Venture capitalist and tech entrepreneur Peter Thiel is no stranger to high-stakes vision and long games. Known for co-founding PayPal, investing early in Facebook, and launching Palantir Technologies, Thiel has always shown a preference for bold moves. It’s no surprise, then, that one of his favourite fiction books is The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Thiel has described Tolkien’s epic as “deeply influential” in shaping his worldview. It’s a story that elevates loyalty, courage, and the quiet power of those who don’t seek the spotlight. In the age of flashy disruptors and high-growth metrics, Frodo Baggins—humble, unqualified, and afraid—remains a powerful metaphor. He steps forward not because he wants glory, but because he knows someone has to.

For entrepreneurs and business leaders, The Lord of the Rings offers more than fantasy. It’s a tale about mission-driven work. About resisting the seduction of power. And about forging unlikely alliances to achieve something bigger than oneself. The parallels to startup culture and leadership are clear: persistence over prestige, values over shortcuts, long-term thinking over short-term wins.

Thiel’s admiration for the book underscores something essential about business strategy: success isn’t just about having the best tech or biggest funding round. It’s about purpose, conviction, and being willing to take a journey others fear to begin.

For professionals reading today, The Lord of the Rings isn’t just an escape—it’s a reminder that even in our spreadsheets and product launches, storytelling matters. So does heart. And sometimes, the smallest players make the biggest impact.

Contact: Kerry Philps

E-Mail: readingcorner@literary-escape.co.uk

Company: Literary Escape Editorial Services

Tags: #Fiction Friday #Leadership Lessons #Innovation Mindset #Peter Thiel #The Lord Of The Rings #The Professional Fiction Files #Kerry Philps

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