Top 10 Biographies of All Time for Success and Personal Growth

Do you wonder what the road to success really looks like?

It’s easy to get sucked into the glorified image of success, both in the mainstream media and as portrayed on social media.

You may feel like you’re behind, missing out on some secret.

That’s why I love the best biographies of all time.

They shine a light on the realities of the most famous people. The biographies of those successful individuals offer a sneak peek into their struggles, failures, and pain beyond their public image.

Each book in this list of my top 10 biographies of all time is a treasure with powerful lessons for personal growth and the real ingredients to success.

Let’s dive in!

#1: Can’t Hurt Me

Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins is a powerful testament to what we’re truly capable of overcoming. 

Goggins struggled his entire life with real difficulties that no one should go through. But while his experience would crumble most people, he decided to toughen up and become a Navy SEAL and extreme athlete. 

In his book, he shares his extraordinary life journey. 

You’ll learn how he overcame poverty, prejudice, and physical limitations to become one of the world’s toughest endurance athletes on the planet. 

This book isn’t just a biography; it’s a call to action to challenge you to push past your barriers and mental blocks. You’ll love Goggins’ raw and unfiltered story to gain motivation and build resilience.

Learn how you can transform pain and struggle into strength and triumph.

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#2: Total Recall

Total Recall is the remarkable autobiography of Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose life story reads like a script from Hollywood.

If you live on planet Earth, you’ll have heard of this man.

Schwarzenegger rose to global fame as a bodybuilding icon. Despite his German accent and against all odds, he then became one of the most famous Hollywood superstars. And did you know he also served a full term as the Governor of California?

His book dives into detail about his pursuit of the American dream, marked by ambition, a remarkable work ethic, and the desire to break boundaries.

You’ll learn how he achieved success against all odds.

Nothing is impossible. And this is the best biography of all time to inspire you to dream big – and achieve it. Besides an engaging read, you’ll get valuable insights into the real ingredients for success.

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#3: The Ride of a Lifetime

The Ride of a Lifetime delves into the lessons Robert Iger learned during his 15-year sitting as CEO of The Walt Disney Company. 

Iger details his journey, including the transformation of Disney’s animation, the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm, and the launch of Disney+. 

He offers insights into the challenges of leadership, navigating the corporate environment, and maintaining creative integrity. 

This biography book is a blend of personal memoir and business strategy, offering a behind-the-scenes look at leading one of the world’s most iconic companies.

It’s one of the best biography books to read if you’re a business enthusiast and aspiring leader, especially if you’re also a Disney fan.

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#4: Shoe Dog

Shoe Dog is Phil Knight’s compelling memoir about the story of the birth of Nike and its rise to global prominence. 

In this book, you’ll learn about Knight’s early struggles and the chaotic early days of his startup. You’ll learn about the risks he took and how they led to the events that led to Nike’s explosion in the athletic footwear market.

It’s a story of passion, perseverance, and entrepreneurship. 

You’ll gain insights into the challenges of building a brand, why you should start with passion, the importance of having a vision, the power of embracing risks, and much more.

It’s a biography you must read if you’re an (aspiring) entrepreneur.

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#5: Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future

This biography of Elon Musk, written by Ashlee Vance, delves into the life of one of the most interesting entrepreneurs of our era. 

While there are many books about Musk, this is the best biography if you want to learn about his early days and what makes him tick. 

You’ll read how his passion and drive led to the creation of many game-changing companies, like Tesla and SpaceX.

Besides his future vision of saving the human race by going interstellar, you’ll learn about the difficulties he faced in his childhood and personal life. 

Musk’s story is one of true ambition, controversy, and innovation. 

Overall, this book is the best biography of all time if you want to peek into the mind of the man who’s shaping the future of the human race.

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#6: Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs is Walter Isaacson’s intimate and detailed biography of the iconic co-founder of Apple. 

Isaacson offers an in-depth view of the man who revolutionized several industries, based on numerous interviews with Jobs himself, his family, friends, adversaries, and colleagues.

This biography covers Jobs’ professional and personal life. 

And, of course, you’ll learn about his creativity, leadership style, and the intensity that drove his success but also caused friction in his relationships.

You’ll love this read if you seek creative inspiration or want to learn from Jobs’ unique approach to business and innovation.

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#7: Long Walk to Freedom

Long Walk to Freedom is the autobiography of Nelson Mandela, a famous figure in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. 

In his book, Mandela talks about his early life, education, 27-year imprisonment, and rise to the Presidency of South Africa. 

But Mandela’s story is not just a political narrative; it’s a profound lesson in endurance, resilience, and the fight for justice. 

Mandela was one of the greatest moral leaders of our time. And his compassionate approach to overcoming racial segregation and establishing national reconciliation is inspiring. 

It’s perfect for those who’re looking to stand for something, seek an injection of courage, and want to develop more resilience.

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#8: Einstein: His Life and Universe

Albert Einstein is another biography of Walter Isaacson, exploring the entire life of one of history’s most brilliant minds.

The book delves into Einstein’s scientific achievements, personal life, political activism, and philosophical views.

But this biography about Einstein is relatable too.

Because you’ll also learn about Einstein’s flaws as a human being. And you’ll read about the many challenges and setbacks he faced.

You’ll get in touch with the human side of a genius.

That said, you’ll enjoy this book most if you’re fascinated by science and Einstein’s philosophical views. So if you want to learn about the blend of being human and a genius, then pick up this great biography.

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#9: The Story of My Experiments with Truth

The Story of My Experiments with Truth is Mahatma Gandhi’s autobiography.

Gandhi offers personal insights into his journey from a young, shy law student into the principal leader of India’s independence movement.

It’s a real zero-to-hero-type of story.

Besides his personal story, you’ll learn about Gandhi’s philosophical thoughts and his quest for integrity. 

This autobiography is not just a historical account, but a reflection on living a life of simplicity, honesty, and nonviolent resistance.

It’s great for anyone who wants to live a simpler and more principled life.

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#10: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings recounts Maya Angelou’s childhood and adolescent years, facing racism, trauma, and identity struggles. 

This autobiography is one of the best books to read about overcoming adversity and finding your voice amidst hardship and adversity.

This book can provide perspective and hope for anyone who faces or has faced severe difficulties in life.

It’s also a good read if you want to discover your authentic self.

Angelou’s honesty makes this autobiography a classic on resilience and the power of education for self-discovery and self-improvement.

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Bonus: Man’s Search for Meaning

Man’s Search for Meaning isn’t a traditional biography but has to be included in this list if you ask me.

Viktor Frankl’s work explores the human quest for purpose. 

In this book, you’ll learn how Frankl used his insights as a psychiatrist to gain the strength to survive several Nazi concentration camps. 

Allegedly, he even experienced more freedom than his captors.

After surviving the Holocaust, he combined his personal and professional experience to introduce his theory of the most powerful driver for human beings.  

Essentially, it’s all about finding meaning in your suffering.

This book is part autobiography, part an introduction to logotherapy. The latter is his theory about finding meaning in life, even in the darkest circumstances. 

It’s a very impactful read if you seek a reason to live amidst adversity.

And it’s one of my favorite books of all time.

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What’s next?

We explored my top 10 biographies of all time for self-improvement and success. These books reveal the difficulties and struggles even the most famous people faced.

It’s like taking a peek behind the curtain of success.

Through the stories of the most famous people, you’ll learn what it takes to achieve your greatness. Those lessons apply to any career, sport, entrepreneurial venture, or any other area you want to excel at.

Further resources and books to read:

• Best books to read in your 20s
• Most life-changing books to read at least once
• Best self-help and personal growth books

Take action: Pick one of the best biographies in this list and read it for 15+ minutes each day. When you finish the book, reflect on at least 3 lessons you learned from the book.

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