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Internet entrepreneur and co-founder Google recommends the books that stimulate your mind
“My Inventions: TheAutobiography of Nikola Tesla” by Nikola Tesla
–Larry Page at the American Assiociation for the Advancement of Science
Tesla is rather an unknown inventor despite his most useful discoveries, such as the nature of the magnetic field and AC current, not to mention the ‘impossible’ electric motor. While his discoveries have changed the world, his autobiography was published in 1919 but went quietly out of print for many years. Interest in the brilliant inventor has resurfaced, and his eccentric compulsions and fears (mixed with a photographic memory) seem akin to other modern technological ‘greats’ such as Steve Jobs. This short work illuminates some personal struggles with hypersensitivity, and rival scientists’ work (such as Marconi).
“Surely You’re Joking, Mr.Feynman! (Adventures of a Curious Character)” by Richard P. Feynman
The book is included in the list of Larry Page’s favorites in an article on entrepreneur.com
Also mentioned in Tremendous Reading List Of Tim Ferriss
Fact is surely stranger than fiction. Richard Feynman seeks to dispel the image of a Nobel laureate as inhumanly grave and ascetic, by publishing his exploits – and his annoyance at being given the Nobel news at 4 in the morning. The author’s alma mater, MIT, enthusiastically promotes his book as an addition to American reading lists by describing his penchant for practical jokes and bongo drums, plus an ability to open sophisticated safes in Los Angeles. Those who haven’t heard of this amazing physicist will be interested in his contributions to science, including the quantum theory of electrodynamics, and a better understanding of helium.
“What Do You Care What OtherPeople Think?” by Richard P. Feynman
The book is included in the list of Larry Page’s favorites in an article on entrepreneur.com
This sequel to ‘Surely You’re Joking Mr. Feynman’ adds the rest of the story of this physicist who won a Nobel Prize…but didn’t lose his sense of humor. Anyone who has wondered if NASA struggles with human failings and beaurocrazy habits will be glad to know that even those who reach for the stars can trip over rocks in their path. Along with the stories about Mr. Rogers of the Presidential Commission are drawings and schematics that show the flaws of flight safety that led to the Challenger disaster.
“QED: The Strange Theory ofLight and Matter” by Richard P. Feynman
The book is included in the list of Larry Page’s favorites in an article on entrepreneur.com
Long before TED talks took over the educational world of YouTube, Feynman the physicist wrote books about the complex scientific world that educated and fascinated everyday readers. For those who appreciate quantum electrodynamics without wanting to know all its technical detail, Feynman breaks down the world of particles and waves, reflection and refraction. Before his face graced a U.S. postal stamp in 2005, this professor had contributed to the science behind the atomic bomb, shared a Nobel Prize in 1965, and taught at CalTech for over 35 years.
Pleasure of Finding ThingsOut” by Richard P. Feynman
The book is included in the list of Larry Page’s favorites in an article on entrepreneur.com
While some readers find a few more technical sections such as ‘Minority Report’ harder to read, Feynman’s sense of fun and curiosity are most evidence in the chapter ‘What is Science’. If you’ve already read many Feynman books, this one may not provide groundbreaking insights; however, newer fans can appreciate the humming buzz of ideas surrounding those things both abstract and complex. If for no other reason, this book is worthwhile for its curious insights on safe-cracking.
Snow Crash” by Neal Stephenson
The book is included in the list of Larry Page’s favorites in an article on entrepreneur.com
This physicist author takes great joy in relaying geeky detail mixed with a healthy disrespect for literary conventiion. Fans of Tom Clancy will be glad to find yet another author who is unfraid of passing on hours of distilled research into a sci-fi novel headed led a pizza deliverer. Virtual villains abound, as does political futuristic commentary unsullied by political correctness. The battle between Raven and Hiro in cyberspace pre-date the cloud technology era, so this novel could be read historically too.
