22 Best Entrepreneurship Books
We analyzed 5+ expert sources, curated book lists, and recommendations from successful people to find the 22 best entrepreneurship books according to the internet — not just one person's opinion. Each book on this list was mentioned by at least two independent sources, and the ranking is based on how frequently each title appears across all sources studied. This consensus-based approach ensures you get recommendations backed by multiple experts, not a single reviewer's bias.
Goal: Find the best Entrepreneurship books according to the internet (not just one person's opinion).
Method:
- Search for "best entrepreneurship books" and study the top 5+ pages.
- Add only the books mentioned 2+ times.
- Rank the results neatly here.
22 Best Entrepreneurship Books
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The Lean Startup
How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses
Also recommended by
15 people
Andrew Ng recommended this bookAndrew Ng
"Gives one specific tactic for innovating quickly." - Andrew Ng
Andrew Ng's recommendation of this book
Ben Horowitz recommended this bookBen Horowitz
"Great." - Ben Horowitz
Ben Horowitz's recommendation of this book
Dustin Moskovitz recommended this bookDustin Moskovitz
"At Asana, we've been lucky to benefit from [the author]'s advice firsthand; this book will enable him to help many more entrepreneurs answer the tough questions about their business." - Dustin Moskovitz
Dustin Moskovitz's recommendation of this book
Jason Calacanis recommended this bookJason Calacanis
"You need to read [this book]." - Jason Calacanis
Jason Calacanis's recommendation of this book
Kevin Systrom recommended this bookKevin Systrom
"The principles from [this book], I still apply today." - Kevin Systrom
Kevin Systrom's recommendation of this book
Marc Andreessen recommended this bookMarc Andreessen
"[The author] has created a science where previously there was only art. A must read for every serious entrepreneur—and every manager interested in innovation." - Marc Andreessen
Marc Andreessen's recommendation of this book +9
More recommendations
- Mark Cuban
One of the 7 books Mark Cuban credits his success to.
- Mike Maples, Jr.
"[I was] lucky enough to have a front-row seat at the birth of these ideas." - Mike Maples, Jr.
- Tim O’Reilly
"[This book] isn't just about how to create a more successful entrepreneurial business, it's about what we can learn from those businesses to improve virtually everything we do." - Tim O’Reilly
- Chris Dixon
Chris Dixon recommended this book on Twitter.
- Raoul Pal
Raoul Pal recommended this book on Twitter.
- Sheryl Sandberg
"Provides a great inside look at how the tech industry approaches building products and businesses." - Sheryl Sandberg
- Steve Blank
"A 'must have' for your shelf." - Steve Blank
- Marty Cagan
"Buy it." - Marty Cagan
- Patrick Bet-David
Patrick Bet-David recommended this book on his website.
- Mark Cuban
The 4-Hour Workweek
Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich
Also recommended by
26 people
Eric Weinstein recommended this bookEric Weinstein
Eric Weinstein tweet about books that mattered enough to him.
Eric Weinstein's recommendation of this book
Tristan Harris recommended this bookTristan Harris
Tristan Harris mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
Tristan Harris's recommendation of this book
Charles Poliquin recommended this bookCharles Poliquin
Charles Poliquin recommended this book in the "Tools of Titans" book.
Charles Poliquin's recommendation of this book
Walter Isaacson recommended this bookWalter Isaacson
"[The author has] a great curiosity and [...] a great love for things." - Walter Isaacson
Walter Isaacson's recommendation of this book
Daniel Pink recommended this bookDaniel Pink
Daniel Pink mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
Daniel Pink's recommendation of this book
Blake Mycoskie recommended this bookBlake Mycoskie
"I read [this book] right when I started Toms. There’s so many things that I took from [it] that allowed Toms to have this incredible growth." - Blake Mycoskie
Blake Mycoskie's recommendation of this book +20
More recommendations
- David Heinemeier Hansson
"My key takeaway from [this book] was the concept of lifestyle design." - DHH
- Marc Andreessen
"[The author] basically takes all of the time management and personal productivity theories of the last 20 to 30 years and pushes them to 11, to paraphrase 'Spinal Tap.'" - Marc Andreessen
- Jason Silva
"I was very affected by [this book]. I was like this guy has it figured out." - Jason Silva
- Mike Shinoda
"I do talk about [this book] quite a bit." - Mike Shinoda
- Mark Bell
"Taught me better ways to manage my time and the value of not making myself too busy." - Mark Bell
- Maurice Ashley
"Made me ditch the average life in search of one with complete flexibility and freedom to live life on my terms." - Maurice Ashley
- Tim Draper
"With this kind of time management and focus on the important things in life, people should be able to get 15 times as much done in a normal work week." - Tim Draper
- Derek Sivers
"Brilliant reversal of all of the 'how to manage all your crap' books." - Derek Sivers
- Rolf Potts
"Challenges the reader to seriously consider an essential–yet rarely asked–question: What do you really want from life?" - Rolf Potts
- A.J. Jacobs
A.J. Jacobs mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
- Caterina Fake
Caterina Fake mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
- Ev Williams
On the "books read" section of Ev Williams' GoodReads profile.
- Gary Keller
"This is a significant book." - Gary Keller
- Laura R Walker
"For those who struggle with productivity and taking control of their lives, [I give this book], of course!" - Laura R Walker
- Marc Goodman
One of Marc Goodman's most-gifted or recommended books.
- Mike Maples, Jr.
"If you want to live life on your own terms, this is your blueprint." - Mike Maples, Jr.
- Lewis Howes
"I've only probably read 4 books cover to cover. [This is one of them.]" - Lewis Howes
- Jodie Cook
"Life and work are reimagined and built back from scratch, in a way optimised for freedom and enjoyment." - Jodie Cook
- Brian Dean
"This book created thousands of entrepreneurs over the last 15 years… including me." - Brian Dean
- Michael Hyatt
Michael Hyatt recommended this book on his website.
- David Heinemeier Hansson
The Hard Thing About Hard Things
Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers
Also recommended by
22 people
Peter Thiel recommended this bookPeter Thiel
"[The author] has written the first true guide for protecting a startup from self-sabotage." - Peter Thiel
Peter Thiel's recommendation of this book
Mark Zuckerberg recommended this bookMark Zuckerberg
"For anyone insterested in building, growing, or leading a great company, this book is an incredibly valuable resource." - Mark Zuckerberg
Mark Zuckerberg's recommendation of this book
Peter Attia recommended this bookPeter Attia
One of Peter Attia's answers to "any books you feel would make your reading list?"
Peter Attia's recommendation of this book
Marc Andreessen recommended this bookMarc Andreessen
"Let’s just say, we started out relationship with vigorous disagreement, and we’ve continued that to this day." - Marc Andreessen
Marc Andreessen's recommendation of this book
Larry Page recommended this bookLarry Page
"An inspiring story of a business rebirth through sheer willpower." - Larry Page
Larry Page's recommendation of this book
Matt Mullenweg recommended this bookMatt Mullenweg
"Entertaining more than anything. I read [this book], I was like: I would never work for this guy. But entertaining and some good lessons." - Matt Mullenweg
Matt Mullenweg's recommendation of this book +16
More recommendations
- Andrew Ng
"A bit dark but it does cover a lot of useful territory on what building an organization is like." - Andrew Ng
- Drew Houston
"One of the great things that [the author] wrote in [this book] is the hardest part of being a CEO is managing your psychology." - Drew Houston
- Keith Rabois
"Reflects 2000-2003." - Keith Rabois
- Dustin Moskovitz
Dustin Moskovitz recommended this book during a Stanford lecture in 2014.
- Max Levchin
One of Max Levchin's answers to "what's your favourite business book you'd advise to young entrepreneurs?"
- Luis von Ahn
"I like this one, but it’s not for very new entrepreneurs." - Luis von Ahn
- Kathryn Minshew
Most Recommended Books reached out to Kathryn Minshew directly.
- Andrew Wilkinson
"One of the best business books I've picked up in years." - Andrew Wilkinson
- Tim Ferriss
"A great book." - Tim Ferriss
- Blake Scholl
"Good." - Blake Scholl
- Chris Dixon
Chris Dixon recommended this book on Twitter.
- Fred Wilson
"Chapter five in [this book] is possibly the best thing I've read about leading a tech company." - Fred Wilson
- Raoul Pal
"By far, the best, most brutally honest and incredibly useful book about the realities of starting and running a company." - Raoul Pal
- Jodie Cook
"Reframes your mind: hard doesn’t mean bad. Seeking the easy route is a trap." - Jodie Cook
- Michael Dell
"Candidly talks about the very real thrills and perils of starting a business."- Michael Dell
- Marty Cagan
"Trust me: if you're a leader in tech, the best thing you can do in 2014 for your company is to read [this book]." - Marty Cagan
- Andrew Ng
Zero to One
Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future
Also recommended by
22 people
Andrew Ng recommended this bookAndrew Ng
"Gives an overview of entrepreneurship and innovation." - Andrew Ng
Andrew Ng's recommendation of this book
Ben Horowitz recommended this bookBen Horowitz
"I learned a lot reading it." - Ben Horowitz
Ben Horowitz's recommendation of this book
Bryan Johnson recommended this bookBryan Johnson
"A must read." - Bryan Johnson
Bryan Johnson's recommendation of this book
Chris Dixon recommended this bookChris Dixon
Chris Dixon recommended this book on Twitter.
Chris Dixon's recommendation of this book
Dustin Moskovitz recommended this bookDustin Moskovitz
Dustin Moskovitz recommended this book during a Stanford lecture in 2014.
Dustin Moskovitz's recommendation of this book
Elon Musk recommended this bookElon Musk
"[This author] has built multiple breakthrough companies, and [this book] shows how." - Elon Musk
Elon Musk's recommendation of this book +16
More recommendations
- Eric Weinstein
"If you really understand something that the rest of the world is confused about, and it’s an important truth, [this book] says here are all the ways you might want to make that work." - Eric Weinstein
- Keith Rabois
Keith Rabois recommended this book on a Medium blog post.
- Kishore Biyani
"Captures some interesting perspectives and insights on the way the world and the business organisations are changing and challenging the status quo." - Kishore Biyani
- Lee Stranahan
"A great business book." - Lee Stranahan
- Luis von Ahn
"I love [this book]." - Luis von Ahn
- Marc Andreessen
"The first book any working or aspiring entrepreneur must read—period." - Marc Andreessen
- Mark Zuckerberg
"This book delivers completely new and refreshing ideas on how to create value in the world." - Mark Zuckerberg
- Matt Mullenweg
"[This book] was excellent." - Matt Mullenweg
- Max Levchin
One of Max Levchin's answers to "what's your favourite business book you'd advise to young entrepreneurs?"
- Nassim Taleb
"When a risk taker writes a book, read it. In the case of [this author], read it twice. Or, to be safe, three times. This is a classic." - Nassim Taleb
- Sam Altman
This book was on Sam Altman's bookshelf.
- Patrick O'Shaughnessy
"An obvious suggestion, because [this book] is the talk of the town and sits at the top of bestseller lists everywhere." - Patrick O'Shaughnessy
- Tom Bilyeu
Tom Bilyeu recommended this book on his website.
- Ryan Petersen
"[Part of] my biz book canon." - Ryan Petersen
- Brian Dean
"Business classic that lives up to the hype. Completely reframes what a startup should do with their product and positioning." - Brian Dean
- Rupert Murdoch
"Brilliant, often provocative." - Rupert Murdoch
- Eric Weinstein
Rework
Also recommended by
8 people
Mark Cuban recommended this bookMark Cuban
"If given a choice between investing in someone who has read Rework or has an MBA, I'm investing in Rework every time." - Mark Cuban
Mark Cuban's recommendation of this book
Jeff Bezos recommended this bookJeff Bezos
"Unperturbed by conventional wisdom, [the authors] start fresh and rewrite the rules of business." - Jeff Bezos
Jeff Bezos's recommendation of this book
Seth Godin recommended this bookSeth Godin
"I can't imagine what possible excuse you can dream up for not buying this book for every single person you work with, right now." - Seth Godin
Seth Godin's recommendation of this book
Tim Ferriss recommended this bookTim Ferriss
"I encourage people to think of as an 'Elements of Style' for building profitable businesses in a web-savvy world." - Tim Ferriss
Tim Ferriss's recommendation of this book
Tom Peters recommended this bookTom Peters
"The clarity, even genius, of this book actually brought me to near-tears on several occasions. Just bloody brilliant, that's what!" - Tom Peters
Tom Peters's recommendation of this book
Tony Hsieh recommended this bookTony Hsieh
"Read this book multiple times to help give you the courage you need to get out there and make something great." - Tony Hsieh
Tony Hsieh's recommendation of this book +2
More recommendations
- Andrew Wilkinson
"[One of] my most recommended business books." - Andrew Wilkinson
- Shane Parrish
"This book showed me that I wasn’t alone or crazy." - Shane Parrish
- Andrew Wilkinson
Crush It!
Why NOW Is the Time to Cash In on Your Passion
Also recommended by
3 people
Mark Bell recommended this bookMark Bell
"Made me recognize that I have enough access to make a very large company, even from my house, since everyone has the same access to the Internet." - Mark Bell
Mark Bell's recommendation of this book
Ryan Hoover recommended this bookRyan Hoover
"I love how he cuts to the point - no BS." - Ryan Hoover
Ryan Hoover's recommendation of this book
Patrick Bet-David recommended this bookPatrick Bet-David
Patrick Bet-David recommended this book on his website.
Patrick Bet-David's recommendation of this book
How To Win Friends and Influence People
Also recommended by
18 people
Warren Buffett recommended this bookWarren Buffett
"In my office, you will not see the degree I have from the University of Nebraska, or the master’s degree I have from Columbia University, but you’ll see the certificate I got from the Dale Carnegie course." - Warren Buffett
Warren Buffett's recommendation of this book
Scott Adams recommended this bookScott Adams
One of the books on Scott Adams' "Persuasion Reading List."
Scott Adams's recommendation of this book
Dave Ramsey recommended this bookDave Ramsey
Recommended on Dave Ramsey's website.
Dave Ramsey's recommendation of this book
Paul Graham recommended this bookPaul Graham
"The one book we encourage startup founders to read. [...] It's critically important for anyone in business." - Paul Graham
Paul Graham's recommendation of this book
Derek Sivers recommended this bookDerek Sivers
Derek Sivers mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
Derek Sivers's recommendation of this book
Dustin Moskovitz recommended this bookDustin Moskovitz
"Seek to be understood." - Dustin Moskovitz
Dustin Moskovitz's recommendation of this book +12
More recommendations
- Ken Block
"One of the first books that really helped me achieve my management style and what’s helped me really be successful." - Ken Block
- DJ Vlad
Most Recommended Books reached out to DJ Vlad directly.
- Strauss Zelnick
"Archaic references and overweening title to the side, it’s actually a great guide to leadership and salesmanship." - Strauss Zelnick
- Daymond John
"I love all the Dale Carnegie books." - Daymond John
- Shay Carl
"A staple that I have listened to three or four times." - Shay Carl
- Tim Draper
"[One of the books] that are recommended or required at Draper University." - Tim Draper
- Sahil Lavingia
Sahil Lavingia recommended this book on Notion.
- Barbara Corcoran
"A must read for anyone in business." - Barbara Corcoran
- Alex Hormozi
Alex Hormozi recommended this book on Instagram.
- Michael Hyatt
Michael Hyatt recommended this book on his website.
- Ben Greenfield
Most Recommended Books reached out to Ben Greenfield directly.
- Patrick Bet-David
Patrick Bet-David recommended this book on his website.
- Ken Block
The E-Myth Revisited
Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It
Also recommended by
7 people
Tim Ferriss recommended this bookTim Ferriss
"If you’re stuck in your own business, this book can help you get unstuck." - Tim Ferriss
Tim Ferriss's recommendation of this book
Dave Ramsey recommended this bookDave Ramsey
Recommended on Dave Ramsey's website.
Dave Ramsey's recommendation of this book
Derek Sivers recommended this bookDerek Sivers
"Absolutely everyone who is an entrepreneur or wants to be one needs to read this book." - Derek Sivers
Derek Sivers's recommendation of this book
Dave Camarillo recommended this bookDave Camarillo
"Was huge." - Dave Camarillo
Dave Camarillo's recommendation of this book
Tom Bilyeu recommended this bookTom Bilyeu
Tom Bilyeu recommended this book on his website.
Tom Bilyeu's recommendation of this book
Michael Hyatt recommended this bookMichael Hyatt
Michael Hyatt recommended this book on his website.
Michael Hyatt's recommendation of this book +1
More recommendations
- Patrick Bet-David
Patrick Bet-David recommended this book on his website.
- Patrick Bet-David
Founders at Work
Stories of Startups' Early Days
Also recommended by
5 people
Paul Graham recommended this bookPaul Graham
"Probably the single most valuable book a startup founder could read." - Paul Graham
Paul Graham's recommendation of this book
Ryan Holiday recommended this bookRyan Holiday
"Interviews with technology founders from one of the best investors of all time." - Ryan Holiday
Ryan Holiday's recommendation of this book
Alexis Ohanian recommended this bookAlexis Ohanian
"A bunch of really great interviews [Jessica] did with a bunch of just OGs of entrepreneurship." - Alexis Ohanian
Alexis Ohanian's recommendation of this book
Ev Williams recommended this bookEv Williams
On the "books read" section of Ev Williams' GoodReads profile.
Ev Williams's recommendation of this book
Ron Conway recommended this bookRon Conway
"Collection of interviews with founders of famous technology companies about what happened in the very earliest days." - Ron Conway
Ron Conway's recommendation of this book
Start with Why
How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action
Also recommended by
9 people
Richard Branson recommended this bookRichard Branson
Richard Branson recommended this book on his "70 must-read books" blog post.
Richard Branson's recommendation of this book
Robert Rodriguez recommended this bookRobert Rodriguez
"I realized better what I was doing when I read [this book], and I gave it to people to show them how to clarify what they’re doing right and what they’re doing wrong." - Robert Rodriguez
Robert Rodriguez's recommendation of this book
Tony Hsieh recommended this bookTony Hsieh
One of 4 books Tony Hsieh recommended in Inc.com
Tony Hsieh's recommendation of this book
Julie Rice recommended this bookJulie Rice
"So important, because people understanding why you do something, not what you are doing, is really what makes or breaks a brand." - Julie Rice
Julie Rice's recommendation of this book
Kathryn Minshew recommended this bookKathryn Minshew
Most Recommended Books reached out to Kathryn Minshew directly.
Kathryn Minshew's recommendation of this book
Tom Bilyeu recommended this bookTom Bilyeu
Tom Bilyeu recommended this book on his website.
Tom Bilyeu's recommendation of this book +3
More recommendations
- Jim Kwik
"Explains how great leaders and organizations use this superpower of motivation to achieve success." - Jim Kwik
- Michael Hyatt
Michael Hyatt recommended this book on his website.
- Patrick Bet-David
Patrick Bet-David recommended this book on his website.
- Jim Kwik
Steve Jobs
Also recommended by
9 people
Elon Musk recommended this bookElon Musk
"Quite interesting." - Elon Musk
Elon Musk's recommendation of this book
Scott Adams recommended this bookScott Adams
"I’m fascinated by the discussion of how Jobs developed what became known as the Reality Distortion Field. Apparently Jobs had a lifelong battle with reality and won." - Scott Adams
Scott Adams's recommendation of this book
Ray Dalio recommended this bookRay Dalio
"I noticed a number of similarities between [Steve Jobs and I], especially when [the author] quoted Jobs’s own words. [...] but to be clear, I didn’t think that Bridgewater or I held a candle to Apple and Jobs." - Ray Dalio
Ray Dalio's recommendation of this book
Bill Gates recommended this bookBill Gates
List of books Bill Gates read in 2012.
Bill Gates's recommendation of this book
Gary Vaynerchuk recommended this bookGary Vaynerchuk
"I've read 3 business books in my life. If you call [this book] a business book." - Gary Vaynerchuk
Gary Vaynerchuk's recommendation of this book
George Raveling recommended this bookGeorge Raveling
"[When I read this book] I was so blown away. I had underlined about three-quarters of the book." - George Raveling
George Raveling's recommendation of this book +3
More recommendations
- Chris Fussell
"Really did a good job of capturing the way that an innovation leader’s mind works." - Chris Fussell
- Scott Belsky
Scott Belsky mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
- Ed Zschau
Ed Zschau mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
- Chris Fussell
Rich Dad Poor Dad
What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
Also recommended by
3 people
Will Smith recommended this bookWill Smith
Will Smith mentioned sharing this book with his son.
Will Smith's recommendation of this book
Anthony Pompliano recommended this bookAnthony Pompliano
"My favorite book of all time." - Anthony Pompliano
Anthony Pompliano's recommendation of this book
Patrick Bet-David recommended this bookPatrick Bet-David
Patrick Bet-David recommended this book on his website.
Patrick Bet-David's recommendation of this book
The Power of Broke
How Empty Pockets, a Tight Budget, and a Hunger for Success Can Become Your Greatest Competitive Advantage
Also recommended by
3 people
Chris Sacca recommended this bookChris Sacca
"Compelling tales of hustle and hunger." - Chris Sacca
Chris Sacca's recommendation of this book
Gary Vaynerchuk recommended this bookGary Vaynerchuk
"I firmly believe that you should only read business books from people who have actually built businesses. [This author] has done just that." - Gary Vaynerchuk
Gary Vaynerchuk's recommendation of this book
Mark Cuban recommended this bookMark Cuban
"This guy built an empire from the streets of Hollis, Queens, and here he compares notes with other visionaries." - Mark Cuban
Mark Cuban's recommendation of this book
The Art of the Start
The Time-Tested, Battle-Hardened Guide for Anyone Starting Anything
Also recommended by
2 people
Keith Rabois recommended this bookKeith Rabois
"For a first-time entrepreneur: [this book] is an excellent introduction to many key issues." - Keith Rabois
Keith Rabois's recommendation of this book
Ev Williams recommended this bookEv Williams
On the "books read" section of Ev Williams' GoodReads profile.
Ev Williams's recommendation of this book
The Four Steps to the Epiphany
Successful Strategies for Products that Win
Also recommended by
2 people
Ron Conway recommended this bookRon Conway
"Offers the practical and proven four-step Customer Development process for search and offers insight into what makes some startups successful and leaves some startups unsuccessful." - Ron Conway
Ron Conway's recommendation of this book
Ryan Hoover recommended this bookRyan Hoover
"Too much (good) info but thankfully there's a summary in the Appendix." - Ryan Hoover
Ryan Hoover's recommendation of this book
Hooked
How to Build Habit-Forming Products
Also recommended by
1 person
Marc Goodman recommended this bookMarc Goodman
One of Marc Goodman's answers to "sources you've learned from in the last year?"
Marc Goodman's recommendation of this book
Traction
Get a Grip on Your Business
Also recommended by
1 person
Garry Tan recommended this bookGarry Tan
Garry Tan recommended this book on TechCrunch.
Garry Tan's recommendation of this book
Built to Sell
Creating a Business That Can Thrive Without You
Business Model Generation
A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers
EntreLeadership
20 Years of Practical Business Wisdom from the Trenches
The $100 Startup
Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future
The Startup Owner's Manual
The Step-By-Step Guide for Building a Great Company
Sources
- 1
Moneypersonal Financeearningarticlesbest Business Books Every Entrepreneur Should Read
money.usnews.com
- 2
20 All-Time Best Entrepreneur Books to Make Your Business Successful - LifeHack
lifehack.org
- 3
Best Entrepreneur Books
theartofliving.com
- 4
The 32 Must-Read Entrepreneur Books of All Time (2023)
shopify.com
- 5
The 20 Best Entrepreneurship Books to Make Your Business Successful
fourminutebooks.com
Edited by
Software engineer whose passion for tracking book recommendations from podcasts inspired the creation of MRB.
Lead investor at 3one4 Capital whose startup expertise and love for books helped shaped MRB and its growth.





























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