10 Books Tim Ferriss Thinks Every Entrepreneur Should Read

Looking for inspiration? Here are 10 of Tim Ferriss’s favorite books for entrepreneurs.

By Emily Conklin • May 16, 2019

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Tim Ferriss, the productivity expert, author and inspirational speaker, is an avid reader. On his show and blog, he’s highlighted a whole host of books, seeking to share some of the same wisdom that inspires him.

From self-help to science fiction, there’s something for everyone in Ferriss’s library of recommendations. Get ready to spend your Sunday mornings curled up with one — or several — of these books.

Anything You Want (Derek Sivers)

What’s worth doing in life? This is the question that fabled entrepreneur Derek Sivers answers in this audiobook, packing 10 years of experience into a compact 90 minutes.

Ferriss’s take

Radical Acceptance (Tara Brach)

Tara Brach, a Buddhist student and therapist, wants to show the world how to trust in the innate goodness of humanity. Self-doubt is a part of the modern human condition, leading to many profound sources of suffering, but through a variety of storytelling techniques from case histories to guided meditations, readers can emerge from this book free of constrictions.

Ferriss’s take

How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big (Scott Adams)

The creator of the Dilbert comic strip wants to help you succeed by telling you all about his failures. Scott Adams doesn’t offer a road map in his book but rather examples of tricks to make it easier for luck to find you.

Ferriss’s take: “Scott, the creator of Dilbert, has an incredible approach to ‘career planning’ that’s as effective as it is unusual. He’s beaten all the odds and can help you do the same.”

The Art of Asking (Amanda Palmer)

No one makes it big without a little help from some friends. Amanda Palmer, musician and TED speaker, knows the life of a starving artist — but most importantly, she knows how and when to ask for help along the way.

Ferriss’s take

Creativity, Inc. (Ed Catmull)

Pixar co-founder Ed Catmull knows that creativity is an essential ingredient for success. The man who helped bring iconic films such as Toy Story and Monsters, Inc. into the world was able to crush box office records by curating a work environment focused on eliminating barriers to the creative process. His book can teach readers how to incorporate creative energy into their own work in any field.

Ferriss’s take

Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman! (Richard P. Feynman)

In this autobiography, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman guides readers through adventures of his eccentric mind.

Ferriss’s take

Dune (Frank Herbert)

Dune is set 20,000 years in the future and is full of mystery and intrigue. Noble families, drugs and war converge to form a compelling and complex narrative that analyzes power and prestige — and what it means to be an epic tale.

Ferriss’s take

Ender’s Game (Orson Scott Card)

In anticipation of an attack from a hostile alien race, Andrew “Ender” Wiggin is specially selected to train in space combat, excelling in all areas of school. But struggling with pressure and managing expectations makes for a hard and lonely ascent to the top.

Ferriss’s take: “Through Ender’s journey, you’ll learn how to capitalize on your strengths and those of your teammates, as well as exploit your adversaries’ weaknesses. Ender is a futuristic Level 5 Leader we can all learn from.”

Musashi (Eiji Yoshikawa)

As thick and fast-paced as a Harry Potter book, this is an epic story of a samurai. From raging battle scenes to pensive transformations, the plot plunges into everything from near-death experiences to Zen monkhood.

Ferriss’s take

Zorba the Greek (Nikos Kazantzakis)

This classic novel tells the story of two men and an extraordinary friendship. After departing on an adventure to Crete, the unlikely friends teach each other about the joys of living in the moment.