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8 Best Success Books
We analyzed 5+ expert sources, curated book lists, and recommendations from successful people to find the 8 best success 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 Success books according to the internet (not just one person's opinion).
Method:
- Search for "best success books" and study the top 5+ pages.
- Add only the books mentioned 2+ times.
- Rank the results neatly here.
8 Best Success Books
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1
The 4-Hour Workweek
Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich
by Tim Ferriss
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
2
How To Win Friends and Influence People
by Dale Carnegie
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
3
The Lean Startup
How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses
by Eric Ries
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 book
Dustin 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
4
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
by Stephen R. Covey
Also recommended by
12 people- Dave Ramsey recommended this book
Dave Ramsey
Recommended on Dave Ramsey's website.
Dave Ramsey's recommendation of this book - Daniel Pink recommended this book
Daniel Pink
Daniel Pink mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
Daniel Pink's recommendation of this book 
Ken Block recommended this bookKen Block
"[Also] helped me really be successful." - Ken Block
Ken Block's recommendation of this book - Dustin Moskovitz recommended this book
Dustin Moskovitz
"[I] was surprised at how familiar the topics felt." - Dustin Moskovitz
Dustin Moskovitz's recommendation of this book 
Noah Kagan recommended this bookNoah Kagan
"Begin with the end in mind." - Noah Kagan
Noah Kagan's recommendation of this book 
Kishore Biyani recommended this bookKishore Biyani
"Immensely helpful and influential during my early years, it explained some of the basic mindsets required to succeed in any profession." - Kishore Biyani
Kishore Biyani's recommendation of this book +6
More recommendations
- Michael McCullough
"Helps you decide which action to actually take." - Michael McCullough
- Shay Carl
Shay Carl referenced this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
- Jenn Im
"Has changed my life in such a positive way." - Jenn Im
- Jim Kwik
"This personal development classic is a classic for a reason." - Jim Kwik
- Michael Hyatt
Michael Hyatt recommended this book on his website.
- Ben Greenfield
Most Recommended Books reached out to Ben Greenfield directly.
- Michael McCullough
5
The Magic of Thinking Big
by David J. Schwartz
Also recommended by
9 people
Tim Ferriss recommended this bookTim Ferriss
"I still personally read the first two chapters of this book whenever doubt creeps in." - Tim Ferriss
Tim Ferriss's recommendation of this book 
Mr. Money Mustache recommended this bookMr. Money Mustache
"A really, really old fashioned book if someone just wants to wake themselves up and start turning into more of a positive, less depressed person." - MMM
Mr. Money Mustache's recommendation of this book 
Dave Camarillo recommended this bookDave Camarillo
"[Tim Ferriss] put me on [to this book]." - Dave Camarillo
Dave Camarillo's recommendation of this book 
Steve Harvey recommended this bookSteve Harvey
"Changed my life." - Steve Harvey
Steve Harvey's recommendation of this book 
Jodie Cook recommended this bookJodie Cook
"The sooner you read [this book] the sooner you will up your game." - Jodie Cook
Jodie Cook's recommendation of this book 
Ali Abdaal recommended this bookAli Abdaal
Ali Abdaal recommended this book on his website.
Ali Abdaal's recommendation of this book +3
More recommendations
- Jim Kwik
"You will learn how changing the way you think can become a blueprint for great 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
6
Grit
The Power of Passion and Perseverance
by Angela Duckworth
Also recommended by
7 people
Josh Waitzkin recommended this bookJosh Waitzkin
Josh Waitzkin recommended this book in the "Tools of Titans" book.
Josh Waitzkin's recommendation of this book - Tim Ferriss recommended this book
Tim Ferriss
"Really about teaching your kids to focus on hard work and not intrinsic capability." - Tim Ferriss
Tim Ferriss's recommendation of this book 
Keith Rabois recommended this bookKeith Rabois
"Although the title may make it appear intuitive, the reading is much more insightful and applicable than you might guess." - Keith Rabois
Keith Rabois's recommendation of this book 
Tobi Lütke recommended this bookTobi Lütke
"Great book. I think she actually talks about me in it ?" - Tobi Lütke
Tobi Lütke'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 - Jodie Cook recommended this book
Jodie Cook
"Enthusiasm and knowledge are totally useless without grit." - Jodie Cook
Jodie Cook's recommendation of this book +1
More recommendations
- Ali Abdaal
Ali Abdaal recommended this book on his website.
- Ali Abdaal
7
Think and Grow Rich
by Napoleon Hill
Also recommended by
7 people
Neville Medhora recommended this bookNeville Medhora
"I’d bet money this book has restored countless relationships, made millions of millionaires and saved many lives." - Neville Medhora
Neville Medhora's recommendation of this book 
Shay Carl recommended this bookShay Carl
"Amazing." - Shay Carl
Shay Carl's recommendation of this book 
Daymond John recommended this bookDaymond John
"The main takeaway from [this book] was goal-setting. It was the fact that if you don't set a specific goal, then how can you expect to hit it?" - Daymond John
Daymond John's recommendation of this book 
Anthony Pompliano recommended this bookAnthony Pompliano
"[One of] the three most impactful books for me." - Anthony Pompliano
Anthony Pompliano's recommendation of this book - Tom Bilyeu recommended this book
Tom Bilyeu
Tom Bilyeu recommended this book on his website.
Tom Bilyeu's recommendation of this book 
Jen Sincero recommended this bookJen Sincero
"Do what he says (and really do all of it) and you will be large and in charge." - Jen Sincero
Jen Sincero's recommendation of this book +1
More recommendations
- Patrick Bet-David
Patrick Bet-David recommended this book on his website.
- Patrick Bet-David
8
The Success Principles
How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
by Jack Canfield
Sources
- 1
Secrets to Home Business Success
thebalancesmb.com
- 2
10 Best Success Books You Need to Read to Be Great at Business - Lifehack
lifehack.org
- 3
Christina desmarais22 books anyone who wants to succeed should read.html
inc.com
- 4
All Leaders Are Readers: Six Must-Read Books To Inspire Success
forbesbooks.com
- 5
20 Best Success Books Everyone Should Read (Updated 2022)
stunningmotivation.com
Edited by
Richard Reis
Software engineer whose passion for tracking book recommendations from podcasts inspired the creation of MRB.
Follow@richardreeze
Anurag Ramdasan
Lead investor at 3one4 Capital whose startup expertise and love for books helped shaped MRB and its growth.
Follow@anuragwho
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