Jared Silver

Education is the best way to improve access to opportunity.

Technology is the best way to improve access to education.

Education technology is the best way to improve the world.

Inspiration

My worldview has been shaped immensely by a varied collection of authors, academics, and artists, and sharing their work with others is my way of thanking them for the impact they've had on me. These are a few of my favorites — perhaps you might enjoy them as much as I have.

Psychology Books

From behavioral economics to organizational behavior, these books shaped how I work, build products, and see the world.

  • Thinking, Fast and SlowDaniel Kahneman
  • NudgeCass Sunstein & Richard Thaler
  • Predictably IrrationalDan Ariely
  • InfluenceRobert Cialdini
  • Deep WorkCal Newport
  • Give and TakeAdam Grant

History / Biography Books

Books like these gave me the chance to explore the inner workings of history's smartest and most interesting minds.

  • The InnovatorsWalter Isaacson
  • Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!Richard Feynman
  • Prisoner's DilemmaWilliam Poundstone
  • Incompleteness: The Proof and Paradox of Kurt GodelRebecca Goldstein

Introspective Books

This collection of philosophy and self-improvement books helped me to develop a thoughtful, stoic approach to life.

  • MeditationsMarcus Aurelius
  • The FlinchJulien Smith
  • QuietSusan Cain
  • SmartcutsShane Snow
  • Rejection ProofJia Jiang

Business Books

These books provided me with the inspiration and tactical advice necessary to believe that I have the potential to improve the world through entrepreneurship.

  • Creativity, Inc.Ed Catmull
  • OriginalsAdam Grant
  • Anything You WantDerek Sivers
  • Made to StickDan & Chip Heath
  • Start with WhySimon Sinek
  • Zero to OnePeter Thiel
  • Conscious CapitalismJohn Mackey & Raj Sisodia
  • LinchpinSeth Godin

Talks & Lectures

In middle and high school, I couldn't engage in a passive activity like riding the bus or eating without also watching a lecture or talk. These are a few that really stood out.

Blogs & Newsletters

I believe that people end up becoming the average of the ideas with which they spend their time. These are the places I look for the ideas that I want to shape me.

Education Research

These books and papers helped me better understand the various challenges facing education around the world.

Academic Papers

I spent a considerable amount of my free time in high school and college reading academic papers about topics that interested me. These are a few of my favorites.

Fictional Stories

This collection of novels and short stories explores technology, dystopia, and what it means to stand up for what you believe in.

  • "Repent, Harlequin!" Said the TicktockmanHarlan Ellison
  • The Machine StopsE. M. Forster
  • Season of LifeJeffrey Marx
  • Ready Player OneErnest Cline
  • 1984George Orwell

Movies & Television

My favorite movies are highly cerebral and explore themes like duality of man, liberty versus security, and the nature of reality.

  • Inception
  • Interstellar
  • A Beautiful Mind
  • Inside Out
  • Minority Report
  • Black Mirror
  • Westworld
  • The Good Place

Music

I'm a big fan of soundtrack music and chiptune for when I'm working, and progressive rock for when I'm not.

  • Dream Theater
  • Rush
  • Hans Zimmer
  • Pink Floyd
  • Ben Prunty

Games

I try to apply the same level of strategic prophylactic thinking necessary to succeed in these board and video games to the pursuit of my mission.

  • CivilizationSid Meier
  • AgricolaUwe Rosenberg
  • HearthstoneBlizzard
  • DominionDonald Vaccarino