Elon Musk emerges as an avid historian, a fact that has not escaped the perceptive eye of Walter Isaacson, the acclaimed author behind the much-anticipated biography chronicling Musk’s life. Isaacson unveils that Musk’s appetite for military history is well-known, driven by his conviction that its tenets hold invaluable insights for the corporate arena.
Among the figures that have captured Musk’s attention is none other than Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military virtuoso who ascended to imperial power during the tumultuous epoch of the French Revolution. Isaacson elucidates one profound lesson from Bonaparte’s legacy that Musk has embraced – the strategic positioning of leadership. Akin to Napoleon’s preference for directing his armies from the very frontlines of action, Musk orchestrates his approach by making unannounced nocturnal visits to the production lines at his companies, Tesla and SpaceX.
This is exemplified by his presence at the SpaceX launch site in Boca Chica, Texas, where he spent an hour intently observing the construction of a Starship booster. Just as a general’s presence on the battlefield can bolster the spirits of his troops, Musk finds that his engagement invigorates his teams.
The embodiment of this ethos extends to his meticulous involvement in the ‘X’ offices and his proclivity to immerse himself in his endeavors. This ardor is manifest in his unique decision to incorporate sleeping arrangements within the confines of Twitter’s San Francisco headquarters. Employee Dolly Singh attests to this dedication, recounting Musk’s nights spent on the factory floor at SpaceX, willingly eschewing comfort for an unwavering commitment to his vision.
Isaacson’s forthcoming biography, aptly titled “Elon Musk,” is poised for release on September 12. Drawing on his expertise honed through crafting biographies of luminaries like Steve Jobs and Leonardo da Vinci, Isaacson delved into Musk’s world for two years. The access he obtained, both in terms of participating in meetings and sharing informal moments, allowed him to capture the essence of Musk’s life. Conversations with family, friends, colleagues, and even rivals further enriched Isaacson’s deep dive into Musk’s universe.
Amidst the chatter about a potential clash between Musk and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Isaacson dispels the notion as utterly preposterous. He believes that the conjecture about a “cage match” between the two tech titans lacks credibility. This sentiment is supported by a recent text exchange shared by Isaacson, indicating that such an event is far from imminent.