11 Books Recommended by Telegram’s Founder, Pavel Durov
To be truly free, you should be ready to risk everything for freedom. — Pavel Durov
As the founder of Telegram, Pavel Durov has built a platform that serves as a vital means of communication and information for almost a billion users globally. Despite Telegram’s adherence to EU laws and constantly improving moderation practices, Durov now finds himself in the absurd situation of being held responsible for the potential abuse of his platform.
As we stand with Durov and Telegram during this challenging time, let’s take a closer look at 11 books that have shaped his vision and values, and continue to inspire his unwavering commitment to free speech and privacy.
1. The Ride of a Lifetime by Robert Iger
(4.41/5 ⭐️)
A masterclass in leadership, offering invaluable insights from Iger’s journey as CEO of The Walt Disney Company, navigating challenges, making bold decisions, and fostering a culture of innovation and creativity. Telegram’s CEO posted in his story and commented: “Remarkably well-written and inspiring 👏”.
2. Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu
(4.30/5 ⭐️)
An ancient Chinese classic that imparts timeless wisdom on the art of living, emphasizing simplicity, humility, and harmony with the natural flow of life through its profound and poetic language, inviting readers to cultivate inner peace, let go of ego-driven desires, and find contentment in the present moment.
3. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
(4.16/5 ⭐️)
A captivating portrait of a visionary entrepreneur, delving into Jobs’ remarkable life, his relentless pursuit of perfection, and his profound impact on the tech industry and modern culture. Pavel believes Jobs is “a hero of our time,” presented in this biography as “neither black nor white” but “a living person with an extraordinary life who always achieved the impossible.”
4. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
(4.15/5 ⭐️)
A transformative guide to spiritual enlightenment, inviting readers to embrace the present moment and discover inner peace amidst life’s challenges. Telegram’s founder poses the question, “How to become enlightened?” and recommends reading this book for the answer.
5. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
(4.12/5 ⭐️)
A thought-provoking exploration of the dynamics of power, offering strategic insights drawn from history and philosophy to help readers navigate complex social and professional landscapes, recommended by VK’s former CEO to one of his colleagues at the company.
6. Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
(4.11/5 ⭐️)
An illuminating examination of the optimal state of consciousness known as “flow,” revealing how to cultivate deep engagement, creativity, and fulfillment in work and life. When asked, “What is a book you’re most likely to give out to a friend?” Durov’s answer was this insightful book.
7. The Gods Themselves by Isaac Asimov
(4.09/5 ⭐️)
A mind-bending science fiction novel that explores the consequences of discovering a new form of energy, challenging our understanding of the universe and the boundaries of human ingenuity. Pavel enjoyed reading this classic sci-fi novel about parallel universes, as he shared in his Telegram story.
8. Hackers & Painters by Paul Graham
(4.05/5 ⭐️)
A collection of insightful essays that draw parallels between programming and creative pursuits, offering fresh perspectives on innovation, entrepreneurship, and the hacker mindset. As Telegram’s CEO said in an interview, “Paul Graham has the courage to state obvious things in a field clouded by prejudices.”
9. The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
(3.96/5 ⭐️)
A groundbreaking book that challenges our understanding of randomness and unpredictable events, urging readers to embrace uncertainty and build resilience in the face of life’s inevitable surprises, recommended by Pavel Durov on Twitter.
10. An Introduction to Zen Buddhism by D. T. Suzuki
(3.95/5 ⭐️)
A concise yet profound introduction to the core principles and practices of Zen Buddhism, inviting readers to cultivate mindfulness, self-awareness, and inner tranquility, recommended by the Telegram founder on his Facebook account.
11. The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
(3.81/5 ⭐️)
An inspiring guide to living life on your own terms, encouraging readers to question societal norms, pursue unconventional paths, and create meaningful experiences and contributions, recommended by Pavel in one of his tweets.
In a world increasingly dominated by censorship and surveillance, the ideas championed by Pavel Durov and the authors he admires have never been more important — or more necessary.
