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Charlie Munger's Reading List

Vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway and longtime Buffett partner. Author of Poor Charlie's Almanack; renowned for prolific book recommendations.

Charlie Munger's Most Recommended Books

Compiled from Munger's annual Berkshire and Daily Journal speeches and Poor Charlie's Almanack.

Source: fs.blog

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion

Robert B. Cialdini · 1984 · Buy on Amazon

"I gave a Berkshire share to Cialdini as a thank-you for writing it."

The Selfish Gene

Richard Dawkins · 1976 · Buy on Amazon

"Dawkins' marvelous books — words from these books are entering the English language."

Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies

Jared Diamond · 1997 · Buy on Amazon

"Its exploration of long-term societal development and the forces shaping human civilization fits Charlie Munger's interest in understanding fundamental principles across diverse fields. This aligns with his multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving and decision-making."

Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr.

Ron Chernow · 1998 · Buy on Amazon

"This biography of an industrial titan fits Charlie Munger's interest in studying the lives of successful, disciplined individuals and the history of American capitalism. It aligns with his emphasis on learning from the past to inform business and life decisions."

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin · 1791 · Buy on Amazon

"Franklin's pursuit of self-improvement and practical wisdom aligns with Charlie Munger's emphasis on lifelong learning and rational decision-making. It's an expected read for someone exploring the virtues of thrift and industriousness."

Einstein: His Life and Universe

Walter Isaacson · 2007 · Buy on Amazon

"I've read just about every Einstein biography and this is the best."

Models of My Life

Herbert A. Simon · 1991 · Buy on Amazon

"This autobiography by a Nobel laureate in economics and cognitive psychology fits Charlie Munger's interest in multidisciplinary thinking and decision-making frameworks. It aligns with his emphasis on understanding human judgment and complex systems."

Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In

Roger Fisher · 1981 · Buy on Amazon

"Its focus on principled negotiation and win-win outcomes aligns with Charlie Munger's emphasis on rational decision-making and long-term, equitable partnerships in business. This approach to problem-solving fits his broader interest in effective mental models."

Faraday, Maxwell, and the Electromagnetic Field

Nancy Forbes · 2014 · Buy on Amazon

"It's just the best book of its kind I have ever read."

Deep Simplicity: Bringing Order to Chaos and Complexity

John Gribbin · 2004 · Buy on Amazon

"Exploring how complex systems arise from simple rules, this pick fits Charlie Munger's interest in mental models and understanding the underlying principles governing business and life. It aligns with his emphasis on identifying fundamental truths amidst apparent chaos."

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