Many people seek to learn from the reading habits of those they admire—whether entrepreneurs, scientists, or artists—but this information is often scattered across interviews, biographies, or social media. At the same time, discovering high-quality books or media that align with personal aspirations can be challenging, as most recommendation systems rely on generic algorithms rather than curated lists from trusted figures. A platform that centralizes and contextualizes the reading lists of inspirational individuals could bridge this gap, offering a more meaningful way to explore knowledge and ideas.

How It Could Work

One approach would be to create a searchable digital library featuring the book recommendations of well-known figures. For example:

• Curated Libraries: Users could explore the books, podcasts, or articles favored by specific role models, complete with notes on why these works mattered to them.
• Community Contributions: For figures whose reading habits aren’t fully documented, users could help build out lists through crowdsourcing, moderated for accuracy.
• Integrated Discovery: Links to purchase or borrow books, alongside discussion forums or reading clubs, could help users engage with the content.

Potential Advantages Over Existing Tools

Unlike generic recommendation platforms like Goodreads, which rely on broad user reviews, this idea ties content directly to the habits of admired individuals. It could also differ from static newsletters or summary apps by offering interactivity, such as user-generated lists and filters to explore recommendations by field, era, or influence.

Early Steps

Starting with a simple web version featuring ~100 well-documented figures (e.g., Marie Curie’s scientific references or Oprah’s book club picks) would allow for testing core assumptions—like whether users value role-model-driven recommendations. Later phases could expand with crowdsourcing features, multimedia integration, or personalized suggestions.

By focusing on credible sources and community collaboration, such a platform might offer a more intentional way to discover content—not just based on popularity, but on the intellectual paths of those who inspire us.