Elon Musk is one of the most talked-about innovators of our time. From electric cars to space exploration, his visionary ideas have changed the way we see the world and its future. But beyond the headlines, there are fascinating aspects of Musk’s life that remain lesser-known. Here are 10 secrets about Elon Musk that will give you a glimpse into the mind of this modern-day genius.
He Read the Entire Encyclopedia Britannica as a Child
While most kids were playing outside, Musk was devouring books. By the age of nine, he had finished reading the entire Encyclopedia Britannica, sparking his insatiable curiosity and thirst for knowledge. His early love for reading extended to science fiction and technical manuals, which helped him develop the foundational ideas for his future ventures.
He Taught Himself to Code at 12
At just 12 years old, Musk created a video game called Blastar and sold it for $500. His ability to teach himself complex programming languages laid the foundation for his future tech ventures. Coding wasn’t just a skill for Musk; it was a way to express his creativity and problem-solving abilities, even at a young age.
He Once Lived on $1 a Day
To prepare for the possibility of failure, Musk experimented with living on $1 a day during college. This was his way of proving to himself that he could survive even in the worst-case scenario. Musk has often said that this experience gave him the confidence to take bigger risks later in life, knowing he could endure tough financial times.
He Was Bullied Relentlessly in School
Growing up in South Africa, Musk endured severe bullying. He was once beaten so badly that he had to be hospitalized. Despite this, he emerged stronger and more determined to succeed. Musk has attributed his resilience to these early struggles, which taught him to persevere in the face of adversity.
He Dropped Out of Stanford After Two Days
Musk enrolled at Stanford University for a Ph.D. in applied physics but left after just two days to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. He co-founded Zip2, his first company, shortly thereafter. Musk’s decision to leave Stanford was a pivotal moment, showcasing his willingness to take bold leaps when he saw an opportunity.
He Sleeps Only 6 Hours a Night
Despite his jam-packed schedule, Musk prioritizes six hours of sleep to stay productive and focused. He believes this balance is essential for maintaining peak performance. Musk has often shared his thoughts on productivity hacks, emphasizing the importance of efficient time management over sheer working hours.
He Has Asperger’s Syndrome
Musk has openly discussed having Asperger’s Syndrome, a condition that affects social interactions. He views it as a strength that allows him to focus intensely on his goals. His ability to think differently and obsess over complex problems has been a driving force behind his success.
He’s Not Afraid to Take Risks
Musk famously put nearly all of his fortune into SpaceX, Tesla, and SolarCity when they were struggling. At one point, he was borrowing money for rent. Today, all three companies are massive successes. His willingness to risk everything for his vision highlights his unwavering belief in the potential of his ideas.
He’s a Voracious Reader
Books have always been a significant part of Musk’s life. Classics like The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and Foundation by Isaac Asimov have profoundly influenced his vision for humanity’s future. Musk has also credited biographies of innovators and scientists, such as Benjamin Franklin and Nikola Tesla, as inspirations for his approach to problem-solving and leadership.
He Envisions a Multiplanetary Future
Musk’s ultimate goal isn’t just to colonize Mars; it’s to secure humanity’s survival by becoming a multiplanetary species. He believes this is the key to ensuring our long-term existence. SpaceX’s progress toward this vision, including reusable rockets and plans for interplanetary transport, demonstrates Musk’s commitment to making science fiction a reality.
Beyond the Secrets: Lessons from Musk’s Life
Elon Musk’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, imagination, and an unrelenting drive to push boundaries. While his achievements are extraordinary, his personal philosophies and quirks offer valuable lessons for anyone aspiring to think big and act boldly. Musk’s story reminds us that success often requires stepping out of comfort zones, embracing risks, and staying relentlessly curious.
41 Responses
Elon must have been an amazing child, maybe he can fix my not working email or help me change it to another , that would be nice, it used to be easy in olden times when I first started with computer. AOL did allow 7 different emails at that time and now I can’t even change one. ☺️
He belongs in prison. For voter interference. He’s no good, crazy and wants to own our counrty.
Oh, guess you admire George Soros for always buying votes for the Democrats? Elon is a hero, searching for fraud in all our government from FBI to CIA, Welfare and beyond. It was okay when Democrats TALKED about looking into the fraud but NEVER Did a thing about it.
One might guess you’re a Democrat! You people are so full of hate!
I don’t think so. He’s trying to help this country from going broke due to wasteful spending. How would you like if people felt that way about you? Not so nice of you to say that.
You have nothing to substantiate statements like that, Elon has lost billions working for you and me. Democrats are so full of hate they can’t see
You are CRAZY! Hmm, maybe jealous because of your parties tunnel vision.
U have lost your way. Get right with Jesus,, l,ll pray for u
Why are you believing such ridiculous nonsense? He never intervened or interfered with voting. It was the Left that paid people equiped with lists of names of dead people and flew them to different locations to vote under the name of the dead person. My dead neighbor was one who voted in my little town of 900 residents I reported it but no one seemed to care.
Hogwash! God made him different ( but in his image( Elon Musk is trying to not only help mankind, but to help America prosper ,instead of under the Democrats who took this country and it’s people to the brink of disaster! Be thankful we are not all behind barb wire fences
So pleased to have him be a part of President Trump’s administration. We’re very fortunate to have him!
I TOTALLY AGREE!
Elon Musk will go down in history in likeness to Albert Einstein and Nickoli Tesla.
Love Elon Musk he’s an amazing man God bless him and thank him for his amazing service
I think this man is quite amazing and has a brilliant mind and wants to use his skills and his knowdlege to make this world a better place.God created each of us different and this man can use this knowledge to help make the world a better place.Trump seems to think a lot of Elon and I do trust our Presidents point of view on things .
Elon Musk is our hero!
Elon is just plain Awesome genius glad to have him and a Trump . My two favorite business Men. Love them
Elon Musk may be super intelligent but he does not have the right to interfere in American government. No one elected him to do anything. If he wants to help people he should set up a charitable foundation alongside his businesses. He is an overbearing egotist.
Please state what this interference is.
President Trump invited him to the White House.
Elon Musk is a special employee appointed by the president.. does not require being elected.
So many who comment are unaware of the subject they discuss.’Mu ch like the female harpies on The View
Agree. Other than trying to populate the world,I find him refreshing. Maybe he’s creating more geniuses.
I totally agree with you. He wants to help Trump overthrow our government.
He was appointed by President Donald Trump to do what he is doing to Expose the Fraud of the Democrats
Officials in the government are not elected. They are appointed by the President regardless of who is President at the time.
I Love them for all the good they have unselfishly done fot the USA and its people. They know what God means when HE says
It is better to give than to receive. President TRUMP and Elon Musk are thr Epitomy of that verse in the BIBLE. to God Be The GLORY
True…and no other country would allow a South African to mess around in American government paperwork. So get on it, MAGAs and wish him well….as he moves back home.
He is an amazingly intelligent and good looking young man to have accomplished so much. His parents and family must be so proud of him. Well done Elon!
Send him back to South Africa. They can keep him. We certainly can’t use him. He is just what we never needed; someone who has no interest in obeying the law.
The WORLD need MORE people like Musk, perhaps if you are unhappy that he is looking to save our country from the FRAUD that many of aour Civil Servants are creating, mostly the Democrats and especially those in office before Trump was elected in 2015. You don’t like him, then don’t accept any money given back to the taxpayers from the millions they are going to be saving!
He’s trying to take over the USA. I did not vote him into the White House.
Elon Musk is the kindest man. I know his vision for the world is unselfish and beautiful. We should all thank him for his contributions not to vilify him.
Thank you Elon Musk for all the energy put into action that has and will make this a better life for all living creatures.
With Elon Musk and Donald Trump running
Our country we are in for some terrific changes that will benefit us all. Am excited to see what those two will do for our country in making it great again.
Between Trump and musk we are in a bad place as a country. They are going to ruin so much in the next four years. Wake up America !!!!! This is a terrible combination of rich idiots who know nothing!!!
I agree, Trump and Musk, 2 nut cases, I pray for my cpountry!
AS I READ THE COMMENTS About ELON. I notice that the negatives of this man come mostly from women He wastn’t elected because he is service by request of the president. He is cleaning the swamp of cheating and in doing so saving taxes. If you are blue person thats ok. We need a two party system. If reading this and you feel you could do better. Let the President know.
Soooo, I’m supposed to be impressed by Elon Musk??? Just because he has a high IQ doesn’t mean he’s someone we would want to emulate!! He is also another spoiled brat over the top money man who has more wives than a lot of people can count! …. A Trump friend & Advisor?? OMG … Dumb & Dumber !!!! HEEEEELP
How did he affect voters you Democrats are so Stupid
Elon Must is extraordinary. He’s able to problem solve at warp speed. He was not elected to an office, President Trump requested his help. He stepped up & is doing a great job. People who don’t like him are foolish.They can’t imagine anything. Elon imagines everything & gets it done. One day he’ll be a legend & I for one will be pleased.
I’m proud of the idiots mentioned above. America needed Trump and Musk to turn us around. God made sure Trump would be around for America on that brutal day in Butler, PA. Trump recognizes that God spared his life for a special project, AMERICA! Thank you Jesus! and thank you Donald and Melania!!!!
Really. And you have the ability to adequately judge that? Are you a CEO. Have you got patents? Have you rescued astronauts when the government couldn’t? Have you provided free Internet for disaster areas. Have you uncovered half a trillion in fraud in 60 days? I know I haven’t done any of that. Yes I spent years volunteering but NOTHING like what Musk and Trump have done. Whatha e you done to make the world a better place.