Impulsive and self-destructive: Elon Musk as depicted in a new book
The billionaire has a lofty vision for humanity—and is unusually determined to see it through
WHAT EXACTLY is going on with Elon Musk? This question once preoccupied only techie types. But Mr Musk’s prominence in space-launch services, satellite-internet access, electric cars and social media means that the unpredictable behaviour of the world’s richest man now has global consequences. He controls Donald Trump’s access to Twitter, internet connectivity for Ukraine’s armed forces and America’s ability to send people into space. He has altered the course of multiple industries. And he has a knack for spotting what will be important in the future (so his side bets on brain chips and humanoid robots are probably worth watching). It is no surprise so many people now want to know what makes Mr Musk tick.
This article appeared in the Culture section of the print edition under the headline “Messiah, menace or both?”
Culture September 16th 2023
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