Person
Every book Hikaru Nakamura recommended on podcasts
Hikaru Nakamura appears as a guest on the Lex Fridman Podcast, where he shares insights into the worlds of competitive chess, grandmaster psychology, history, and business strategy. Reflecting his diverse intellectual curiosities, Nakamura recommends 'The Histories' by Herodotus, whom he highlights as the father of history, naming it one of his favorite books read in recent years. In addition to his primary focus on chess, Nakamura discusses various books that have shaped his perspective on decision-making and learning. He talks about studying chess through instructional materials like 'Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess,' illustrating the rigorous methods used by players to analyze and master the game. Furthermore, Nakamura reflects on reading Mary Buffett's book about Warren Buffett and how it influenced his understanding of business management, specifically focusing on a hands-off approach to corporate acquisitions. He also brings up Arthur C. Clarke's science fiction novel 'Rendezvous with Rama' while exploring imaginative, speculative scenarios of isolation and exploration. Through these varied literary references, Nakamura reveals an analytical mind that looks beyond the chessboard toward history, literature, and business principles.
Books recommended by Hikaru Nakamura
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Histories
Herodotus's The Histories is widely considered the foundational work of historical writing in Western literature, chronicling the ancient conflicts between the Greek city-states and the Persian Empire.
Recommended“I think I mean one of my favorite books that I've read in the last couple years is the histories by Herodotus uh I mean basically considered the father of history”
Where to get it
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Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess
Bobby Fischer Teaches Chess by Bobby Fischer is a classic instructional chess book designed to help players improve their tactical vision and strategic thinking through guided problem-solving.
Discussed“I devoured as much information as I could. 1003 00:34:00 00:34:03 I was like, so you were studying chess books? 1002 00:33:59 00:34:00 You were— I was.”
Where to get it
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Rendezvous with Rama
Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C.
Discussed“I mean it's slightly over there was this sci-fi book I read many years ago I think it was rendezvous with Rama um or I think there were people that were just going all over the land like in this this cylinder”
Where to get it
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Warren Buffett and the interpretation of financial statements
Warren Buffett and the Interpretation of Financial Statements by Mary Buffett is a practical guide designed to help individual investors understand corporate financial health through the analytical lens of Warren Buffett.
Discussed“You're basically running this business, and for me, I've learned a lot about that because one of the books I read some years back, I think it was by Mary Buffett. 3917 02:13:35 02:13:36 It was on Warren Buffett and how when he buys these companies, it's hands-off management; it stays the same, you don't do anything.”
Where to get it
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| #330 – Hikaru Nakamura: Chess, Magnus, Kasparov, and the Psychology of Greatness | Lex Fridman Podcast | 2022-10-17 | 4 |
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“and when I went to college the the whole notion of basically people who are Juniors and seniors being more important or more equal than others to do the animal farm line”