Why Bill Gates Reads 50 Books A Year (And How You Can Too!)

Posted on 8/6/2025, 11:52:03 AM

Bill Gates is best known for founding Microsoft and shaping the modern tech landscape—but what many don’t realize is that he's also a lifelong learner and a voracious reader. In fact, Gates reads around 50 books a year, and he’s credited reading as a key ingredient to his success.

You might think, “Sure, it’s easy for a billionaire to find the time to read.” But the truth is, Gates treats reading like a daily discipline—and with the right strategies (and a little help from an app that summarizes books), you can build the same habit, even with a busy schedule.

Let’s dive into why reading is so important to Gates, what his reading habits look like, and how you can replicate his system to read more, learn faster, and unlock your full potential.

Why Bill Gates Makes Reading a Priority

1. It’s His #1 Tool for Learning

Bill Gates has said, “Reading is absolutely essential. I read every book with the idea that it’s my job to remember and understand what the author is saying.”

Unlike browsing articles or watching quick videos, books offer structured, thoughtful analysis. Gates uses books to go deep into complex topics like global health, economics, innovation, and climate change. This continuous learning allows him to speak intelligently and act decisively in both his business and philanthropic ventures.

2. He Uses Reading to Challenge His Thinking

Gates doesn’t just read books that confirm what he already believes. He actively seeks out ideas that challenge him, broaden his perspective, and help him critically evaluate the world.

“If you read enough, there’s a similarity between things that make it easy, because this thing is like this other thing. If you have a broad framework, then you have a place to put everything,” Gates explains.

This is a big reason he stays ahead of trends—he’s always learning what’s coming next.

3. Reading Helps Him Disconnect and Focus

In a world filled with distractions, Gates sees reading as a mental escape and a productivity tool. He’s known to take “Think Weeks” every year—solo retreats where he reads dozens of books and reflects on big ideas, completely unplugged from the world.

Even without a full week off, you can create a similar effect by carving out 20–30 minutes of focused reading each day.

How You Can Read More—Even with a Busy Schedule

Now that you know why reading is so important to Gates, here’s how you can develop a powerful reading habit without spending hours a day.

Even if you have a 9-to-5 job, a family, or a packed schedule, you can start reading smarter with a few simple tweaks.

1. Use an App That Summarizes Books

One of the fastest-growing tools for busy professionals is an app that summarizes books. These apps break down popular nonfiction books into bite-sized 10–15 minute reads or listens, distilling the key takeaways so you can learn faster.

Here are a few examples:

• Sumizeit – A user-friendly platform offering short, actionable summaries of bestselling nonfiction titles. Great for people who want to learn fast and retain more.

Using an app that summarizes books, you could absorb the key ideas from hundreds of books a year—while commuting, exercising, or even cooking dinner.

Imagine This:

Instead of spending 8–10 hours reading one book, you get the highlights from 5 books in under an hour. That’s Gates-level learning, adapted to your real-world schedule.

2. Create a Daily Reading Ritual

Gates is consistent. He reads every night before bed for about an hour. The key is not how much time you spend—it's about being consistent.

Try this:

• Read for 10–20 minutes after waking up or before bed.

• Use downtime (commutes, lunch breaks, waiting in line) to read book summaries.

• Replace 15 minutes of social media scrolling with learning something new.

Over time, this adds up to hundreds of hours of personal development every year.

3. Choose the Right Books (and Formats)

Gates reads books that help him understand the world better—from science to history to public health. You don’t have to follow the same topics, but you should choose books that genuinely interest you.

Explore genres like:

• Personal development

• Business and entrepreneurship

• Health and wellness

• Psychology and mindset

• Technology and future trends

And don’t be afraid to experiment with formats. Try audiobooks, summaries, Kindle, or physical books to find what works best for your lifestyle.

4. Track What You Read

Gates keeps a public list of all the books he reads on his blog, GatesNotes. You can do something similar by:

• Keeping a reading journal

• Using Goodreads

• Creating a spreadsheet or Notion board

Tracking your reading creates a sense of progress and motivation—and it helps you remember what you’ve learned.

5. Share What You Learn

Gates writes book reviews and shares takeaways. You can do the same by:

• Blogging or posting on social media

• Starting a book club

• Sharing summaries with friends or colleagues

When you teach what you learn, you retain more and build deeper understanding.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Read Every Word to Read Like Gates

Reading 50 books a year isn’t about checking off a number—it’s about feeding your mind, staying curious, and improving your thinking.

With a consistent routine and tools like an app that summarizes books, you can:

• Learn faster

• Stay current

• Make smarter decisions

• And grow, week after week

You may not be Bill Gates, but you can absolutely borrow his strategy to level up your knowledge—and your life.

Ready to Read Smarter?

Start using an app that summarizes books like Sumizeit today. Turn your free time into learning time—and build a Gates-style reading habit in just minutes a day.