The Book Elon Musk Says Shaped His Vision For The Future Is Probably Not What You Think

Elon Musk, the man behind Tesla, SpaceX and all things futuristic, doesn't just rely on tech to shape his ideas. He's got a reading list that might surprise you. From artificial intelligence to long-term ethics, Musk's brain doesn't just run on tech. Turns out, books play a big role too. And not just any books. We're talking deep stuff. Like What We Owe the Future by William MacAskill. Never heard of it? You're not alone.

Musk called it a "close match" for his philosophy. What's the vibe? Longtermism. Yeah, it's a real word. MacAskill says it's about focusing on the far future, like making choices today that set up humanity for the long haul. Musk's whole Mars thing? Checks out.

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But wait – he's not done. Musk is big on artificial intelligence too. Not just building it. Understanding it. Controlling it. Avoiding total AI apocalypse. That's where Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies by Nick Bostrom comes in. Musk loves it. Machines smarter than humans? The book says it's coming. Musk says, be ready.

Then there's Our Final Invention: Artificial Intelligence and the End of the Human Era by James Barrat. Dramatic title, right? Musk thinks it's "worth reading." It's all about AI risks, like what happens when robots think faster than we do. Spoiler: it's not great for humans.

And don't skip Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Max Tegmark. Musk's read it. So should you. It's about keeping AI helpful, not harmful. Good luck with that.

These books show how Musk thinks. He's not just about electric cars and rockets. He's about survival. Big survival. Human survival. The kind that spans centuries, not decades. He's playing the long game.

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But here's the twist. Musk isn't all doom and gloom. He believes in tech. Believes in progress. Thinks we can steer the ship. These books? They're like his map. Maybe a little dark, but hey, the guy's aiming for Mars.

Feeling curious? Pick one up. You'll learn. Maybe freak out a little. Maybe feel hopeful. Either way, Musk's bookshelf isn't just for show. It's a glimpse into his brain, a road map for the future. Or, you know, a warning.

What's the takeaway? Musk isn't just about rockets and electric cars. He's a big-picture thinker, constantly trying to understand how today's choices shape tomorrow. Whether it's long-term ethics or the future of AI, his book recommendations give us a peek into his decisions.

Thinking about diving into these reads? They might not make you the next Musk, but they'll get you thinking like him. After all, the future isn't just about technology – it's about using it wisely. Your move.

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