Book · 2023 · Biography & Autobiography
The Art Thief
A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession
Why people recommend it
The Art Thief by Michael Finkel is a gripping true-crime narrative that follows the astonishing exploits of a prolific art thief who stole billions of dollars worth of cultural treasures without ever attempting to sell them. On an episode of My First Million in February 2024, Noah Kagan enthusiastically recommended the book to his co-host, sharing that he had just finished reading it the previous night and found it deeply inspiring. Kagan highlighted a specific philosophical takeaway from the book that left a lasting impression on him, noting a question posed about what a person looks at first thing upon waking up in the morning. Later, in August 2026, the host of My First Million brought up the book again to discuss its fascinating premise with listeners, noting its widespread popularity. The host recounted the unbelievable true story of the thief's unique motivation and modus operandi, emphasizing the bizarre nature of accumulating vast amounts of priceless stolen art purely for personal aesthetic enjoyment rather than financial gain. Through these discussions, the podcast hosts highlighted how the book blends an entertaining criminal narrative with unexpected psychological and philosophical insights, making it a compelling read for entrepreneurs and casual readers seeking both a thrilling story and fresh perspectives on human behavior and daily motivation.
Who recommended it
- Noah Kagan Recommended
Noah Kagan — 1 mention
“But dude, I read this good book last night, Sam. You may be inspired by it. It's called The Art Thief. And uh this guy who steals art. But one of the things he said that stuck with me is like, "What's the first thing you look at when you wake up in the morning?"”
Mentioned on the show without a named speaker — 1
“I just started reading Have you heard of this book called The Art Thief? No. Very, very popular book.”