NR Narayana Murthy’s favourite books that shaped his thinking

NR Narayana Murthy’s 8 favourite books

Narayana Murthy is considered as the founding father of India’s IT revolution. But Murthy is also incredibly well-read and has spoken many times about the power of books and ideas. Here are some of his favourite books. Take a look.

Winners Never Cheat Even in Difficult Times by Jon M. Huntsman

Narayana Murthy considers this book to be an important intervention on the topic of ethics in business practice.

What Money Can’t Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets by Michael J. Sandel

Michael Sandel is one of the world’s greatest philosophers on the topic of ethics. In this book, Sandel lays bare the relationship that money has with greed and why we must avoid the latter.

The Thinker’s Guide to The Art of Socratic Questioning By Richard Paul and Linda Elder

Narayana Murthy, time and time again, has spoken at length about the importance of embracing the Socratic method. This book is a must-read if you want to know how.

The Story of Civilization (11 Volumes) By Will and Ariel Durant

This voluminous masterpiece is a must for every serious reader because the Durants take you on an incredible journey through the various civilizations of mankind, from Indus Valley to the Renaissance, this book is exhaustive.

Capital in the Twenty-First Century By Thomas Piketty

Piketty became a household name with the publication of this book. It is a great exploration of the history of inequality in an increasingly polarised world.

The Discovery of India By Jawaharlal Nehru

Nehru’s magnum opus needs no introduction. Written when he was in prison, this book traces the evolution of India, through its history and culture.

The Story of My Experiments with Truth By Mahatma Gandhi

Another key text that needs no introduction. Mahatma Gandhi’s incredibly detailed autobiography takes the reader on a journey through his thoughts on ahimsa, truth and Satyagraha.

The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism By Max Weber

This classic text of sociology takes the reader through the history of capitalism in the U.S. and argues how the Protestant creed of work ethic was instrumental in the rise and development of capitalism.