Elon Musk Says People May Think They'd Want To Be Him, But Really Wouldn't — People Don't Understand His 'Mind Is A Storm'

In May 2023, Elon Musk stood at the pinnacle of global wealth and influence. As the CEO of Tesla Inc. and SpaceX, he had become a household name and a visionary entrepreneur whose technological innovations had captured the world’s imagination. 

However, in a candid conversation during a November episode of computer scientist Lex Fridman’s podcast, Musk offered a glimpse into the challenges that accompanied his professional success, shedding light on the often-idealized notion of wealth and fame.

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Musk articulated the weight of his thoughts and the solitude that comes with his position, saying, “My mind is a storm. I don’t think most people would want to be me. They may think they’d want to be me, but they don’t know, they don’t understand.” 

Delving into his personal life, Musk revealed his coping mechanisms and the solace he finds in his relationships, despite moments of isolation. 

“I’m overall OK. In the grand scheme of things, I can’t complain,” Musk said when asked about his general well-being. 

He acknowledged experiencing loneliness but also highlighted the support he receives from his children and friends. 

“There are many nights I sleep alone. I don’t have to, but I do,” he said, offering a nuanced view of his experiences beyond the public persona.

Musk’s ex-partner musician Grimes contributed to the narrative by describing his “demon mode,” a term she uses to depict periods when Musk becomes particularly introspective or troubled, retreating into what she terms “the storm in his brain.”

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Musk, reflecting on his tumultuous history, addressed the concept of forgiveness when asked about overcoming the difficulties of his childhood. His response, “What is forgiveness? I do not … at least I don’t think I have a resentment, so nothing to forgive,” suggests a pragmatic approach to past adversities. Musk elaborated on the futility of holding grudges, emphasizing forward-thinking.

“I try to think about like, what is gonna affect the future in a good way. And holding onto grudges does not affect the future in a good way," he said.

The entrepreneur’s relationship with his children also surfaced as a topic for reflection. Musk drew intriguing parallels between the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and observing the growth of his son, X. 

“Developing AI and watching, say little X grow, is fascinating because they, they’re far more parallels than I would’ve expected,” he said.

As of April 8, he ranks third on the Forbes list of billionaires. Although there are likely plenty of people who would willingly swap places with Musk, the interview showcases it’s not all about money and fame. The pressure of running multiple companies pushing the boundaries of human achievement and the backlash received from voicing his often unconventional opinions on social media all contribute to a life far more complex than public perception suggests. With money and power can come immense burdens, and Musk’s interview with Fridman is a compelling reminder that success, however defined, is rarely without its cost.

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