10 Books by Billionaires on Building Wealth and Finding Fulfillment

Building wealth and finding fulfillment — these are goals that billions of people around the world spend their lives pursuing. Yet for most, they remain elusive, mysterious concepts that feel just out of reach no matter how hard they try.

Have you ever felt stuck on your journey, unsure of what principles and strategies could finally help you break through to the next level?

If so, you’re in luck. Because the following 10 books offer unprecedented insights from billionaires who have mastered the intricate arts of making it big and living with purpose.

1. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

(4.47/5 ⭐️)

In a gripping narrative that reads like a novel, Nike’s founder takes us on his journey from an improbable $50 loan from his father to creating one of the most iconic, inspirational, and profitable brands in the history of capitalism.

“I’d tell men and women in their midtwenties not to settle for a job or a profession or even a career. Seek a calling. Even if you don’t know what that means, seek it. If you’re following your calling, the fatigue will be easier to bear, the disappointments will be fuel, the highs will be like nothing you’ve ever felt.” ― Phil Knight, Shoe Dog

2. The Ride of a Lifetime by Robert Iger

(4.42/5 ⭐️)

Disney’s former CEO unveils the principles that drove the company’s unprecedented creative renaissance, immersing readers in behind-the-scenes dramas while distilling timeless insights about courting innovation and finding professional fulfillment.

“Don’t be in the business of playing it safe. Be in the business of creating possibilities for greatness.” ― Robert Iger, The Ride of a Lifetime

3. Sam Walton: Made in America by Sam Walton

(4.13/5 ⭐️)

Greatness is thrust upon readers in this unapologetic memoir of a billionaire trailblazer who revolutionized the retail industry through an unrelenting commitment to slashing prices, treating associates with respect, and an almost spiritual belief in customer service.

“Every time Wal-Mart spends one dollar foolishly, it comes right out of our customers’ pockets. Every time we save them a dollar, that puts us one more step ahead of the competition — which is where we always plan to be.” ― Sam Walton, Sam Walton: Made In America

4. Principles by Ray Dalio

(4.12/5 ⭐️)

This tour de force not only lays bare the uncompromising principles that propelled the author to the pinnacle of investing and created the world’s most successful hedge fund, but also illuminates a path towards superior decision-making and a life of meaning.

“Look for people who have lots of great questions. Smart people are the ones who ask the most thoughtful questions, as opposed to thinking they have all the answers. Great questions are a much better indicator of future success than great answers.” ― Ray Dalio, Principles

5. Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh

(4.03/5 ⭐️)

What started as an online shoe retailer blossomed into a powerful philosophy for nurturing company culture and achieving true happiness, distilled into one electrifying saga of personal growth and uncovering higher purpose.

“Happiness is really just about four things: perceived control, perceived progress, connectedness (number and depth of your relationships), and vision/meaning (being part of something bigger than yourself).” ― Tony Hsieh, Delivering Happiness

6. Pour Your Heart Into It by Howard Schultz

(4.02/5 ⭐️)

A testament to the power of passion and values, Starbucks’ chairman and former CEO narrates his journey transforming a small coffee bean seller into one of the world’s most admired brands by infusing every cup with love.

“In this ever-changing society, the most powerful and enduring brands are built from the heart. They are real and sustainable. Their foundations are stronger because they are built with the strength of the human spirit, not an ad campaign. The companies that are lasting are those that are authentic.” ― Howard Schultz, Pour Your Heart Into It

7. Grinding It Out by Ray Kroc

(4.01/5 ⭐️)

This mesmerizing narrative chronicles how a humble milkshake mixer salesman risked everything to take over a tiny hamburger operation called McDonald’s and turned it into a global empire through sheer tenacity and his revolutionary vision of system over substance.

“Happiness is not a tangible thing, it’s a byproduct of achievement. Achievement must be made against the possibility of failure, against the risk of defeat. It is no achievement to walk a tightrope laid flat on the floor. Where there is no risk, there can be no pride in achievement and, consequently, no happiness. The only way we can advance is by going forward, individually and collectively, in the spirit of the pioneer. We must take the risks involved in our free enterprise system. This is the only way in the world to economic freedom. There is no other way.” ― Ray Kroc, Grinding It Out

8. Screw It, Let’s Do It by Richard Branson

(3.90/5 ⭐️)

Equal parts inspirer and provocateur, the Virgin founder’s life lessons burst with maverick insights for disrupting industries, challenging conventional wisdom, and living life by listening to one’s heart.

“The best lesson I learned was to just do it. It doesn’t matter what it is, or how hard it might seem, as the ancient Greek, Plato, said, ‘The beginning is the most important part of any work.” ― Richard Branson, Screw It, Let’s Do It

9. Direct from Dell by Michael Dell

(3.84/5 ⭐️)

Long before he became a tech titan, college freshman Michael Dell laid the foundations for an industry revolution by reimagining the personal computer business model, as revealed in this pitch-perfect case study of entrepreneurial brilliance.

“Our lean beginnings created the strategic management principles that define our culture: Less is more. Information is better than inventory. Ingenuity is better than investment. Execution is everything. No excuses.” ― Michael Dell, Direct From Dell

10. Trump: The Art of the Deal by Donald Trump

(3.68/5 ⭐️)

Love him or loathe him, the 45th President spills the controversial secrets behind his biggest real estate coups, most hair-raising encounters, and philosophies for overpowering adversaries with bravado, hyperbole, and a refusal to ever quit.

“MY STYLE of deal-making is quite simple and straightforward. I aim very high, and then I just keep pushing and pushing and pushing to get what I’m after.” ― Donald Trump, Trump: The Art of the Deal

The quest for a life well-lived requires constantly challenging assumptions and pushing boundaries — let these paradigm shifts be your guide to dreaming bigger, growing further, and living with more purpose than ever before.