Books Recommended by Kevin Kelly
As an Amazon Associate, we earn money from purchases made through links in this page.
The Ultimate Resource
Julian Lincoln Simon
Source: "[The author]’s clarifying insight—that mind and intelligence can overcome any physical limitations, and are therefore the only scarce resource—has become a big idea that colors much of what I look at today." - Kevin Kelly
1 recommenderFuture Shock
Alvin Toffler
Source: "[The author] was the one who introduced the term 'future shock' which was that people would actually have like a resistance or a reaction to the future." - Kevin Kelly
2 recommendersLeaves of Grass
The Original 1855 Edition
Walt Whitman
Source: "While reading this classic poetic ode to America and possibilities ('I am multitude!') my gasket blew, and I became seized with an unstoppable urge to travel." - Kevin Kelly
2 recommendersGandhi
An Autobiography - The Story of My Experiments With Truth
Mahatma Gandhi
Source: "[This book] curiously led me to Jesus. [The author]'s stance of radical honesty prompted me to attempt the same. It started my spiritual awakening." - Kevin Kelly
3 recommendersShantaram
Gregory David Roberts
Source: "You get an incredibly vivid, immersive, deep, and in some ways uplifting view of India and the underworld in India, into that part of Asia." - Kevin Kelly
Gödel, Escher, Bach
An Eternal Golden Braid
Douglas R. Hofstadter
Source: "Over the years, I kept finding myself returning to its insights, and each time I would arrive at them at a deeper level." - Kevin Kelly
So Good They Can't Ignore You
Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love
Cal Newport
Source: "What you really want to do is to master something and to use your mastering of something as a way to get to your passion." - Kevin Kelly
4 recommendersThe Fountainhead
Ayn Rand
Source: "By the end of the book, I decided to drop out of school. I never returned. It was the best decision of my life." - Kevin Kelly
The Adventures of Johnny Bunko
The Last Career Guide You'll Ever Need
Daniel Pink
Source: "It's a cartoon, basically, and it's aimed at young people as trying to teach them how to become indispensable." - Kevin Kelly
1 recommenderIt's All Too Much
An Easy Plan for Living a Richer Life with Less Stuff
Peter Walsh
Source: "I actually gave it a whole page [in my book 'Cool Tools'] because I thought the message was so profound." - Kevin Kelly
1 recommenderPeopleware
Productive Projects and Teams
Tom DeMarco
Source: "A hugely underappreciated book. I remember all kinds of things from it." - Kevin Kelly
2 recommendersChildhood's End
Arthur C. Clarke
Source: "This story of a singularity always stuck with me as something to prepare for." - Kevin Kelly
2 recommendersThe Essential Rumi
Jalal Al-Din Rumi
Source: "There is nothing that I enjoy more than at night reading Rumi." - Kevin Kelly
Finite and Infinite Games
James Carse
Source: "Gave me a mathematical framework for my own spirituality." - Kevin Kelly
What the Dormouse Said
How the Sixties Counter culture Shaped the Personal Computer Industry
John Markoff
Source: "About the hippy origins of the personal computer industry." - Kevin Kelly
1 recommenderThe Sound of the One Hand
281 Zen Koans with Answers
Yoel Hoffman
Source: Kevin Kelly recommended this book in the "Tools of Titans" book.
1 recommender- 4 recommenders
Regional Advantage
Culture and Competition in Silicon Valley and Route 128
AnnaLee Saxenian
Source: "A really good book." - Kevin Kelly
1 recommender
FAQ
Did Kevin Kelly recommend all these books?
While this list primarily comprises books enthusiastically recommended by Kevin Kelly, it also includes a variety of titles that Kevin Kelly has mentioned or suggested in various contexts. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive reading list that reflects Kevin Kelly's literary influences, interests, and recommendations, though not every book on the list may be an explicit endorsement.
How do you know Kevin Kelly mentioned these books?
Our team meticulously verifies each book mention attributed to Kevin Kelly. This involves extensive research, including reviewing interviews, articles, podcasts, social media posts, and other public statements where Kevin Kelly has discussed their reading preferences. The sources validating these mentions are linked next to each book for transparency and to provide our users with the context in which Kevin Kelly referred to the book.
Did Kevin Kelly actually create this list?
No, Kevin Kelly did not personally compile this list. Our editorial team curates these reading lists by consolidating all verified mentions and recommendations from Kevin Kelly. We ensure the authenticity of the list by providing sources for each recommendation. These lists are intended to reflect Kevin Kelly's reading tastes and influences as accurately as possible.
Are these books endorsed or sponsored by Kevin Kelly?
The books listed are not part of any endorsement or sponsorship agreement with Kevin Kelly. They are selected based on genuine mentions and recommendations made by Kevin Kelly in various public platforms. Our goal is to provide readers with an authentic insight into the reading preferences of influential individuals.
How often is the list updated?
We update these lists regularly to include new recommendations or mentions by Kevin Kelly. Our team keeps a close eye on Kevin Kelly's latest interviews, writings, and public statements to ensure the list remains current and comprehensive.
Can I suggest a book to add to the list?
While we primarily focus on books directly mentioned by Kevin Kelly, we welcome suggestions from our readers. If you know of a book that Kevin Kelly has talked about but is not featured on our list, feel free to contact us with the source of the mention, and our editorial team will review it for potential inclusion.
How can I find books recommended by other individuals?
Our website features a wide range of reading lists curated based on the recommendations of various successful individuals. You can easily browse these lists through our navigation menu or use our search feature to find lists associated with specific individuals.
Any feedback? Email us