Originals
Adam Grant · 2016
”enjoyed the shit out of it. Highly recommend”
Also recommended by: Anthony Pompliano · Arianna Huffington · Peter Thiel · Ray Dalio · Richard Branson · Seth Godin · Sheryl Sandberg
Writer and illustrator · Wait But Why
Books recommended by Tim Urban
Tim Urban is the writer and illustrator behind Wait But Why, an American blog known for long, deeply researched posts that explain complex topics — from artificial intelligence to procrastination — with humor and hand-drawn diagrams. His didactic style, which turns difficult concepts into accessible narratives, has won millions of readers and earned partnerships with names like Elon Musk.
His reading recommendations tend to reflect the same eclectic curiosity as the blog: books that challenge how the reader sees the world, spanning science, philosophy, history, and human behavior. Anyone who follows Wait But Why will find in Urban's recommendations a list consistent with his obsession with ideas that shift perspectives.
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Atomic Habits
James Clear · 2018
”I'd attribute about 60% of my good habits to his blog and this book is rapidly filling in the other 40%.”
Our Final Invention
James Barrat
”which I think is the best overall resource on AI.”
Hit Makers
Derek Thompson · 2017
”Every time I talk to @DKThomp, I can't stop taking my phone out to jot down insights that pop up in the convo. His book has the same effect.”
Station Eleven (Television Tie-In)
Emily St. John Mandel · 2014
”Station Eleven should be required reading to remind everyone that we all live in an incredible magical utopic civilization”
Also recommended by: George Martin
Option B
Sheryl Sandberg · 2017
”a powerful book about a life skill we all need: resilience.”
Barking up the Wrong Tree
Eric Barker · 2014
”A mountain of scientific research on success distilled into a quick, enjoyable read.”
Dream Teams
Shane Snow · 2018
”@shanesnow is an insanely interesting human.”
TED Talks
Chris Anderson · 2016
”Read @TEDchris's guide to public speaking book while prepping for my TED Talk and found it HUGELY helpful”
Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
Mark Manson · 2016
”He's an awesome writer.”
The Biggest Bluff
Maria Konnikova · 2018
”One of the most insightful and best storytellers around.”