Key Takeaways:
- Web3 career growth requires continuous learning across technical and non-technical roles.
- Mastering Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is vital for understanding the blockchain foundation.
- Blue Ocean Strategy aligns with the innovative nature of Web3, teaching opportunity creation.
- Sapiens provides context on human history and its relation to digital financial systems.
- Principles for Navigating Big Debt Crises explains economic cycles and critiques traditional financial systems.
- The Fourth Industrial Revolution book explores tech convergence and its impact on industries.
- Captivate highlights the importance of communication and networking in the Web3 sector.
- The Innovator's Dilemma emphasizes the need to keep up with technological, social, and economic trends in Web3.
- Outliers offers insights into achieving extraordinary success, applicable to blockchain and Web3 careers.
Web3 is one of the fastest fields out there and building a successful career in Web3 requires a commitment to consistent learning and upskilling.
Whether you are in a technical job role such as a Smart Contract Developer or a non-technical one such as a Web3 Community Manager, you will need to spend dedicated time learning more to understand web3.
We've compiled a list of the best web3 books that we believe can help you out in your crypto career irrespective of what kind of job role you are in.
List of Top Web3 Books to Read:
1. "Mastering Bitcoin" by Andreas M. Antonopoulos
Bitcoin marked the start of the Web3 world as we know it today so it’s only fair that we start our reading journey with a comprehensive understanding of Bitcoin and blockchain protocols, grasping the essentials behind blockchain technology.
Antonopoulos breaks down complex concepts into concise explanations, making the book a great read for beginners and experienced people alike.
2. "Blue Ocean Strategy" by W. Chan Kim & Renée Mauborgne
Web 3.0 is all about innovation. It is a relatively new technology, and the user behavior is quite different compared to Web1 and Web2, meaning people building in the Web3 landscape need to explore the unexplored.
Blue Ocean Strategy is also a concept taught in MBA curriculums that focuses on creating opportunities where there is no competition and your ability to create a useful product is maximum.
This way of thinking is a great help for everyone and anyone building a career in Web3.
3. "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari
It is the first time in human history that we are seeing digital financial and monetary systems being built that do not depend on central banks or centralized controlling parties. We are in uncharted territories here.
The importance of understanding the societal context and evolution of technology is even more crucial for people who work in this industry.
Harari's exploration of human history offers insights into how we arrived at the current tech era, which sheds light on how the concepts of Web3 technologies might impact governance and commerce in the world.
4. "Principles for Navigating Big Debt Crises" by Ray Dalio
One of the biggest things about Bitcoin is that the supply is capped at 21 Million. Constant production of hard money and soft money by governments affects the global economy, which results in high inflation and debt crises.
We have seen such crises over the past 20th and early 21st centuries, and Ray Dalio takes a deeper dive into how these crises work including but not limited to economic cycles.
For anyone working in cryptocurrency, this book is one of the best web3 books you should read as it allows us to see what is wrong with traditional systems and how decentralization (dapps and daos), especially in the financial sector can be of help.
PS. This book is available as a free e-book right on Dalio’s website.
5. "The Fourth Industrial Revolution" by Klaus Schwab
This book highlights the convergence of all forms of tech and covers ideas that could lead the next big industrial revolution.
Although people leading traditional financial transactions aren’t as friendly to cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance as they should be, this book still provides a roadmap for navigating the shifts brought by new tech such as crypto in the broader scope of an industrial revolution.
6. "Captivate" by Vanessa Van Edwards
For people working in crypto and the web3 industry, networking, collaboration, and community engagement are crucial, this book can equip you with practical strategies to effectively communicate complex ideas, establish trust, and create meaningful relationships.
Great communication is one of the biggest differences between a successful career in Web3 and a mediocre one and this is one of the best books that we believe can help you connect better with others.
7. "The Innovator's Dilemma" by Clayton Christensen
This book discusses why keeping up pace with innovative cultural and technological trends is important for businesses to survive in the modern world.
Even though this book was written a decade ago, the principles and ideas touched upon in this book are extremely relevant to people working in Web3.
8. "Outliers: The Story of Success" by Malcolm Gladwell
Malcolm looks at people who did exceptionally well and what it takes to be extraordinarily successful.
This reading material might not be about Web3 but is a great read to understand a perspective on how success works for other people which can help you take your Web3 career to the next level.
9. "Blockchain Revolution" by Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott
Last but not least, this book allows all of us Web3 fanatics to see the changes blockchains & Bitcoin are bringing to the world.
This book will also leave you motivated & inspired to do something great with your career in crypto as well!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.What should I read to understand Web3?
There are many popular web3 books to read regarding web3 education, such as "Token Economy" by Shermin Voshmgir and "The Internet of Money" by Andreas Antonopoulos that offer good introductions.
Q2. What is a Web 3.0 book?
Web3 books explore the concepts and technologies behind the next iteration of the web, focusing on decentralization and openness of user ownership.
Q3. What should I learn for Web3?
The foundation depends on your goals. Blockchain fundamentals are key, but skills like crypto-economics, decentralized applications (dApps), and potentially solidity programming languages for development are valuable.
Wrap Up
Handling a Web3 career requires a well-rounded perspective & knowledge, emphasizing the importance of understanding blockchain, DeFi, and smart contracts, and extending beyond just technical skills through learning about Web3.
As you continue on your journey in Web3, remember that success takes a foundation of diverse insights and continuous learning. Hopefully, the books in this list will advance your career further into the web3 economy.
As always, happy reading and best of luck with your Web3 job search!