5 Books Bryan Johnson Reads to Reinvent Life
Bryan Johnson, the entrepreneur behind Blueprint, Kernel, and Braintree, somehow finds time to read a lot of books when he’s not pushing the boundaries of human health and tech.
From science-backed wellness to small business investing and the ethics of AI, Johnson credits books with shaping his bold vision for the future. In fact, many of his health protocols, business strategies, and philosophical ideas stem from the deep thinking found in these pages.
The wide range of Bryan Johnson’s recommended books reflects not only his obsession with longevity but also his curiosity about consciousness, human behavior, and societal systems. Whether he’s refining a data-driven diet or contemplating how to live forever, his reading list offers a glimpse into the mind of someone determined to extend and elevate life.
However, the luxury of delving into books daily is not something everyone can afford. According to a study by the Bureau of Labour Statistics, most Americans find time to read just 17 minutes per day. At that rate, it could take you more than a month to read one of Johnson’s recommended non-fiction books.
Enter Blinkist. The award-winning knowledge app that breaks down lengthy non-fiction books into their core concepts. You can get through most of Blinkist’s explainer packs in as little as 15 minutes and even take learning with you using the app’s audio function.
“When we started in 2012, most apps were for social media or gaming. We wanted to do something different and build an app that would help change someone’s life with the power of reading. Now, with collections, we can give our users book recommendations from some of the world’s smartest and most well-read people.” – Holger Seim, CEO of Blinkist
Blinkist’s newest feature is Guides, an exciting new way to learn and absorb knowledge in a comprehensive and effective manner. Guides allow you to take an even deeper dive into a particular topic you are curious about. Guided by experts and thought leaders, Blinkist utilizes both new, original audio content and existing Blinks to provide practical insights of great value. By adding quizzes and practical tools to the routing, this feature helps you test and retain what you’ve learned. Guides also include valuable resources such as exercises, infographics, and recaps to facilitate your learning journey.
And while we may not see an exclusive Bryan Johnson course on there just yet, who’s to say what the future holds? For now Blinkist does offer guided courses by Tiago Forte and Nir Eyal among others.
Want to start simple first? Let’s take a look at the books shaping Bryan Johnson’s vision for a better, longer, and more conscious life.
5 Books From Bryan Johnson’s Reading List
1. Outlive by Peter Attia
Outlive
- 20 Minuten Lesezeit
- Audioversion verfügbar
Outlive introduces a radically different approach to preventing chronic disease and optimizing health. Dr. Peter Attia dives deep into what he calls the “Four Horsemen” of chronic disease—heart disease, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and type 2 diabetes—and explains how to proactively manage them through exercise, nutrition, sleep, and mental health. Get the key ideas with Blinkist in just 15 minutes.
2. Endurance by Alfred Lansing
Endurance
- 22 Minuten Lesezeit
- Audioversion verfügbar
This gripping retelling of Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition is a masterclass in leadership, grit, and survival. Drawing on firsthand accounts and journals, Alfred Lansing reconstructs the impossible journey faced by Shackleton and his crew after their ship was trapped in ice. Endurance is both a harrowing adventure story and a powerful study in the resilience of the human spirit. Get the key ideas with Blinkist in just 12 minutes.
3. The Alignment Problem by Brian Christian
The Alignment Problem
- 8 Minuten Lesezeit
- Audioversion verfügbar
As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in our lives, The Alignment Problem explores how to build AI systems that reflect human values. Christian breaks down the complexities of ethical machine learning, algorithmic bias, and moral responsibility in AI design. It’s an essential read for understanding how our future technologies can be both powerful and principled. Get the key ideas with Blinkist in just 14 minutes.
4. Main Street Millionaire by Codie Sanchez
Main Street Millionaire
- 18 Minuten Lesezeit
- Audioversion verfügbar
In Main Street Millionaire, Codie Sanchez reveals the underrated path to wealth: investing in “boring businesses” like laundromats, vending machines, and local service companies. With practical tips and real-life case studies, this book breaks down how everyday people can achieve financial independence through small business acquisitions. Get the key ideas with Blinkist in just 13 minutes.
5. How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan
How to Change Your Mind
- 24 Minuten Lesezeit
- Audioversion verfügbar
How to Change Your Mind explores the renaissance of psychedelics as tools for mental health, creativity, and self-exploration. Michael Pollan examines the history, science, and personal experiences of those who have used substances like LSD and psilocybin to shift their perception of reality. This thought-provoking book opens the door to a new understanding of the mind. Get the key ideas with Blinkist in just 16 minutes.
Learn from the Best
Blinkist’s library of nonfiction titles has over 5,700 explainer packs spread across 27 categories of learning. Plus, with the addition of collections, you can see what the world’s top thinkers — not only Bryan Johnson — recommend. From Thrive Global Founder and CEO Arianna Huffington to podcast host and author Natalie Lue.
“If I had this app in college, I’d be Bryan 2.0!” – anonymous 5-star review on the App Store
In essence, with platforms like Blinkist, deep knowledge and insights from influential figures like Bryan Johnson are more accessible than ever. Whether you’re seeking to dive into Johnson’s book recommendations or discover other modern thinkers, Blinkist streamlines the learning process, helping you stay sharp and inspired on the go. Embrace the digital age of condensed knowledge and never stop learning.
“Blinkist has helped me read more — period. I love that I can get the key learnings from 10+ books a week and immediately implement them in my own life. Blinkist has also helped me filter the books I purchase — if I couldn’t get enough of the Blinks, I buy it. ” – Hitha Palepu, entrepreneur and author
Start learning from Bryan Johnson’s recommended books and take Blinkist for a test drive today.
The Blinkist editorial team
Blinkist jetzt kostenlos ausprobieren
Eine kleine Investition, eine unglaubliche Wachstumschance: Erhalte Zugriff auf leistungsstarke Ideen aus Top-Sachbüchern und Podcasts.
Blinkist jetzt kostenlos ausprobieren
Was ist Blinkist?
Blinkist ist eine App, die wichtige Erkenntnisse aus tollen Sachbüchern in schnelle, leicht verständliche Highlights verwandelt. Die Realität ist – jeder liebt das Lesen, aber niemand hat die Zeit dafür. Blinkist füllt diese Lernlücke und macht den Erwerb neuen Wissens mühelos.
