Elon Musk Gave This Blunt But Strange Advice To Students: 'It's Very Difficult To Start Companies. It's Like Eating Glass And Staring Into The Abyss. If You Need Inspiring Words, Don't Do It!'

In an age where social media personalities and influencers can sway public opinion with a single social media post, it's refreshing to witness a luminary like Elon Musk, who prefers the impact of his groundbreaking ventures to dominate the headlines rather than a string of well-orchestrated words. 

But when Musk articulates his thoughts, they're often insightful, candid and occasionally polarizing — just like he is.

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A glance at Musk's track record paints a vivid picture: From the electric revolution led by Tesla Inc. to the space ambitions of SpaceX, Musk's endeavors are a testament to his audacity and vision. Musk's numerous critics often point to the scale of his ambition as a potential pitfall. But Musk lets the success of his projects silence the noise of doubt. The electric cars on the roads and rockets returning to Earth prove his point.

What does a man who regularly shatters the status quo have to say to the next generation of budding entrepreneurs? A group of Draper University students found out firsthand during a visit to the Tesla factory when they asked him for his No. 1 tip for those wanting to start a business. A question that could have been met with generic advice or motivational platitudes instead received a characteristically unfiltered and somewhat odd response from Musk. 

He said, "I think it's very difficult to start companies, it's quite painful. A friend of mine has a good phrase for doing a startup: It's like eating glass and staring into the abyss. If you are wired to do it, then only do it, not otherwise. So think of it this way — if you need inspiring words, don't do it!"

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While Musk's perspective offers insight into the challenging life of an entrepreneur, there's another avenue in the startup landscape worth exploring. Startups present an opportunity for investors to jump in at the ground level of what could potentially be the next big innovation. Becoming an entrepreneur might not resonate with everyone, but the beauty of startups is that anyone can invest in these visionary companies that are determined to succeed.

By investing, individuals have the chance to be part of pioneering ventures, supporting those who are braving the challenges and aiming to transform their ambitious visions into tangible realities. It's a way to participate in the innovation journey, even if you don't tread the challenging path of entrepreneurship.

At first glance, Musk's response might come across as pessimistic or even cynical. But therein lies his brilliance and authenticity. He is not interested in sugarcoating the harsh realities of entrepreneurship. Instead, he delves into its gritty, often uncomfortable, truths.

Thomas Brag, one of the students attending, contextualized Musk's statement in a YouTube video. The glamor of entrepreneurship, as often portrayed in popular culture, rarely touches upon its grueling aspects. The sleepless nights, the endless hurdles, the persistent self-doubt and the very real possibility of failure. But for those truly wired for it, these challenges are not deterrents — they're merely parts of the journey.

Motivational speeches and success mantras are a dime a dozen, so Musk's perspective is sobering. It reminds aspiring entrepreneurs that passion, resilience and an innate drive are prerequisites. 

Not everyone is cut out for this path, and that's OK. But for those who are, Musk's journey offers both inspiration and a cautionary tale. Embrace the challenges, be prepared for the abyss, and if the passion burns bright, don't let skepticism dim it. As Musk's journey suggests, the view from the other side of the abyss is nothing short of spectacular.

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