The "Who Series" unravels the stories of influential figures worldwide, spotlighting their achievements and impact. From tech giants to political leaders, each edition explores individuals shaping our world. Whether it's Elon Musk's diverse ventures or other game-changers, this series provides insights into those who've left an indelible mark on humanity. Join us in navigating the intriguing narratives of those shaping our present and influencing our future.
It's a world where headlines often feature the enigmatic Elon Musk, a billionaire with a finger in every pie, steering Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter). Musk, the world's wealthiest individual, frequents the news, expressing his opinions on diverse subjects. Currently, he's in the UK, attending a global AI summit, vocalizing his concerns about AI leading to humanity's extinction without providing specifics.
Born in Pretoria, South Africa, Musk demonstrated entrepreneurial flair from an early age, selling homemade chocolate Easter eggs with his brother. His childhood, marked by parental divorce, school bullying, and Asperger's Syndrome, propelled him to seek independence. He left for college in Canada and later the US, studying economics and physics at the University of Pennsylvania.
In a 2010 essay, Musk's first wife, Justine, portrayed him as a persistent individual, unyielding even before his financial success, stating, "I am the alpha in this relationship."
After abandoning a physics graduate program at Stanford University, Musk founded tech startups during the '90s dot-com boom. One of them, X.com, evolved into PayPal, eventually sold to eBay for $1.5 billion. He redirected his wealth into SpaceX and Tesla, revolutionizing space travel and electric cars. Musk's recent foray into Twitter involved rebranding it as X, aiming for a multifaceted service, although its value has seen a decline.
His unpredictable ventures extend to AI, initially investing in ChatGPT's parent company, venturing later with his company xAI.
Musk's personality, described as confrontational and egoistic, coexists with his flaws, evident in three divorces and a candid acknowledgment of his shortcomings. Despite these contradictions, he tops wealth charts, valued between $198 billion and $220 billion.
Musk, a US citizen since 2002, resists political labels, claiming a moderate, independent stance. Engaging in global debates, he suggested solutions for Taiwan and Ukraine. In business, his relocations, resistance to union organizing, and criticisms of COVID-19 lockdowns highlight his political views.
Musk sees his ventures as philanthropy, addressing major issues like climate change. Paradoxically, his concerns about AI's threat to humanity coexist with having 11 children, contributing to what he terms "helping the underpopulation crisis."
In a world fixated on Musk's every move, the narrative continues, with his influence transcending industries and ideologies. Stay tuned for the next edition of the Who Series, unraveling the tales of global game-changers.