Episode · David Senra · 2026-10-14
Books mentioned on Lessons from Napoleon, Steve Jobs, Joan of Arc & Other Leaders | Ben Wilson
Ben Wilson is the host of “How To Take Over The World,” which is one of my favorite podcasts. How To Take Over The World examines history’s greatest leaders and conquerors, and has benefited millions of people.
David Senra recommended Steve Jobs in Exile by Geoffrey Cain, and discussed Michael Faraday by L. Pearce Williams, Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson and others, and Shoe Dog by Phil Knight and others. Ben Wilson recommended Napoleon by Andrew Roberts, Jesus by Paul Johnson, Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, and The Mind of Napoleon by Napoleon I (Emperor of the French).
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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Michael Faraday
Discussed“And he's reading this biography of Michael Faraday, who is an inventor from the generation before. And he's reading the biography of Faraday. His roommate goes to bed. His roommate wakes up in the morning. And Edison is just finishing the biography.”
Where to get it
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Leonardo da Vinci
Walter Isaacson's detailed biography explores the life, insatiable curiosity, and multifaceted genius of the famous Renaissance polymath Leonardo da Vinci.
Discussed“I was like, I read Isaacson's biography of Da Vinci, which is great, but it's like 800 pages. And I was like, give me the best Da Vinci book that you ever read. And I'm in Tuscany, it was so bad. I literally left it at the hotel.”
Where to get it
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Napoleon
Andrew Roberts's acclaimed historical biography provides a comprehensive examination of the life, military campaigns, and political career of the French emperor.
Recommended“Which biography? Andrew Roberts. Of course. Yeah. Great biography.”
Where to get it
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Steve Jobs in Exile
Steve Jobs in Exile by Geoffrey Cain is a compelling narrative exploring a specific, turbulent chapter in the life of the legendary tech pioneer, highlighting the challenges of leadership, innovation, and organizational politics.
Recommended“Me and you just read the book. I think it's called, like, Steve Jobs in Exile, which I'd highly recommend. Really good book.”
Where to get it
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Jesus
Jesus by Paul Johnson is a biographical exploration of the historical figure of Jesus of Nazareth, written by the renowned British historian and journalist.
Recommended“The Paul Johnson biography, I think, does a really good job. That's the one I read.”
Where to get it
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Ender's Game
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card is a classic science fiction novel about a gifted young boy recruited into an elite military academy to prepare for an impending alien invasion through intense tactical simulations.
Recommended“Well, one I read for fun every year is Ender's Game. I do reread it. Have you read Ender's Game?”
Where to get it
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The Mind of Napoleon
The Mind of Napoleon by Napoleon I is a historical compilation that collects the profound thoughts, military philosophies, and administrative insights of the French emperor.
Recommended“And Mind of Napoleon, since I discovered it, I have reread that every year. I just did another episode on it.”
Where to get it
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Shoe Dog
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight is a candid and gripping memoir by the co-founder of Nike that chronicles the harrowing early struggles, relentless perseverance, and eventual global success of the iconic athletic brand.
Discussed“I think my favorite quote about belief comes from Phil Knight. And he talks about, in Shoe Dog, trying to sell encyclopedias...”
Where to get it
