Description
Price: $0.99
(as of Mar 21, 2025 10:34:09 UTC – Details)
The #1 New York Times bestseller from the author of Steve Jobs—this is the astonishingly intimate story of the most fascinating and controversial innovator of our era—a rule-breaking visionary who helped to lead the world into the era of electric vehicles, private space exploration, and artificial intelligence. Oh, and took over Twitter.
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?
Customers say
Customers find the book engaging and insightful, providing a well-researched portrait of Elon Musk. They praise the writing quality as clear and flowing smoothly. Readers describe the biography as captivating and detailed, with an honest portrayal of his life. The author is described as talented and outstanding, presenting him in a transparent manner. Overall, customers find the book motivating and inspiring, offering valuable lessons on perseverance, problem-solving, and thinking.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Drewster –
A Captivating Journey Through the Mind of Disrupter
“Elon Musk” by Walter Isaacson is an extraordinary biographical exploration of one of the most fascinating and innovative figures of our time. As an admirer of Elon Musk and his ventures, I found this book to be an incredibly insightful and inspiring read that goes far beyond the typical biography. Here’s why I believe it’s a must-read for anyone interested in technology, entrepreneurship, and the future of humanity.
Thorough and In-Depth Research:
Walter Isaacson is renowned for his meticulous research and ability to provide a comprehensive account of his subjects. In “Elon Musk,” he delves deep into Musk’s life, from his childhood in South Africa to his founding of multiple groundbreaking companies like SpaceX and Tesla. The book leaves no stone unturned, offering a detailed and well-rounded portrait of this visionary entrepreneur.
Humanizing the Genius:
Isaacson’s writing shines in its ability to humanize Musk, a man often seen as an enigmatic genius. The book delves into Musk’s personal struggles, his successes, and his vulnerabilities, allowing readers to relate to him on a human level. This approach makes the story all the more engaging and relatable.
Awe-Inspiring Vision:
Musk’s vision for the future is nothing short of awe-inspiring, and Isaacson does an exceptional job of conveying the magnitude of Musk’s ambitions. From colonizing Mars to revolutionizing the automotive industry, Musk’s visionary ideas are portrayed with enthusiasm and intellectual depth. Reading about his endeavors leaves you feeling invigorated and excited about the possibilities of our future.
Insights into the Creative Process:
“Elon Musk” offers valuable insights into the creative process of a brilliant mind. The book details Musk’s relentless pursuit of innovation and his willingness to take risks that others deemed impossible. For aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators, the book provides a treasure trove of lessons on perseverance, problem-solving, and thinking beyond conventional boundaries.
Compelling Narrative Style:
Walter Isaacson’s storytelling skills are evident throughout the book. His ability to craft a compelling narrative makes this biography read more like an adventure novel. The prose flows seamlessly, keeping the reader engaged and eager to turn the page.
Timely and Relevant:
In an era where technology and the future of our planet are at the forefront of global discussions, “Elon Musk” is incredibly timely and relevant. The book not only provides a window into Musk’s life but also addresses pressing issues like sustainable energy, space exploration, and artificial intelligence.
In conclusion, “Elon Musk” by Walter Isaacson is an exceptional biography that offers a profound and intimate look at the life and mind of a modern visionary. It’s a testament to the power of human determination, innovation, and audacious dreams. Whether you’re an Elon Musk enthusiast or simply curious about the world-changing ideas of our time, this book is a captivating and enlightening journey that is not to be missed. I highly recommend it as a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and insight into the future.
Hawkeye –
The General George Patton of Tech!
Here the author is writing in the first person after a two-year stint with Elon Musk which provides a very interesting view into the richest man’s life from birth to the present day. Isaacson performs a similar feat to the bibliography he previously printed for Steve Jobs (in fact Musk is occasionally compared to Jobs). The product is designed to my liking with short chapters in a chronological order allowing the reader to transverse swiftly through the manuscript. Even though the book is an easy read, it is difficult in one sitting.
With this structure Isaacson rivets the reader to the story by moving back and forth thru the many business ventures and personal issues in the Musk life. Here he has interviewed most of the individuals that have touched on Elon Musk’s life with many in direct quotes. The piece is a long “beach read” for it spans the initiation and development of: Tesla, Space X, The Boring Company, Neurolink, and recently Twitter all in the pursuit of a Mars landing and colonization.
Throughout the book the reader will be treated to inside matters of Musk’s decisions regarding the above companies and his personal life. What is very noteworthy is in Chapters 80-83 how Musk takes over Twitter and later how he culls the employee force by 75% with the company still functioning. This may be a preview of how DOGE will be recommending the modification of the US civil service workforce.
As with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic America has not seen anyone the likes of Elon Musk since “Mr. Fix-It,” Herbert Hoover, also an engineer by training. Fortunately, Musk is not able to be president of the USA. This book portrays a forward looking visionary similar to the Portuguese “Henry the Navigator” with the persistence and determination of General George Patton. This vison coupled with determination will lead mankind off our planet where your grandchildren will be mining asteroids in the future.
The product is well structured with a table of contents bearing ninety-five chapters with references and notes. It has a very helpful index, and black and white photos accompany each chapter. The timeline ends in April 2023 after the SpaceX Starship launch. Purchase this if you desire to view the American Dream!
GAUVRIT MILO –
Great book, not only to learn about Elon Musk as a person but also how to be a good entrepreneur ð
Artur Zalewska –
à um livro grande, mas que permanece interessante do começo ao fim. Nunca perde o ritmo. Ao terminar cada capÃtulo, dá vontade de ler o seguinte. Li poucos livros na vida com tanta rapidez. Na minha visão, o autor não passa pano para o Elon Musk, e deixa bem claros os enormes problemas psicológicos dele, mostrando ao mesmo tempo a capacidade que ele tem de trabalhar e fazer as coisas acontecerem.
Connor Tostevin –
Fantastic Book, I found it hard to put down at times. Great insight into Musk, and how his journey has made him the person he is today. Written in a honest tone. It’s a big book but a breeze to get through.
Kenneth –
A dive into Elon’s mind and world – to say it’s an inspiration is an understatement. Delivered quickly and have been enjoying the read.
mr ross m canning –
What can I say about Elon Musk. In so many ways, he’s just an extraordinary human being.