationships and the quirks that make us unique. It’s a reminder that sometimes, stepping outside our comfort zones can lead to unexpected joy.

Why Read Like Bill Gates?

Gates’ reading list reflects his endless curiosity and commitment to learning. By diving into these books, you gain insights into the subjects that have shaped his thinking and approach to solving global challenges. From understanding climate science to exploring humanity’s history, these titles offer valuable knowledge and inspiration.

To follow Bill Gates’ recommendations and reflections, visit his blog, Gates Notes. Whether you want to broaden your horizons or deepen your expertise, Gates’ reading list is a great place to start.

What’s next on your reading list? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned for more curated book recommendations from leading thinkers and innovators!

The Eclectic Educator is a free resource for everyone passionate about education and creativity. If you enjoy the content and want to support the newsletter, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Your support helps keep the insights and inspiration coming!

Drones over New Jersey? Here’s the original UFO tale…

“We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus,” declared the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security

Sure, folks. Nothing to fear here…

This isn’t the first time flying objects have been reported over New Jersey. In 1938, Orson Welles’ “War of the Worlds” radio broadcast made people panic.

Here it is, remastered for your listening pleasure…

Will AI Transform Teaching and Learning?

man in black and white polo shirt beside writing board — Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Larry Cuban has some great thoughts–as always–on the potential of AI to change education.

Yet there is little evidence that classroom use of these previous technologies forced classroom teachers to rethink, much less reshape, instruction. Nor have I found convincing evidence that these technologies altered fundamentally how teachers teach, increased student engagement, or raised test scores.

So I have concluded that those pushing AI use in classrooms fail to understand the complexity of teaching.

Yes, there have been any number of technological revolutions meant to forever change the landscape of teaching and learning. Most of these revolutions have fallen by the wayside or have never seen their true potential realized. I’m looking at you, 1:1 computing initiatives.

I’m of the mind that the failures of these technologies to revolutionize teaching and learning don’t fall on the technologies. They are, after all, just tools with no consciousness, no agenda, and no determination of how best to use them.

That part is up to us, the human implementors of said tools. When we can’t figure out how to leverage tools properly or, as is far more often the case, refuse to implement the tools, failure is assured.

Far too often, I hear the argument from some teachers that, “What I’m doing works, and I don’t need to learn anything new,” or the ever-so-sinister, “I only do my learning in the summer and don’t have time for this.”

Perhaps most damnable is this statement: “Technology has never been shown to increase test scores, so we don’t need to use it.”

Because all we’re worried about is test scores. And that’s the real problem.

OpenAI partners with Wharton for a new course focused on leveraging ChatGPT for teachers

clear mannequin on dark blue background — Photo by Tara Winstead on Pexels.com

OpenAI has partnered with the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School to launch a new course titled “AI in Education: Leveraging ChatGPT for Teaching.” This initiative aims to empower educators to effectively integrate generative AI into their teaching practices, enhancing learning experiences.

The class is just as much about what you as a teacher can do with AI to make your life better and make you a more effective educator, a less stressed out educator, as much as it is about how do you create assignments for your students? – Ethan Mollick

Professors Lilach and Ethan Mollick, co-founders of Wharton’s generative AI lab, co-teach the course. They emphasize the program’s dual focus: assisting educators in using AI to improve their teaching efficiency and developing assignments that engage students with AI tools.

Ethan Mollick notes that while discussions about AI in education often center on concerns like cheating and plagiarism, the course aims to highlight AI’s positive transformations to pedagogy. By embracing AI, educators can create more dynamic and personalized learning environments.

This collaboration reflects a broader trend in higher education to adapt to technological advancements and prepare educators and students for the evolving landscape of AI in the classroom.

How Open Education Can Support Digital Literacy

a woman wearing volunteer shirt sitting beside elderly man holding tablet computer — Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

Open Education isn’t just about creating and using free tools for education. It’s about connecting with the ideas around open education and open source to create a more equitable space for us all.

Clint Lalonde shares two ideas on how open education can support digital literacy skills, as outlined in the British Columbia post-secondary Digital Literacy Framework.

While the first idea of having students edit/add Wikipedia articles is great, the second one, using GenAI tools to modify open texts, is a winner.

The second example I used focused on educators, and I picked a more contemporary example of using an open textbook with Generative AI to develop ancillary support materials using the open textbook as the reference material. When I was at the Open Education conference in Providence a few weeks ago, there were a few presentations about how educators are using GenAI with openly licensed materials to modify, adapt, or create ancillary resources. A particularly powerful example of this is instructors uploading a chapter of an openly licensed textbook to a GenAI tool, then asking the tool to rewrite the chapter to adjust the reading level.

And here is his full CC-BY licensed slide deck.

Are you cheating if you use AI? Workforce leaders may not think so

The debate about AI usage in schools rages as some educators want to block all AI access, and some want to embrace the new technology and leverage it for learning.

A core tension has emerged: Many teachers want to keep AI out of our classrooms, but also know that future workplaces may demand AI literacy.

What we call cheating, business could see as efficiency and progress.

A new book, Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning, aims to help teachers discover how to harness and manage AI as a powerful teaching tool.

AI is a fabulous tool for getting started or unstuck. AI puts together old ideas in new ways and can do this at scale: It will make creativity easier for everyone.

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Teaching with AI: A Practical Guide to a New Era of Human Learning

C. Edward Watson (Author)
English (Publication Language)
280 Pages – 04/30/2024 (Publication Date) – Johns Hopkins University Press (Publisher)

Where are you on the AI in schools debate? Fan or foe?

Meta will work with researchers to study Instagram’s impact on teens

photo of woman in gray shirt — Photo by Min An on Pexels.com

The Atlantic reports that a group of researchers will get access to Instagram’s data to study how the platform affects the mental health of teens and young adults.

Now, after years of contentious relationships with academic researchers, Meta is opening a small pilot program that would allow a handful of them to access Instagram data for up to about six months in order to study the app’s effect on the well-being of teens and young adults. The company will announce today that it is seeking proposals that focus on certain research areas—investigating whether social-media use is associated with different effects in different regions of the world, for example—and that it plans to accept up to seven submissions. Once approved, researchers will be able to access relevant data from study participants—how many accounts they follow, for example, or how much they use Instagram and when. Meta has said that certain types of data will be off-limits, such as user-demographic information and the content of media published by users; a full list of eligible data is forthcoming, and it is as yet unclear whether internal information related to ads that are served to users or Instagram’s content-sorting algorithm, for example, might be provided. The program is being run in partnership with the Center for Open Science, or COS, a nonprofit. Researchers, not Meta, will be responsible for recruiting the teens, and will be required to get parental consent and take privacy precautions.

It’s a much-needed step forward from Meta to participate in research like this. While I’m no fan of blocking access to social media or smartphones for teens, there is no question about the effects social media can have on teens.

The End of the Experiment

Greetings Starfighters,

It’s mid-July, and the sun is beating down on my old Kentucky home with an intensity that I don’t have the words to describe. The new school year is coming, and already, the calendar fills with meetings, conferences, and all the usual trappings.

The past weekend provided what may prove to be the turning point in the 2024 US presidential election.

I still don’t know how to describe my religious upbringing. While I’m not sure it was a full-blown cult, it certainly echoed many of the telltale signs of Christian cults. And those groups have only grown in size and number in the past twenty years, especially since a black man was elected president.

I am disturbed by the growing number of people who are assigning former President Trump almost godlike status, emphasizing that he is untouchable and ordained to lead.

It sounds an awful lot like what good Christians are supposed to be on watch for to know the arrival of the Antichrist, if you believe such things.

All I know is that, after this weekend’s assassination attempt, I’m inclined to agree with John Naughton’s assessment that the American experiment with democracy is ending.

A dark cloud hangs over this country, and my mind turns to my daughter and all the students I serve. What will happen next, and how will it affect their future?

Quote of the Day

“But most of the terrible things that happen in this land don’t happen because of evil men, not really. They happen because of people who just don’t know any better.” (Sebastien de Castell, Traitor’s Blade)

Musical Interlude

This summer’s Dave Matthews Band tour has seen the resurrection of several older songs from the band’s catalog. One of those making regular appearances is one of my favorites, The Last Stop.

Here’s a live version from this past May:

Long Read of the Day

Last week at a conference, an interesting session asked two teachers to dribble a basketball for 30 seconds without stopping. When they failed, the only feedback given was “try harder.”

How many times have we heard that? How many times have we been the ones telling students that? Does it really work? Can’t they just be more resilient and try harder?

They can, but trying harder doesn’t always accomplish the goal, and, more often than not, it just frustrates you. Resiliency isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. Soraya Chemaly talks more about The Resilience Myth…

Over years I had really absorbed the idea that resilience was 9/10th the ability to persevere, be gritty, try to stay optimistic, etc. and 1/10th having a supportive social circle. When my family was thrown into the deep end of a crisis, it became clear that nothing I could do as an individual could compare to what we all needed, which was a combination of love, friendship, compassionate listeners, and actual material resources, such as access to good health care and medicine.

Video of the Day

Can AI create a documentary film? Maybe…

Artistic legend Brian Eno is featured in a unique documentary that changes every time it’s watched. The film uses special software to create countless versions of Eno’s story, a story that the producers are constantly adding more content to. I’m sure it’s a trip, as most anything associated with Eno always has been. But, the ideas behind the film’s creation echo much of Eno’s own ideas about the constantly changing nature of the world around us.

Final Thoughts

Maybe we should rethink our facts of life…

Friday, May 3, 2024

Greetings Starfighters,

The enemy is at the gates, things have fallen apart. The center does not hold…

Yes, I’m being dramatic. The climax of Derby Week is here in Kentucky with the running of the Kentucky Oaks today and the 150th Kentucky Derby tomorrow. I’ll avoid downtown Louisville this weekend at all costs to leave the visitors to their frivolities and watch as they leave behind the memories of too many mint juleps and not enough gambling wins to make the journey worthwhile.

Also, I have some guidelines on how to prepare the best mint julep for your Derby parties. Pour a shot of bourbon, neat or on ice, however you prefer. Take all the other julep ingredients and throw them in the trash. Enjoy your bourbon.

Seriously. Mint juleps are gross. And I like mint.

I’m more focused on Star Wars Day and Free Comic Book Day. The universe conspired to have both events fall on the same day as the Derby, leaving alternative entertainment plans and celebrations for those not so enamored with seeing horses who’ve had too many beatings carry jockeys around an oval for two minutes, running so hard that they nearly die. Of course, if they get injured while running, the likelihood they will die increases. Sometimes, they euthanize the horse right on the track.

We’re going to catch The Phantom Menace in the theater today, and I’m taking my kiddo to our local comic shop on Saturday to grab a free comic (and pick up a copy of Space Ghost #1 if they have any left!).

But, I’ll still sit down for a few minutes, catch the Louisville Cardinal Marching Band play “My Old Kentucky Home” before the Derby, and sing along with a tear in my eye. As much as I don’t care for the Derby, there are some traditions I’ll happily participate in this weekend.

Quote of the Day

“Good writing is often about letting go of fear and affectation. Affectation itself, beginning with the need to define some sorts of writing as “good” and other sorts as “bad,” is fearful behavior. Good writing is also about making good choices when it comes to picking the tools you plan to work with.” (Stephen King, On Writing)

The core of what our dark leader, Stephen King, is getting at here is to become good at writing—or anything, really—you have to get past your own doubts and fears and just do it. Nothing gets done until something is done, and nothing changes until something changes.

To put it in scientific terms, “an object at rest tends to stay at rest, an object in motion tends to stay in motion unless acted on by an outside force.”

The outside force is you, or maybe your will. Regardless, until you do something, your fears will always win. They’re not going to go away (it’d be nice, but they won’t), so you may as well make peace with them and let them know who’s really in charge.

Musical Interlude

I love Debussy’s Clair de Lune. Love it. There’s something about the layers of rolling chords, the dynamic range from almost a whisper to a swelling roar. For me, it’s a perfect piece of music and sounds equally brilliant whether a master pianist delivers a solo or the full orchestra carries the musical load. Here’s a great interpretation (with great acoustics) to brighten your day.

Long Read of the Day

If you’ve ever wondered exactly why your favorite (or least favorite) celebrity gets to write a book, there’s a reason. The publishing industry mainly focuses on celebrity books and repeat bestsellers to make money. Most books sell very few copies, with only a small percentage achieving high sales numbers. Big advances for books don’t guarantee high sales, and backlist books contribute significantly to publishers’ revenues.

Elle Griffin explores the events of the failed Penguin Random House/Simon & Schuster merger detailed in the book The Trial and reveals some of the nasty bits about the publishing industry.

Video of the Day

I’m double-dipping here with another music video—god, why did MTV ever stop playing them—but this is excellent and I’m going to force all of you to appreciate classical music before I’m done (Mayhap not, but I’m still gonna try.)

Evan Goldfine has an excellent newsletter on listening to Bach, and yesterday, he released a “beginner’s guide” that provides several entry points for your Bach journey. Yo-Yo Ma and Chris Thile are personal favorites, so seeing them mentioned along with bassist Edgar Meyer was a treat. Here they are playing a rendition of Bach’s Trio Sonata No. 6 in G Major from their 2017 ‘Bach Trios’ release.

Final Thoughts

Enjoy the weekend, gang. Make time for coffee, reading, and maybe some pizza. And spend time with those you love because they’re all we’ve got when it all ends. The rest is just bonus points.

A bit of techno typing

What happens when you give kids support and an open playground?

Austin Kleon’s son, Owen, dropped his latest SoundCloud album.

He’s 11.

My favorite track, Typing, is embedded here. It’s a banger of creativity. And heavily influenced by Kraftwerk and Daft Punk, just like I am.

Oh, the possibilities.