Elon Musk recently ignited controversy by declaring that a “civil war is inevitable” in Britain amid ongoing riots. He fueled debate when he questioned if the situation mirrored “Britain or the Soviet Union” after reports revealed authorities arrested a man for comments he posted on Facebook. Musk even clashed with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, openly criticising social media’s role in the UK riots. But who is the real Elon Musk?
Who is Elon Musk?
Born in Pretoria, South Africa, Elon Musk has become one of the most influential and controversial entrepreneurs of the 21st century. He serves as the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and his ventures now span multiple industries worldwide. In October 2022, he made headlines by acquiring X (formerly Twitter), adding social media to his ever-expanding portfolio.
“You know, when you see someone like Elon Musk, I mean, what the hell do you make of someone like that?” – Jordan Peterson
Musk’s Meteoric Rise
Musk’s dynamic personality and groundbreaking ventures invite comparisons to historical titans like Steve Jobs, Howard Hughes, and Henry Ford. In 2021, he earned the title of the richest person in the world by overtaking Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. By June 2024, Bezos reclaimed that crown, and Musk now stands as the world’s second richest individual.
A Brief Look at Musk’s Life
Key Takeaways
- Tesla and SpaceX: Musk leads these innovative companies as their charismatic CEO.
- Acquisition of X: He acquired the social media giant in October 2022.
- Early Life: Born in South Africa, Musk moved to Canada and then the U.S. to pursue his education and early career.
- Eccentric Behavior: Musk frequently headlines the news due to his unconventional actions and bold statements.
Early Life and Education
Elon Reeve Musk was born in 1971 in Pretoria, South Africa. After his parents – an engineer and a Canadian model/nutritionist – divorced in 1980, he lived mainly with his father. Musk describes his upbringing as challenging, filled with adversity and bullying that forged his resilience and determination.
“Wow, that guy is an animal. Has there ever been a guy who does more?” – Joe Rogan
Bullying and Adversity
Bullying marked Musk’s childhood, especially during his years at Waterkloof House Preparatory School and Pretoria Boys High School. Classmates relentlessly targeted him, and in one incident, they pushed him down a flight of stairs and beat him until he lost consciousness. These hardships and social isolation shaped the resilience and determination that now drive his entrepreneurial spirit.
To escape his difficult social environment, Musk immersed himself in books and technology. Science fiction and fantasy novels captivated him, sparking his imagination and fueling dreams of innovation. By age 10, he taught himself to code on an early computer he received as a gift.
Musk’s passion for technology soon produced tangible results. At age 12, he developed and sold a basic video game called Blastar to a computer magazine for $500. This early win showcased his prodigious talent and hinted at his ability to shape the future through technology, launching his journey as an entrepreneur and innovator.
“Elon Musk is clearly running the show, the wealthiest person, in the world, who has enormous conflicts of interests.” – Bernie Sanders
Academic Journey
At 17, Musk moved to Canada and enrolled at Queen’s University in Ontario, where he met his first wife, Justine Wilson. Later, he transferred to the University of Pennsylvania and earned degrees in physics and economics, laying a strong foundation for his diverse entrepreneurial pursuits.
From Zip2 to PayPal
In 1995, Musk co-founded Zip2, which was sold to Compaq for $307 million in 1999. He then launched X.com, which became PayPal after merging with Confinity. Despite being ousted as CEO, Musk profited handsomely from PayPal’s sale to eBay for $1.5 billion.
In 1995, Musk co-founded Zip2 and later sold it to Compaq for $307 million in 1999. He then launched X.com, which merged with Confinity to form PayPal. Although he lost his CEO position, Musk still profited handsomely when eBay acquired PayPal for $1.5 billion.
“He’d be acting like a real jerk to people at a meeting, or blowing up on a walk around one of the rocket sites.” – Musk’s biographer, Walter Isaacson
Tesla: Revolutionising Transportation
Musk joined Tesla as an investor in 2004 and soon became its CEO, driving the company to become the world’s most valuable automaker. Tesla now innovates beyond electric vehicles, offering solar energy solutions that push forward Musk’s vision of sustainable energy.
SpaceX: Redefining Space Exploration
In 2002, Musk founded SpaceX using $100 million from his PayPal proceeds. SpaceX quickly secured major contracts with NASA and the U.S. Air Force and now pursues ambitious plans to colonise Mars.
The X Factor
Musk disrupted the social media landscape when he acquired Twitter – later rebranding it as X – in October 2022. He navigated legal challenges and withstood intense public scrutiny, particularly over his decision to lay off more than 6,000 employees, slashing the workforce from about 7,500 to roughly 1,500. Musk completed the acquisition with a clear goal: to transform the platform.
Personal Eccentricities and Public Perception
Musk regularly grabs media attention with his blend of fascination and controversy. In September 2018, he stunned audiences on Joe Rogan’s podcast when he smoked marijuana – a moment that went viral and sparked widespread debate. His casual demeanour and bold actions underscore his unpredictable nature.
He also stirs controversy on social media. In August 2018, Musk tweeted about having “funding secured” to take Tesla private at $420 per share, triggering a significant drop in Tesla’s stock price and drawing SEC scrutiny. The SEC charged him with securities fraud, forcing him to step down as Tesla’s chairman for three years and accept tighter oversight on his communications.
Musk further defined his distinctive communication style by openly discussing his Asperger’s syndrome during a Saturday Night Live appearance in May 2021. By sharing this, he added context to his blunt, intense approach and deepened his public persona. His honesty has sparked broader discussions about neurodiversity and its impact on work and innovation.
“Probably the most important entrepreneur on the planet, but honestly, after sitting down and talking to him, I realised that I am now convinced that he is an alien.” – Aaron Paul
The Man Behind the Myth
Musk leads a complex personal life marked by multiple marriages and children. He first married Canadian author Justine Wilson, whom he met at Queen’s University in Ontario. They wed in 2000 and had six sons: Nevada Alexander, who tragically died from SIDS at ten weeks old; twins Griffin and Xavier (now Vivian); and triplets Kai, Saxon, and Damian. Although they divorced in 2008, they continue to share custody of their children.
After his divorce from Justine, Musk married English actress Talulah Riley in 2010. They split in 2012, remarried in 2013, and eventually divorced again in 2016, all while the media followed their on-and-off relationship closely.
In 2018, Musk started a relationship with Canadian musician Grimes. Together, they welcomed a son named X Æ A-Xii in May 2020 and a daughter named Exa Dark Sideræl (nicknamed Y) via surrogate in December 2021. Their unconventional naming choices and candid discussions about their “fluid” relationship reflect Musk’s non-traditional lifestyle.
Musk also welcomed twins with Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis in November 2021 – a fact that only emerged when court documents surfaced in July 2022. His high-profile relationships and unconventional family dynamics mirror the intensity and eccentricity he brings to his professional endeavours, captivating public fascination and media scrutiny. Despite the controversies, he remains a devoted father whose family life significantly shapes his perspectives and priorities.
“He’s a seriously high‐IQ individual. He’s got his faults, too – I’ll tell you that – but not too many of them.” – Donald Trump
How Rich Is Elon Musk?
As of February 2025, Musk’s net worth is estimated at US$380 billion, making him the wealthiest person on the planet.
Conclusion: Visionary or Villain?
Elon Musk has disrupted industries through his ventures in electric vehicles, space exploration, and social media, amassing a fortune along the way. His eccentric personality and relentless drive for innovation polarise opinions, embodying both visionary brilliance and controversial behaviour. Whether you view him as a hero or a villain, Musk leaves an undeniable impact on technology and society.
Expanding His Reach: Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
In a surprising new chapter, Musk now plays a pivotal role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). He applies his disruptive vision to public administration by spearheading initiatives that streamline government operations, boost transparency, and integrate cutting-edge technology into bureaucratic processes. His work with DOGE underscores his commitment to driving systemic change while blurring the lines between private-sector innovation and public service. As he challenges traditional models of government efficiency, industry experts and policymakers closely watch to see if his unconventional methods deliver a transformative leap forward in governmental operations.
