Straight from my bookshelf
I’ve been an avid reader for as long as I can remember.
Khan Academy was inspired in part by the Foundation series by Isaac Asimov. The concept of collecting and spreading knowledge for the benefit of humanity deeply resonated with me. Now, after more than 15 years of providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere, I know that giving knowledge to the people doesn’t have to be science fiction at all.
Since reading Asimov in middle school, I’ve read more books. A lot more. Here are five books I’ve recommended to our Khan Academy community over the past five years:
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain
In this book, Hank Morgan, a knowledgeable American engineer from the late 1800s, finds himself magically transported to King Arthur’s England in the 500s, a far more backward and ignorant time than the fanciful tales of legend. He also discovers that his knowledge of science and engineering is nothing short of magic to the people of Camelot. Through his experiences, he realizes that the best way to “liberate” people is to educate them in science, critical thinking, and humanist ideals.
Reading this book helped shape my belief that the world needed something like Khan Academy. Every era has its biases, superstitions, oppressions, and lost potential. And every era can become a better place if people are given the tools to empower themselves and others.
A Little History of the World by E.H. Gombrich
The most common question I’ve gotten over the years is, “Why did you decide to make Khan Academy a nonprofit organization?” It’s because Khan Academy is more than a company or product. We want to serve billions of people for generations to come. Institutions like the Smithsonian and Oxford have been able to maintain their focus on fulfilling their mission because they are nonprofit organizations.
E.H. Gombrich’s A Little History of the World reads like a magical adventure that inspires true wonder as the reader journeys through our shared story on this planet. No, it is not comprehensive, and it is not perfect, but it connects the dots and brings a joy to learning history that few history books do. It can be read aloud to young children and also enjoyed by knowledgeable adults. In many ways, Gombrich has the same approach to education as Khan Academy does—showing that learning is best when paired with accessibility, joy, and wonder.
The Art of Living by Epictetus
The Art of Living by Epictetus offers a timeless perspective on what truly matters in life. It speaks to the importance of living with purpose and striving to create a positive impact on the lives of others.
This quote resonates with me: “The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.” The sentence perfectly captures the spirit of Khan Academy. By surrounding ourselves with passionate, supportive learners like you, we can create an environment where everyone can thrive.
The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu
Recently, AI has taken the world by storm, introducing both opportunities and risks. Where we take this technology is dependent on whether we, as a society, are willing to double down on its positive uses while placing reasonable guardrails to mitigate the negative.
What was once science fiction is now a reality, which is why I’m highlighting The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu, translated by Ken Liu. It is actually not about AI, but it is about encountering alien intelligence. It’s a skilled blend of both scientific and philosophical speculation that challenges our assumptions about who we are and what our place is in the universe—something that I think is very appropriate at this moment.
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
While Great Expectations is set in Victorian England, it speaks to issues that resonate deeply with our current work at Khan Academy.
The novel follows Pip, a young man whose life is shaped by opportunity, wealth, and societal expectations. Throughout history, these forces have dictated access to education and determined a person’s future. Pip’s journey highlights the inherent unfairness of this system.
Khan Academy seeks to rewrite that story and offer a high-quality education to everyone who wants to learn. It shouldn’t matter what your background is or if you have a benefactor to help you navigate the world. Education is a fundamental right and a powerful tool to help everyone reach their full potential.
To be sure, there are many, many more books out there and a whole host of authors who deserve mention on a list like this, and I want to hear about them!
You are invited to share your book recommendations so we can make a list of them for our community. As a supporter of Khan Academy, a nonprofit organization inspired by the Foundation series, it’s only right that we gather and distribute knowledge to as many people as possible.
Please reply to the email that brought you here and share your ideas and recommendations with us. Thank you!
