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Elon Musk

Author:
Walter Isaacson
Read by:
Jeremy Bobb
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Unabridged Audiobook

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Ratings
Book
257
Narrator
58
Release Date
September 12, 2023
Duration
20 hours 39 minutes
Summary
The #1 New York Times and global bestseller from Walter Isaacson—the acclaimed author of Steve Jobs, Einstein: His Life and World, Benjamin Franklin, and Leonardo da Vinci—is the astonishingly intimate story of the most fascinating, controversial innovator of modern times. For two years, Isaacson shadowed Elon Musk as he executed his vision for electric vehicles at Tesla, space exploration with SpaceX, the AI revolution, and the takeover of Twitter and its conversion to X. The result is the definitive portrait of the mercurial pioneer that offers clues to his political instincts, future ambitions, and overall worldview.

When Elon Musk was a kid in South Africa, he was regularly beaten by bullies. One day a group pushed him down some concrete steps and kicked him until his face was a swollen ball of flesh. He was in the hospital for a week. But the physical scars were minor compared to the emotional ones inflicted by his father, an engineer, rogue, and charismatic fantasist.

His father’s impact on his psyche would linger. He developed into a tough yet vulnerable man-child, prone to abrupt Jekyll-and-Hyde mood swings, with an exceedingly high tolerance for risk, a craving for drama, an epic sense of mission, and a maniacal intensity that was callous and at times destructive.

At the beginning of 2022—after a year marked by SpaceX launching thirty-one rockets into orbit, Tesla selling a million cars, and him becoming the richest man on earth—Musk spoke ruefully about his compulsion to stir up dramas. “I need to shift my mindset away from being in crisis mode, which it has been for about fourteen years now, or arguably most of my life,” he said.

It was a wistful comment, not a New Year’s resolution. Even as he said it, he was secretly buying up shares of Twitter, the world’s ultimate playground. Over the years, whenever he was in a dark place, his mind went back to being bullied on the playground. Now he had the chance to own the playground.

For two years, Isaacson shadowed Musk, attended his meetings, walked his factories with him, and spent hours interviewing him, his family, friends, coworkers, and adversaries. The result is the revealing inside story, filled with amazing tales of triumphs and turmoil, that addresses the question: are the demons that drive Musk also what it takes to drive innovation and progress?
Reviews
Profile Avatar Jack C. Sep 2023

Isaacson's biases and politics oozes through the text. Worth listening, but Isaacson's psychoanalysis by proxy is tiring (frequently quotes the psychological analyses of others who express the negative opinion he wants to express).

Profile Avatar Outlier Apr 2024

Fascinating…. It made be buy a Tesla. It’s hard to imagine one guy has the ability to do EVERYTHING that this one guy is able to do. I was able to listen at 2x and get everything out of it.

Profile Avatar Deborah G. Dec 2023

I found it an overall interesting read. However, Isaacson was wrong about the Ukraine starlink deactivation issue, he should have done a better job researching this piece. His liberal bias is hard to hide during his Twitter sections. He only relies on input from Barry Weiss who shares his same political leaning. He doesn’t reach out to Taibbi or Schellenberger who were instrumental in uncovering the Twitter files, I found that surprising and biased. I’d advise questioning his assumptions and bias when reading. Whether you think Elon is a devil or an angel, he is a compelling force!

Profile Avatar Jeffrey H. Mar 2024

Not a single minute wasted listening to this. Such an interesting lifetime.

Profile Avatar Red Jan 2024

The political bias of the Author is appalling.

Profile Avatar Pastor Bob Dec 2024

I have such a greater appreciation for Mr Musk after having read this book.

Profile Avatar Bradley S. May 2024

Great book. Narrator is good but painfully slow

Profile Avatar Milda N. Mar 2024

Beautifully written

Profile Avatar Alexandru B. Mar 2024

detailed, well written and played, going into details in all facets of the private and prof life. recommend

Profile Avatar Adam G. Jan 2024

Fascinating book that helps one understand the motivations, aspirations, intellect and reasoning of this complex and brilliant human being.

Profile Avatar Chris B. Jan 2024

Great biography of a complex man.

Profile Avatar Richard M. Oct 2023

Excellent insights into a young Elon’s environment and parenting that influenced him. His strong drive comes with some not so likable traits at times as the reader will discover. One of the most rule breaking, barrier breaking entrepreneurs to come along in a long time.

Profile Avatar John R. Oct 2023

I came into this one after listening to Walter's biography on Franklin (enjoyed it very much) and with only a superficial understanding of Musk, which was mostly negative. Right from the start I found myself drawn to the narrative and unexpectedly identified with the young Elon; my dad was a brilliant engineer and a cold, mean-spirited S.O.B. As the chapters unfolded I learned a tremendous amount not only about Musk the person but also about the transformative innovations he has dedicated his energies to making happen. Excellent book.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Sep 2023

Great book! Honestly I couldn’t stop listening to it. Elon has accomplished so much!

Elon Musk

Elon Musk

Author: Walter Isaacson
Read by: Jeremy Bobb
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