Sam Altman’s AI and Productivity Power Reads
Reading is one of the most powerful ways to increase your knowledge and grow as a person. Sam Altman knows this. He has long professed admiration for books and believes that reading isn’t just a great way to relax after a long day — it also can help you understand some of life’s bigger questions.
As the CEO of OpenAI and former president of Y Combinator, Sam Altman has established himself as a preeminent voice in the world of artificial intelligence and technology entrepreneurship. His unique vantage point affords him insights into how AI will reshape the future of work and productivity.
Blinkist, the knowledge app that Apple ranks as one of the top apps for lifelong learning, has compiled a comprehensive overview of his all-time favorite books after carrying out an in-depth exploration of Sam Altman’s most beloved reads through interviews, social media posts, podcasts, and articles. Let’s take a look at what these five books can do for you.
5 Books From Sam Altmans Reading List
1. Deep Work by Cal Newport
Deep Work
- 9 min reading time
- audio version available
This book argues that the ability to focus without distraction is becoming increasingly valuable in an era of constant digital pings and notifications. Newport outlines practical strategies for training your mind to engage in the intense, productive efforts he calls “deep work” – skills that will only grow more essential as AI automates many routine tasks. Get the key ideas on Blinkist in just 9 minutes.
2. Superhuman Innovation by Chris Duffey
Superhuman Innovation
- 22 min reading time
- audio version available
Duffey makes a compelling case that augmenting human capabilities with AI systems will be the key driver of innovation in the future. The book provides a roadmap for knowledge workers to go beyond artificial intelligence and unlock their own “superhuman” potential through human-AI collaboration. Get the key ideas on Blinkist in just 22 minutes.
3. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
The Lean Startup
- 18 min reading time
- audio version available
Ries’ influential book introduces the “lean startup” methodology of rapid iterative cycles to develop and launch new products and companies. Altman believes this agile, data-driven approach aligns well with the fast cadence enabled by AI and machine learning in driving continuous innovation. Get the key ideas on Blinkist in just 18 minutes.
4. Superintelligence by Nick Bostrom
Superintelligence
- 18 min reading time
- audio version available
What existential risks and challenges will we face if AI eventually becomes vastly smarter than humans? This seminal work by the Oxford philosopher lays out some deeply unsettling scenarios surrounding the development of advanced artificial general intelligence or “superintelligence.” Get the key ideas on Blinkist in just 18 minutes.
5. The Bestseller Code by Jodie Archer and Matthew L. Jockers
The Bestseller Code
- 19 min reading time
- audio version available
This fascinating book details how AI algorithms were used to analyze decades of bestselling novels and uncover the underlying code that determines what makes a book commercially successful. A great example of the potential and limitations of modern AI according to Altman. Get the key ideas on Blinkist in just 19 minutes.
Get Insights From the Smartest People in the World
Want to read all of these books but don’t have the time between your job, the gym, and your social life? Find the knowledge you need, faster and easier, with Blinkist. This award-winning app breaks down densely packed non-fiction books into their core ideas for quick comprehension – giving you all the information you need in 15 minutes or less!
Get inspired and stay ahead of the competition by starting with one of the 6,500 titles in the 27 available categories. Whether you are interested in finding out more about human psychology or understanding the best productivity methods: the app has got you covered.
With the app, you can not only unlock the world’s best non-fiction books but also the collective wisdom of some of our world’s most innovative thinkers. Collections curated by people like Arianna Huffington, Elon Musk, and Oprah are all available for you to gain insight into revolutionary ideas that will help shape and change your future.
The Learning Tool Made With On-The-Go Learners in Mind
Thanks to its audio function, it’s now easy for everyone to get in a few lessons wherever they may be. Listen to the explainers anywhere, anytime, and on any device. Blinkist made learning new information more accessible for you so you can listen to it, no matter if you’re commuting, at the gym, or cooking.
–Oula Farawati, Co-founder & CEO
Millions of People Read More Thanks to This App
With more than 30 million users, Blinkist is one of the most popular apps for professionals who are interested in learning more about the complexity of today’s world. It’s clear that users are satisfied as it currently has a 4.8-star rating. Just have a look at what some of the 90,000 5 star-reviews had to say:
–iOS 5 Star review
According to Apple, This Is One of the Best Apps for Lifelong Learning
In addition to being named one of the best apps in the world by Apple, Blinkist has also been ranked in the top 20 apps for lifelong learning. It was also featured as the “App of the Day” on the App Store more than 500 times.
Next to Apple, Blinkist has received some of the highest honors, including awards from the UN for its contribution to the education field, and from Google, for its unique design. The app has also been praised by some of the biggest names in the industry, including Tim Cook who visited the employees in Berlin, as well as the New York Times.
Blinkist explainers already help 30 million users learn new information 10x faster by:
- Being comprehensive: you get the most important points in the book via “Key Ideas”
- Cutting out the fluff: the expert curators of Blinkist have cut out all of the unnecessary details and information and only present you with the information most relevant to the topic.
- And by being quick: You can get most of the key ideas in about 15 minutes or less.
Start learning from Sam Altman’s recommended books and take Blinkist for a test drive today. Download it for free on the App or Google Play Store.
