If you want to think like a billionaire, you might want to stop scrolling on TikTok and pick up a book. For venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, it’s not just a habit—it’s how he makes sense of the world and continually reshapes his thinking about business.
“I’ve always been like this, I’m reading basically every spare minute that I have,” Andreessen told the How I write podcast in 2023.
The billionaire previously carved out two hours of reading time on most weekdays, according to a detailed version of his weekly schedule he published in 2020. However, with the business world only becoming more pressurized, he’s increased how much he learns—somthing made possible by what he calls “the single biggest technological leap” in his life: AirPods.
Andreessen now spends two to three hours a day listening to audiobooks—usually switching between histories, biographies, and material on new topics like artificial intelligence. That adds up to almost a full 24-hour day dedicated to learning each week.
NPR reported that Andreessen believes reading is essential for staying ahead in a rapidly changing world. He doesn’t just read passively, though. He actively takes notes and tries to connect new data to what he already knows.It’s a deliberate process, and one he credits with helping him identify opportunities and make better decisions.
He’s not alone. Many successful people prioritize reading. Warren Buffett, for example, famously spends much of his day reading. It’s a simple habit,but one that can have a huge impact on your success. So, if you want to boost your brainpower and think more strategically, maybe it’s time to trade some screen time for some reading time.
