Bill Gates, renowned philanthropist and co-founder of Microsoft, has once again curated a list of his favorite books for the holiday season. Known for his voracious reading habit, Gates reads approximately 50 books each year and shares seasonal recommendations with the public. However, this year, Gates has gone above and beyond by including a few extra surprises in his list.
In addition to his book recommendations, Gates has also included a series of online economics lectures that he describes as “fantastic.” These lectures, created by Timothy Taylor, a Stanford-educated economist, delve into various topics within the field of economics and are available for streaming on the subscription service Wondrium.
Gates has also put together a holiday-themed Spotify playlist to spread some cheer during the festive season. The playlist features a diverse range of songs, from beloved classics like “Joy to the World” and Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song,” to more contemporary hits like Wham’s “Last Christmas” and Sia’s “12 Nights.”
Interestingly, Gates has started his list with three non-fiction books that he believes are particularly noteworthy. “The Song of the Cell” by Siddhartha Mukherjee explores the fascinating world of cellular biology and its implications for human health. Gates praises Mukherjee’s ability to explain complex concepts and believes that this book sheds light on the intricacies of our own bodies.
Another book on Gates’ list is “Not the End of the World” by Hannah Ritchie, an upcoming publication that offers a refreshing perspective on climate change. Through the lens of data, Ritchie presents a counterintuitive story that contradicts the prevailing doomsday narratives surrounding the environment. Gates commends Ritchie’s evidence-based approach and highlights the importance of having informed conversations about climate change.
Lastly, Gates recommends “Invention and Innovation” by Vaclav Smil, a renowned author and professor. Smil explores human history and examines various innovations that have shaped our world. While Smil expresses some concern about current technological stagnation, Gates believes that understanding our past advances is crucial for comprehending the present.
Bill Gates’ holiday book list and accompanying surprises offer readers a unique opportunity to delve into a range of subjects, from cellular biology to climate change and innovation. Through his selections, Gates encourages intellectual curiosity and reflection during the holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many books does Bill Gates read each year?
Bill Gates reads approximately 50 books per year.
2. What are the extra surprises included in Gates’ holiday list this year?
Alongside his book recommendations, Gates has included a series of online economics lectures and a holiday-themed Spotify playlist.
3. Who is the author of “The Song of the Cell”?
“The Song of the Cell” is written by Siddhartha Mukherjee, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Columbia University oncologist.
4. What is the theme of “Not the End of the World” by Hannah Ritchie?
“Not the End of the World” provides an alternative perspective on climate change, highlighting the progress humans have made in combating the issue using data-driven analysis.
5. Who is the author of “Invention and Innovation”?
“Invention and Innovation” is written by Vaclav Smil, a professor emeritus of environmental science at the University of Manitoba.