Five books to expand your mind as an MBA student

You might not expect a historical account of an ancient war to be a choice for an MBA reading list but it’s on Michael’s. That’s because this tale of an ancient Greek war has numerous parallels to business today. “History always repeats itself, and I think for an MBA student, it’s actually good to tap into what history actually means,” he says. “Because a lot of these decisions that we’re making today in this modern time have been made before.”  

For Michael, The Peloponnesian War teaches as much about diplomacy and critical thinking as traditional books for MBA students. These skills proved useful in the book as a way to try to convince a large group of people to avoid going to war. They’ll prove equally useful in a business context to convince others to make a decision you know to be right.

2. Analects by Confucius

Analects is a book of sayings written thousands of years ago in China by the philosopher Confucius. But despite its antiquity, many of its teachings still ring true today. Michael outlines two key concepts that he has taken from the book into the MBA classroom. “It shows you how to engage with people in a very civil, a very harmonious way,” he says. Confucius also extends his harmonious philosophy to the Earth as a whole. It’s a good read if you want to become a socially responsible leader.

3. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

Michael’s third book recommendation is Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. The novel, published in 1957, tells the story of American businesses struggling under the weight of bureaucracy and regulation. The text champions individualism and free thinking as drivers of societal progress. Michael summarizes the novel’s lessons, “You should be very innovative, you should be creative [and] you should push that onto the world because that’s how development goes through… That’s how growth actually takes place.” Atlas Shrugged is a testament to human creativity and innovation. Both are highly valued at Nyenrode Business University, making the MBA an effective way to launch a career.

The next book on Michael’s list also relates to the theme of innovation. It’s a biography of the Renaissance polymath Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson. While Atlas Shrugged promotes innovation through a fictional story about business, Isaacson’s book centers around the extraordinary innovations of a historical figure. Michael says that as an MBA graduate, “you really want to tap into that forefront of being innovative.” 

It’s easy to draw inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci’s multi-faceted life, he is the quintessential model of multidisciplinary genius. For MBA candidates, Michael believes it’s important to get acquainted with various topics outside of business. Having broader knowledge can help you in your MBA and the wider business world. “When it comes back to solving a problem in a very unique business case, or talking to people, then you [need to] tap into this wide variety of topics.” Michael adds. 

5. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Benefits of reading for MBA students

Reading expands the mind, fosters creativity, enhances emotional intelligence, and nurtures critical thinking. These are all traits that are pivotal attributes of effective business leadership. As Michael’s list reveals, reading helps cultivate a perspective that extends beyond the confines of our immediate environment. Books can be some of your wisest mentors, let them guide your leadership journey.

This article was originally published by MBAGRADSCHOOLS, a leading source of information for prospective MBA students worldwide.