Best modern biographies

Some books have the power to change our lives. This article is about those life-changing books – Here are the 15 most life-changing biographies of Successful People!

Before we dive into these life-changing biographies, there’s something you need to know that will change the way you look at books forever:

If they wrote it to make money, don’t read it.

If they wrote it to tell a story that will inspire and motivate you, it’s worth reading a thousand times.

And this is what the following 15 books are all about. 

Don’t worry if you don’t feel like reading, you can enjoy the video below or watch it on YouTube:

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Biography #1 – Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson is one of the best biographies ever written, PERIOD. Anyone who is interested in the tech business should read it.

If you’re still not sure, let’s break it down without giving anything away. Here’s why we consider this one to be a life-changing biography:

The Success Story

Isaacson’s book starts with a deep look at Jobs’s youth and the key events that made him the hard-working businessman we know today.

The book talks about how Jobs was adopted, how he became interested in Zen Buddhism, and how he and Steve Wozniak got started in technology.

The author then tells you about Apple’s up-and-down path to success, from its poor beginnings in a garage to its rise to become a tech giant.

The book talks about the most important events in Apple’s history. The Macintosh, the firing of Steve Jobs, and his triumphant comeback that led to the iPod, iPhone, and iPad.

At the height of Jobs’s life, Apple was one of the most important and influential companies in the world, with a market capitalization of more than $350 billion, thanks to its innovations.

Now, more than 10 years after his death, Apple is worth a staggering $2.61 trillion. Here are a few of the book’s most important lessons, which we think you should remember:

Vision and Hard Work

Jobs’s dedication to excellence and his unwavering vision were key to his success.

Isaacson’s book shows how Jobs’s determination and ability to get back up after failing changed Apple’s path and his own impact.

The place where art and technology meet

One of the most interesting things to learn from the book is how important Jobs thought it was for art and science to meet.

Jobs’s unique way of thinking about how to combine creativity, design, and technology led to the creation of innovative goods that have changed the way we live.

Leadership and Building a Strong Team

The book also talks about Jobs’s leadership style, which divided people but helped him push his team to do great things.

It shows how important it is to find people who share your goal and are willing to push the limits. “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson is a must-read for anyone interested in the life and accomplishments of the man who helped start Apple.

Any person who wants to start their own business should have this book on their desk.

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Biography #2 –  Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future by Ashlee Vance

If there is one thing that makes Elon Musk different from other entrepreneurs, it is his controversial and interesting personality.

Let’s quickly look at what this life-changing biography has to teach us:

Early Life and Ambitions:

Vance starts the biography by telling in detail about Musk’s youth in South Africa, his love of technology, and his big goals.

We learn about the less well-known parts of Musk’s life and how his early experiences and interest drove him to change the world over and over again. We won’t tell you what happens because we think a lot of people will want to read it.

PayPal, Tesla Motors, and SpaceX

The book talks about Musk’s many business efforts, like how he started Zip2 and sold PayPal.

It shows his ambitious efforts to start Tesla, the first company to make electric cars, and SpaceX, which is changing the way people move to space.

The Struggles

Vance also took the time to show how Musk had to deal with many problems over the course of his work.

The book talks about how Tesla and SpaceX were on the verge of going out of business and how Musk’s determination and personal investment helped save both businesses.

The book also gives a look into Musk’s personal life, including his relationships and the things he gave up to follow his dreams.

It’s a warning that when you have a lot of success, you have to give up a lot.

So, here are some of the book’s most important lessons:

Taking risks and sticking with it

The story shows how important taking risks and sticking with something is to success.

Musk’s readiness to put everything on the line and his constant drive to push limits have been key to changing industries and shaping the future.

Elon Musk is the richest person in the world, with a net worth of more than $340 billion in 2021. He got there by taking risks and working hard all the time.

After the recent downturn in the tech business, he lost this title to Bernard Arnault.

Why sustainability and exploration are important

In his book, Vance shows how much Musk cares about clean energy and space travel.

Musk shows that companies should do more than just make money; they should also try to make the world a better place. A fact that every business owner needs to remember.

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Biography #3 – Next up, Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight

“Shoe Dog” is a book about sneakers, which are something we all love and wear every day.

It gives an honest and personal story of how the world’s most famous sportswear brand, Nike, got to where it is today.

The book begins with Knight’s poor beginnings, telling about his love of running and his crazy idea to bring high-quality running shoes from Japan to the United States.

Nike’s Meteoric Rise

The book talks about how the famous “swoosh” logo came to be. Followed up by the company’s innovative marketing techniques, and its growth into different sports and markets around the world.

As far as key lessons go, here are some great ideas to take home:

The Power of Passion

One of the most inspiring things to learn from “Shoe Dog” is how important passion is. Knight’s love of running and his confidence in his idea set the stage for the success of Nike.

The book talks about how important it is to follow your passions and let them lead you.

Last but not least, building a winning team is a big part of any success story.

People say that if you want to get somewhere quickly, you should go alone. Go together if you want to get far.

This book talks a lot about how important it is to put together a strong, committed team.

Knight’s story shows how important it was for Nike’s growth and success that he surrounded himself with bright and dedicated people.

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Biography #4 – Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr. by Ron Chernow

Titan is a fascinating, in-depth life-changing biography that takes you into the world of an American hero.

It’s the story of John D. Rockefeller, Sr., the oil magnate who changed American business for good and became the first billionaire in the world.

Chernow’s masterful writing pulls apart the complex web of Rockefeller’s life to show the man behind the huge wealth. Rockefeller was born into a poor family, but his unwavering drive helped him reach the top of the business world.

As the founder of Standard Oil, he was one of the first people to try new things in the oil business and killed his competitors.

Still, the same man was a dedicated Baptist and a philanthropist whose giving changed the lives of many people.

At the zenith of his wealth, John D. Rockefeller’s net worth soared to an astounding $400 billion (in today’s dollars). He was the richest person in modern history.

To put that into perspective, that’s almost four times the peak net worth of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos!

So, what can you learn from this biography? Well, here are two key lessons that can be gleaned from the book:

Innovation drives progress

Rockefeller was a genius who changed the oil business with new ideas and ways of doing business.

He started new ways of doing things, like vertical integration. Moreover, this gave Standard Oil power over every step of the production process, from drilling to shipping.

This lesson shows how important it is for business and personal growth to be open to new ideas and think ahead.

The Power of Philanthropy

Rockefeller was brutal in business, but he also gave a lot of money to good causes. He gave a lot of money to education, public health, and scientific study, among other things.

His charitable work has had a lasting effect on society and serves as a lesson of how important it is to give back and use what you have to make the world a better place.

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Biography #5 – Next, Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson

“Losing My Virginity” is Sir Richard Branson’s fascinating and honest book. Branson is a charismatic and risk-taking businessman who started the Virgin Group.

In its pages, Branson tells the story of his life and work. This includes the highs and lows, successes, and failures that have made him who he is today.

This life-changing biography is about how he went from being a young boy who couldn’t read and liked to get into trouble to becoming a self-made billionaire and one of the most powerful business leaders in the world.

At the peak of his wealth, Richard Branson’s net worth was estimated to be around $5.1 billion.

His vast fortune can be attributed to the numerous successful ventures under the Virgin brand. These span industries such as music, airlines, telecommunications, and even space travel.

Two key lessons from “Losing My Virginity” are:

Embrace calculated risks and seize opportunities

Branson is an entrepreneur because he is willing to take calculated chances and make the most of opportunities as they come up.

Throughout the book, he talks about how important it is to try new things, even if you don’t know what will happen.

This way of thinking has been a big part of how the Virgin brand has grown and changed, making Branson a business leader.

The power of perseverance and learning from failure

Branson’s journey has been full of setbacks and failures, but his unwavering drive and ability to bounce back have helped him learn from them and succeed in the end.

He talks about how important it is to see failure as a chance to learn and how important it is to keep going even when things are hard.

“Losing My Virginity” is not just a business memoir; it is also an interesting and inspiring story about a man who broke the rules, overcame hurdles, and built an empire from the ground up.

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The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life by Alice Schroeder

This life-changing biography is a must-read for any finance guru out there.

The book takes you on a journey from Buffett’s humble beginnings in Omaha, Nebraska, to his meteoric rise as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, one of the world’s biggest and most successful conglomerates.

Along the way, you’ll learn about Buffett’s business strategies, his personal life, and the key decisions that helped him get rich.

From his early days as a paperboy to his billion-dollar deals with some of the biggest companies in the world. You’ll get an inside look at how Buffett became the “Oracle of Omaha” and one of the richest people on the planet with a net worth of over $100 billion.

Now, for two key lessons from the book:

First, Invest only in what you understand

Buffett’s investment strategy is to put money into businesses and areas that he knows a lot about.

He stays away from complicated financial instruments and instead puts his money into long-term investments. In companies with strong fundamentals and benefits over their competitors.

Think long-term

Buffett’s success is mostly because he can think about the long term and ignore short-term changes in the market.

He thinks it’s better to invest in companies with a good track record and a clear plan for growth than to try to make money quickly.

Whether you have been investing for a long time or are just starting out, this book is sure to both motivate and teach you.

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My Life and Work by Henry Ford

Henry Ford’s “My Life and Work” is an inspiring, life-changing biography. Ford was a famous industrialist and a pioneer in the car business.

The book, which came out in 1922, tells about Ford’s life, his unique approach to business, and his hopes for the future.

Henry Ford’s net worth was estimated to be around $200 billion at the peak of his career (adjusted for inflation). He was one of the wealthiest individuals in history.

So, how did he manage to accomplish that? Well, here are two great ideas from the book, without spoiling anything:

Embrace Efficiency and Continuous Improvement

Ford was a firm believer in the power of speed and the need to keep making improvements to the way things were made.

He changed the car business by making the assembly line, which cut down on production time and costs and made cars more cheap for most people.

The Model T, Ford’s most well-known car, became an icon because it was cheap and useful.

This lesson shows how important it is to always look for ways to improve and organize our work, whether at work or at home.

The Value of Teamwork and Fair Treatment of Employees

Henry Ford was a strong believer in the power of working together as a team and the importance of being fair to employees. He set the minimum pay at $5 a day, which was twice as much as the average wage at the time.

This move not only inspired his workers, but it also cut down on unemployment and made them more productive.

Ford knew that a happy staff is a key part of a successful business.

This lesson tells us how important it is to treat people with respect and make the workplace a good place to work, which leads to success and growth for everyone.

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The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt by T.J. Stiles

This is the most interesting and well-researched life-changing biography about one of the most powerful and important businessmen in American history, Cornelius Vanderbilt.

The book tells the story of Vanderbilt’s amazing life. He built his company by being smart at business, being very ambitious, and coming up with new ways to move people around.

Vanderbilt was worth about $100 million at the height of his wealth. That is about $2.5 billion today when you account for inflation.

When he died in 1877, he was the richest person in the United States. He had made his money by putting it into steamboats, railroads, and other businesses.

Some key lessons from the book are:

Be adaptable and embrace change

Vanderbilt was successful in part because he was able to change to changing situations and welcome new ideas.

Starting with steamboats, he saw how this new technology could be used and then turned his attention to trains as they became the most popular way to travel.

Vanderbilt was able to stay ahead of the curve and take advantage of new chances to stay ahead in the business world.

Develop strategic partnerships and alliances

Vanderbilt worked with important business and political people throughout his life. He used their power and knowledge to grow his own empire.

This way of thinking helped him get past challenges and problems, which led to his unbeatable success in the transportation business.

In “The First Tycoon,” T.J. Stiles takes readers on an amazing trip through the life and accomplishments of Cornelius Vanderbilt, a self-made titan who played a key role in shaping America’s economic landscape.

This book gives valuable insights into the mind of a creative entrepreneur and the key lessons that can be learned from his unmatched success. It does this through an interesting story that weaves together the complex tapestry of his life.

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Ray Dalio: Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio

In case you didn’t know, Ray Dalio started Bridgewater Associates, the biggest hedge fund in the world.

In this life-changing biography, Dalio talks about the rules that helped him get from being an average kid from a middle-class family to be one of the richest and most powerful people in the world.

There are two key lessons in this book that definitely stand out:

Embrace Radical Truth and Radical Transparency

Dalio says it’s important to look for the truth, no matter how harsh or unpleasant it might be.

He tells people to create an environment where everyone is open about their ideas and worries. This helps people make better decisions and build stronger relationships.

This way of doing things helps create a meritocratic society that encourages innovation, growth, and personal growth.

Understand the Power of Thoughtful Disagreement

Dalio thinks that the ability to disagree thoughtfully is one of the most important skills for solving problems.

By being open to different points of view and debating ideas that are at odds with each other, we can learn more and make better choices.

This theory teaches us to respect different points of view. Keep an open mind instead of getting defensive or sticking to what we already think.

Imagine how exciting it would be to find out the secrets of a billionaire’s life, like finding a hidden treasure map.

“Principles: Life and Work” is that treasure map, carefully drawn by Ray Dalio himself. It will lead you through a maze of knowledge, hard-won lessons, and powerful insights that will change your life and work for the better.

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The House That Jack Ma Built by Duncan Clark

You know that Jack Ma is an entrepreneur you either respect, admire, or just make fun of.

No matter what you think of him, he built Alibaba, the biggest e-commerce company in China, so we say kudos to him.

The life-changing biography tells the story of Jack Ma’s humble beginnings, struggles, and successes as he built Alibaba. A company that changed the way e-commerce is done around the world.

In a nutshell, “The House That Jack Ma Built” is a fascinating and exciting story about an underdog who rose to fame against all odds and became one of the most powerful businesses in the world.

And believe us, he ran into a lot of problems along the way. Just read it, and you’ll understand what we’re talking about.

In China, it can be very hard to be rich and famous.

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The Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie by Andrew Carnegie

The life-changing biography was written by Andrew Carnegie himself. It gives a close look into the thoughts of a man who came from a poor background in Scotland to become the personification of the American Dream.

The book takes readers on a fascinating trip.

From Carnegie’s early years as a poor immigrant coming to the United States to how his hard work, determination, and smart business sense helped him make a huge fortune in the steel industry.

As the story goes on, readers will learn about Carnegie’s most important moments, choices, and powerful insights that shaped his life and legacy.

Carnegie’s book shows how much he believed in the power of education, self-improvement, and giving back to the community.

The book talks about how he was always willing to help other people. For example, he was one of the first people to build and fund public libraries, educational institutions, and other projects that helped the less fortunate.

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Sam Walton: Made in America by Sam Walton and John Huey

Sam Walton, the visionary founder of Walmart, and John Huey, a well-known writer, wrote the life-changing biography “Sam Walton: Made in America” together. It is an interesting and well-written book.

The book gives a fascinating look into the drive of the man who changed retail forever.

In Walton’s own words, the book takes readers on an exciting trip through his humble beginnings.

As you turn the pages, you’ll learn the secrets behind Walmart’s rapid rise. Such as Walton’s unwavering commitment to low prices and great customer service. Building a culture of teamwork and shared success follow.

“Sam Walton: Made in America” not only tells the story of how Walmart grew. It also gives lessons and advice on leadership, management, and starting a business.

You’ll learn about Walton’s famous “10 Rules for Building a Business,” which made Walmart a $400 billion + company.

This book is a treasure trove of information, ideas, and inspiration that can help anyone who wants to be successful in business.

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Softwar: An Intimate Portrait of Larry Ellison and Oracle by Matthew Symonds

Through in-depth interviews and unprecedented access to Ellison’s inner group, the book digs into the life and personality of the man behind the global software giant Oracle.

It looks at Ellison’s humble beginnings, his unyielding drive for success, and his relentless chase of innovation, which turned Oracle into a dominant force in the tech industry.

The life-changing biography tells about the fierce competition and high-stakes fights that shaped the software industry. It gives a unique and interesting look at the chaotic world of Silicon Valley.

From Oracle’s fierce competition with Microsoft and IBM to its ground-breaking innovations in database management systems, “Softwar” gives a fascinating look at the company’s past and its visionary leader.

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The Intel Trinity: How Robert Noyce, Gordon Moore, and Andy Grove Built the World’s Most Important Company by Michael S. Malone

This life-changing biography is different. It’s not just about one person, but about three:

Robert Noyce, Gordon Moore, and Andy Grove. They were the three geniuses who came up with the idea to start Intel Corporation.

As you learn more about their story, you’ll be taken back to the early days of Silicon Valley. The roots of the digital age were being built.

This exciting story is not only about how Intel got started. But also about how the modern tech business got started.

Michael S. Malone skillfully ties together the personal and professional lives of these three extraordinary people. Who, despite their differences, worked together to build a company that changed the world.

Noyce, the visionary inventor of the microchip; 

Moore, the brilliant scientist who formulated the legendary Moore’s Law; 

And Grove, the unstoppable force who steered Intel to unimaginable success. Their combined genius laid the groundwork for the digital revolution.

“The Intel Trinity” is a must-read for anyone who has ever wondered how the internet came to be.

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Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination by Neal Gabler

Have you ever thought about the man who made our favorite cartoons from childhood? Walt Disney’s life story is one of the most interesting of all time.

Gabler’s life-changing biography tells the amazing story of Walt Disney. Starting from his poor beginnings as a cartoonist and animator to his rise to power as a visionary.

Gabler paints a clear picture of the man behind the mouse.

The book talks about Disney’s early life in Missouri, his battles as an entrepreneur, the creation of famous characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, the opening of Disneyland, and the many problems and successes he faced along the way.

Gabler also talks about Disney’s personal life. How he was with his wife and kids and how complicated he was as a person.

Those are what we consider to be the most life-changing biographies of successful people ever written. Which one are you going to read first?