As 2025 draws to a close, Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates has unveiled his much-anticipated annual reading list. Released on December 26, 2025, the selection offers a diverse mix of titles aimed at satisfying curiosity and explaining complex world mechanisms.
The list, shared on his blog Gates Notes, includes works of fiction, science, memoir, psychology, and public policy. A common thread linking them is Gates's stated preference for books that provide essential explanations, whether about aging, climate change, human communication, or the challenges of societal progress.
Gates's Top Five Picks for Reflective Reading
This year's recommendations are headlined by a rare fiction choice from the tech billionaire. The novel Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt captured Gates's attention. The story revolves around Tova, a 70-year-old widow, and her unique friendship with an intelligent octopus named Marcellus. Gates, now in his seventies, noted that the book prompted him to reflect on themes of aging, loneliness, and finding purpose after a primary career ends, calling it a reminder that later life can still be a time for growth and connection.
Data-Driven Hope and Candid Memoirs
For readers seeking clarity on environmental issues, Gates strongly recommends Clearing the Air by Oxford data scientist Hannah Ritchie. The book tackles 50 straightforward questions about climate change, from renewable energy costs to the feasibility of timely action. Gates praised its balanced approach, which candidly addresses risks while highlighting data-proven progress in clean energy and technology, effectively cutting through both alarmism and denial.
Another standout is the memoir Who Knew by media mogul Barry Diller. Gates, who has known Diller for years, was surprised by the book's openness. Beyond detailing major business decisions that shaped television, film, and the internet, the memoir delves into personal reflections on identity, including Diller's decision to come out publicly later in life. Gates described it as a business memoir that values honesty over self-congratulation.
Understanding Society and Systemic Hurdles
The list also features a deep dive into social psychology with Steven Pinker's When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows. The book explores the concept of "common knowledge"—when people know something and know that others know it too. Gates said this framework reshaped his thinking about communication, collaboration, and social norms, making everyday interactions more understandable.
Finally, Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson tackles the perceived slowdown in American innovation. The authors argue that the nation's problem isn't a lack of ideas but an inability to execute due to regulations, bureaucracy, and risk aversion, particularly in housing, infrastructure, and clean energy. While Gates doesn't agree with every solution proposed, he believes the book asks crucial questions, aligning with his own experiences navigating large public systems to shift focus from ideas to the systems that allow them to succeed.
This curated list from one of the world's most influential thinkers provides a roadmap for readers looking to understand the forces shaping our present and future, blending personal insight with rigorous analysis of global challenges.
