Patrick Collison's Reading List

The Rise and Fall of American Growth: The U.S. Standard of Living since the Civil War

Robert J. Gordon · 2016 · Buy on Amazon

"This economic history, exploring the drivers of American prosperity and stagnation, fits Patrick Collison's interest in long-term societal progress and the forces shaping economic growth. It aligns with his work at Stripe and broader intellectual pursuits."

Poor Charlie's Almanack: The Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger

Peter Kaufman · 2005 · Buy on Amazon

"This collection of Munger's insights on business, investing, and decision-making aligns with Patrick Collison's interest in mental models and long-term strategic thinking. It's an expected read for someone exploring frameworks for success in technology and entrepreneurship."

Something Incredibly Wonderful Happens: Frank Oppenheimer and the World He Made Up

K. C. Cole · 2009 · Buy on Amazon

"This biography of Frank Oppenheimer, a physicist and educator who founded the Exploratorium, fits Patrick Collison's interest in the intersection of science, education, and institution building."

Hard Landing: The Epic Contest for Power and Profits That Plunged the Airlines into Chaos

Thomas Petzinger Jr. · 1995 · Buy on Amazon

"This deep dive into airline deregulation and competition fits Patrick Collison's interest in market dynamics, industry disruption, and the unintended consequences of policy changes."

Nixon Agonistes

Garry Wills · 1969 · Buy on Amazon

"This analysis of Nixon's self-made identity and American ambition fits Patrick Collison's interest in historical figures and the societal forces that shape them. It aligns with his broader exploration of leadership and the complexities of human endeavor."

The Dream Machine: J.C.R. Licklider and the Revolution That Made Computing Personal

M. Mitchell Waldrop · 2001 · Buy on Amazon

"This history of computing's early pioneers and their vision for personal technology fits Patrick Collison's interest in foundational innovations and the long-term impact of technological development."

Age of Ambition: Chasing Fortune, Truth, and Faith in the New China

Evan Osnos · 2014 · Buy on Amazon

"This exploration of modern China's rapid transformation and its societal impact fits Patrick Collison's interest in economic development, global change, and the forces shaping contemporary societies."

If the Universe Is Teeming with Aliens... Where Is Everybody? Seventy-Five Solutions to the Fermi Paradox

Stephen Webb · 2002 · Buy on Amazon

"Exploring seventy-five solutions to the Fermi Paradox, this book fits Patrick Collison's interest in big-picture problems and interdisciplinary thinking, often reflected in his public bookshelf. It aligns with his curiosity about complex systems and the future of humanity."

The Beginning of Infinity

David Deutsch · 2011 · Buy on Amazon

"This book's exploration of knowledge creation and the potential for unbounded progress aligns with Patrick Collison's interest in long-term thinking and societal advancement. It's an expected read for someone exploring foundational theories of computation and human flourishing."

A Pattern Language

Christopher Alexander · 1977 · Buy on Amazon

"Its systematic approach to design, breaking down complex systems into reusable patterns, aligns with Patrick Collison's interest in scalable solutions and foundational principles, mirroring the development of robust software systems."

Out of Mao's Shadow: The Struggle for the Soul of a New China

Philip P. Pan · 2008 · Buy on Amazon

"This exploration of China's evolving political landscape and individual struggles for freedom fits Patrick Collison's interest in societal development and the forces shaping global economies."

The Art of Doing Science and Engineering: Learning to Learn

Richard W. Hamming · 1996 · Buy on Amazon

"This book's focus on effective problem-solving and learning strategies aligns with Patrick Collison's work building Stripe and his broader interest in how great minds approach complex challenges. It explores the mindset and methods behind significant scientific and engineering achievements."

Dancing in the Glory of Monsters: The Collapse of the Congo and the Great War of Africa

Jason Stearns · 2011 · Buy on Amazon

"This deep dive into the Congo's collapse and its aftermath aligns with Patrick Collison's documented interest in complex systems, historical analysis, and the dynamics of societal breakdown and rebuilding. It's an expected read for someone exploring large-scale historical events and their underlying causes."

Patrick Collison's Reading List

Patrick Collison's Highlighted Bookshelf Favorites

Patrick Collison's Bookshelf