For Warren Buffett, one of the world's most successful investors, building wealth has always been connected to building knowledge. Known for spending hours reading every day, the Berkshire Hathaway chairman has often spoken about how books shaped his thinking. From investing principles to leadership lessons and business strategies, his reading list reflects the mindset behind his decades of success. If you want to understand how Buffett approaches decisions, these books offer a glimpse into the ideas that influenced him.While speaking to students at Columbia Business School in 2000, Buffett shared his approach to learning, explaining that reading hundreds of pages every day helps knowledge accumulate over time, much like compound interest. He said anyone could adopt the habit, but very few people would actually commit to doing it consistently.The legendary investor has frequently recommended books that focus on rational thinking, long-term investing and understanding human behaviour. Here are some of his notable picks.The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham Often considered one of the most influential books on investing, The Intelligent Investor introduced generations of readers to the idea of value investing. The book focuses on making decisions based on fundamentals rather than emotions, market excitement or speculation. Buffett has repeatedly credited Benjamin Graham's work for shaping his investment philosophy. He once described buying Graham’s book as one of the best investments he ever made, saying that his ideas were explained logically in an elegant and easy-to-understand way without complicated formulas.You Might Also Like: Benjamin Graham’s The Intelligent Investor is considered one of the most important books on investing. It explains the principles of value investing and teaches readers how to make rational decisions instead of following market emotions. The book introduces ideas like buying undervalued companies, maintaining patience and protecting against losses. Graham also explains the difference between investing and speculation, encouraging readers to focus on long-term financial discipline. Warren Buffett has often credited this book for shaping his investment philosophy and approach. The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success by William N. Thorndike Buffett praised the book in 2012, calling it an outstanding work about CEOs who excelled at capital allocation. He specifically mentioned the chapter on Tom Murphy, a Berkshire director, describing him as the best business manager he had ever met.The Outsiders examines eight CEOs who achieved extraordinary business results through unconventional leadership and smart capital allocation. Instead of focusing on traditional management styles, the book highlights how these leaders made disciplined decisions about investments, acquisitions and company resources. It explores how thinking independently and prioritising shareholder value helped these executives outperform expectations. Warren Buffett praised the book for its insights into exceptional CEOs, particularly the chapter on Tom Murphy, whom he considered an outstanding business leader.You Might Also Like: The Clash of the Cultures: Investment vs. Speculation by John C. Bogle The book challenges investors to look beyond quick gains and understand the importance of patience, discipline and low-cost investing. Buffett has long admired Bogle's approach, especially his emphasis on putting investors' interests first.John C. Bogle’s The Clash of the Cultures explores the difference between genuine investing and short-term speculation. The book argues that investors often lose focus by chasing quick profits instead of building long-term wealth. Bogle highlights the importance of patience, low-cost investing and staying committed to financial principles. Through examples and analysis, he explains why disciplined strategies often outperform emotional decision-making. The book reflects Bogle’s belief that successful investing requires simplicity, consistency and a long-term mindset.Shoe Dog by Phil Knight The book is not only about business success but also about persistence, uncertainty and the emotional challenges of entrepreneurship. In his 2016 letter, Buffett called Shoe Dog the best book he had read the previous year.Shoe Dog is Phil Knight’s memoir about the creation and growth of Nike, one of the world’s most recognisable brands. The book takes readers through Knight’s journey from starting a small shoe company to building a global empire. It highlights the struggles, financial challenges, risks and personal sacrifices behind entrepreneurship. More than a business story, it explores determination, uncertainty and resilience. Warren Buffett praised Shoe Dog as one of the best books he had read, appreciating its honest portrayal of building a company.You Might Also Like:Poor Charlie’s Almanack: The Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger, edited by Peter D. Kaufman The book explores Munger’s thoughts on investing, decision-making, psychology and mental models. It offers readers a deeper understanding of the principles that guided one of the most successful business partnerships in history.Poor Charlie’s Almanack brings together the speeches and ideas of Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett’s longtime business partner. The book explores Munger’s thoughts on investing, decision-making, psychology and human behaviour. It introduces the concept of mental models, encouraging readers to develop better ways of thinking and solving problems. Through stories and lessons, Munger explains how patience, rationality and independent thinking can lead to better decisions. The book offers valuable insights into the philosophy behind Berkshire Hathaway’s success.Limping On Water by Phil Beuth and K.C. Schulberg This book shares lessons from the world of business through the experiences of Phil Beuth, a former president of CBS Television Network. It explores leadership, management and the realities behind running successful organisations.Limping On Water shares lessons from Phil Beuth’s career in television and business leadership. The book explores the challenges of managing organisations, making difficult decisions and navigating competitive industries. Through personal experiences, Beuth offers insights into leadership, communication and building successful teams. It highlights that achievement often involves uncertainty, setbacks and learning from mistakes. For readers interested in business and management, the book provides a practical look at the realities behind leadership and long-term professional success. Buffett’s recommendations show that his approach to success is not built only on numbers and financial statements. His reading list highlights the importance of patience, learning and making thoughtful decisions over time.You Might Also Like: