Books have the power to open new horizons, inspire visions, and shape the way we see the world. It’s no coincidence that many of the world’s most influential leaders and figures—from Bill Gates to Barack Obama to Oprah Winfrey—often turn to books as a source of wisdom, inspiration, and peace. For them, reading is not just a passion, but a ritual that has helped them make decisions, build empathy, and stay connected to the world beyond politics or business.
Bill Gates – Curiosity as a guide
The Microsoft founder is a voracious reader, known for his annual recommendation lists. Gates has singled out titles like “Enlightenment Now” by Steven Pinker, a book that emphasizes human progress thanks to reason and science, or “How to Avoid a Climate Disaster” – written by himself as a reflection on one of the greatest global challenges. For Gates, books are a way to understand the present and think about solutions for the future.
Barack Obama – Books as windows to the world
The former US president is known for his summer and winter reading lists, which often include literature that reflects cultural and historical diversity. Among the books he has mentioned are “Song of Solomon” by Toni Morrison, which reflects the power of African-American identity, or “Sapiens” by Yuval Noah Harari, a reflection on the history of humanity. For Obama, books are windows to different worlds and tools for building universal empathy.
Oprah Winfrey – Books that Heal and Empower
Oprah is perhaps the world's greatest ambassador for reading. Through Oprah's Book Club, she has brought hundreds of titles to the public, turning them into global bestsellers. For her, books like Gary Zukav's The Seat of the Soul and Eckhart Tolle's A New Earth have been fundamental to her spiritual and emotional development. Oprah believes that books have the power to heal and empower, helping individuals find their own meaning in life.
A list to inspire
From philosophical reflections to historical analyses, from visions of science to spiritual books, these titles show that even the greatest leaders need a guide. Reading has made them wiser, more empathetic, and better prepared to face global challenges. Perhaps for us too, choosing a single book from these lists can become a small step toward a life richer in ideas, meaning, and inspiration.
Photo by Oziel Gómez:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/eyeglasses-on-opened-book-beside-cup-of-coffee-on-table-2846814/
