Finding Elon – Some things you may not know about this eccentric genius

0 CommentsCommentary, Evergreen

His childhood was brutal

A peer observes his problem solving technique and incredible dedication to his work

His businesses

Elon Musk has spearheaded numerous high-profile business ventures across diverse industries. He co-founded Zip2, a city guide software company, which was sold for over $300 million. Next was X.com, which later evolved into PayPal, revolutionizing online payments. Musk then founded SpaceX, aiming to reduce space travel costs and colonize Mars. Tesla Motors transformed the automotive industry with electric vehicles. He also started SolarCity for solar energy solutions, now part of Tesla. The Boring Company focuses on infrastructure and tunneling, while Neuralink explores brain-computer interfaces. Lastly, xAI works on AI to accelerate human scientific discovery.

His work ethic

Elon Musk is renowned for his extreme work ethic, often clocking 120-hour workweeks, a practice he attributes to his success with ventures like Tesla and SpaceX. He advocates for relentless dedication, believing that significant achievements require extraordinary effort beyond the standard 40-hour workweek.

Recently, Musk underwent neck surgery, yet even with a fresh scar visible, he returned to his demanding schedule, demonstrating his commitment. Posts on X indicate that despite the recovery, he works seven days a week, focusing on innovation while managing his companies.

His kids

Elon Musk has 12 children. He shares them with three different women: six with his ex-wife Justine Wilson, three with musician Grimes, and three with Shivon Zilis., showing a deep affection by often integrating his personal life into his public persona, like bringing his son Lil X to work events, including government meetings, which has been praised online. However, his relationship with his transgender daughter Vivian Jenna Wilson is strained; she has been vocal about Musk’s lack of support and his transphobic views, leading to estrangement since 2022. Musk’s public comments against transgender care have further highlighted this familial conflict, contrasting with his visible love for Lil X, illustrating a complex family dynamic.

A celebrity endorsement

A message from a grateful American

Things you might not know about E;on

Here are ten lesser-known facts about Elon Musk:

  1. Childhood Entrepreneur: At age 12, Musk created a video game called “Blastar” and sold it to a computer magazine for $500.
  2. Canadian Connection: Musk moved to Canada at 17 with just a backpack and $2,000, before attending Queen’s University and later transferring to the University of Pennsylvania.
  3. Space Obsession: As a child, Musk was deeply fascinated by space exploration, reading extensively about it, which later led to the founding of SpaceX.
  4. Tesla’s Origin: The name “Tesla” for his electric car company was chosen to honor Nikola Tesla, reflecting Musk’s admiration for the scientist who pioneered AC electricity.
  5. Environmental Advocacy: Beyond electric vehicles, Musk actively promotes sustainable energy through initiatives like the Tesla Gigafactory, which aims to produce batteries at scale to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
  6. Sleep Habits: Musk has admitted to sleeping very little, sometimes just four hours a night, especially during intense work periods, which he claims is a necessity rather than a choice.
  7. Hyperloop Concept: Musk conceptualized the Hyperloop in 2013 as an open-source transport project, although he did not personally build it, his idea has inspired several ongoing projects.
  8. Engineering Over Business: Despite being known as a business magnate, Musk considers himself more of an engineer at heart, frequently involving himself in the technical details of his companies.
  9. Autobiographical Misconception: There’s no authorized biography of Musk. “Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future” by Ashlee Vance is often considered close, but Musk was not directly involved in its writing.
  10. World Gaming Champion: Surprisingly, Elon Musk has achieved the status of a world gaming champion. His prowess in “Diablo IV” placed him in the top 20 globally, showcasing his competitive gaming skills alongside his entrepreneurial achievements.