Should you SKIP, READ, or STUDY these books if you're a young entrepreneur?

18 Sept 2026 · 1 min

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1:24

In this concise, no‑nonsense segment, the speaker evaluates a list of popular business and personal‑development books from the perspective of a fledgling entrepreneur. He categorises each title as either “skip,” “read,” or “study,” explaining why certain books are unnecessary for early‑stage founders while highlighting those that provide essential frameworks, practical tactics, or motivational boosts. The recommendations include skipping "Rich Dad Poor Dad" and "Losing My Virginity," studying "The Lean Startup," "How to Win Friends and Influence People," and "Influence," reading "The $100 Startup" and "Never Split the Difference," and using "Shoe Dog" only for motivation. The speaker’s tone is blunt, pragmatic, and occasionally profane, reflecting a critical yet supportive stance toward the resources he deems valuable for young entrepreneurs.

Chapters

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. Skip. I know. Look, if you're starting off, understanding the difference between an entrepreneur and investor, not critical. You can skip it for now. Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson. Oh, skip. Awesome book. Not needed. If you're starting off, that's not the right book. The Lean Startup by Eric Ries. Study. The idea of pre-validation and working backwards from a customer is how you win in business. The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau. Read. It'll inspire you. Good frameworks, fundamentals. Do it. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight. Needed to succeed as a young entrepreneur? No. Unless you're fucking depressed and you feel like giving up. If you need a shot of motivation, read. The Mom Test by Rob Fitzpatrick. Skip. Great book. Awesome frame. I think there's better books to solve that problem. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Study. You are a byproduct of your proximity to other people. You're the byproduct of the energy of people you spend time with. You can accomplish anything in life helping other people get what they want. That is the Bible for that framework. Built to Last by Jim Collins. Skip. It's not the right book for a first-time entrepreneur. Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss. Definitely read. You'll become a lethal negotiator, which honestly, when you start off, that's all you're doing. Influence by Robert Cialdini. Study. It's human psychology. I mean, once you understand how the world works, you see the world differently. It has so many secondary benefits. Study it.