Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson

Book: 15/52. Elon Musk - Walter Isaacson. My Rating: 5/5. Another book that I bought for my office library, which I'm finishing now that I'm on notice and my last working day is just around the corner (I have two more good books to go before I call it quits). This is my fourth biography by Walter Isaacson, and I can now confidently certify that he is my favourite biography writer. He keeps them pretty simple to read and engaging at all times. I am on the verge of finalising my next car or SUV, and as I was considering an electric vehicle too from the segment, I thought why not read about the man himself who started it all in the first place. It simply turned out to be a Wow story, thrilling, engaging, super informative on what is going on around the world when it comes to technology, and so much more about the character called Elon Musk, who refuses to get off the limelight. The richest and craziest man from our planet, who plans to reach Mars before his retirement, even shows his son (named X) the planet Mars by a telescope to tell him that the day isn’t very far when they will go, at the earliest and that too at any cost. He rather claims that humanity has no option but to make a move to Mars as our planet is dying, can you believe that? He has even designed the clothes we will wear, the houses that we will live in and the greenhouse that he plans to transfer from here. Let's not even talk about Tesla or his contribution to destroying Twitter as a freedom of speech platform. Walter leaves no stone unturned in telling us the truth behind it all and calls a spade a spade, much to Musk’s disliking or knowledge (since he claims he hasn’t read this one), I believe, in his biography. His relationships and number of kids are something which shocked me big time, but was hilarious to read how he handles his family and personal time. All Elon’s ventures are covered in great detail in this 600+ page book. His histrionics with Russia, NASA, a few Presidents of the USA and whatnot. And it was great to read about so many Indians involved in his personal as well as professional life, too. Every chapter starts with a picture, and all the chapters are like max 5-6 pages, with the longest being 10 pages at times. No doubt, this will go down as the best biography I have read so far from or on anyone that I know of. Have you read Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson, or if you have a favourite Isaacson? Do let me know, and I would love to read that too.

Definitely one of the best books I have ever read about one of the greatest minds to have ever walked on the face of the earth, and hopefully Mars someday. Reading this book made me think there's no way that Musk can be human - like you and me, he too has only 24 hours in a day; but unlike you and me, he's currently running 6 companies - SpaceX, Tesla, Neuralink, The Boring Company, Twitter and X.AI. And when Musk talks about running companies, it means he's actively and minutely involved in each & every process in each & every company. The guy knows pretty much everything about everything, is an avid reader, an addicted video games player, a memes lover, a doting father, passionate about wanting to save the world through his work be it electric cars, or providing Internet connectivity, implanting chips into human brains to assist the paralyzed, or send humans into space! As the book details - Musk is a tough taskmaster. He's impatient, abrasive, sets impossible deadlines, has no sense of work life balance, expects people to work mostly all the time, doesn't tolerate fools, hates when people don't have ready answers to his questions. But he's also willing to listen to good ideas and is willing to change his mind when presented with hard facts. The author asks whether Musk would be able to achieve all that he has - probably the only human in the world to do so at this point in time - if he weren't what he is. His childhood in South Africa has contributed to the way he grew up as an adult - willing to take risks, willing to fail but fail fast and recover and hit back at his detractors. While most of his deadlines seemed crazy and unattainable when Musk uttered them, by pushing his team to achieve the impossible, he stood vindicated. His maxim is complacency will be the death of innovation and creativity. Keep hustling, keep trying seems to be his mantra. Musk isn't without his dramas. In fact, as the author details throughout the book, Musk gets attracted to drama and a sense of urgency in his life. Without it, he feels listless. He needs stress to feel alive! Reading this book while observing Musk's persona on Twitter has been fun - some of the times, his tweets make no sense or need someone to explain what he means; his rude responses to his former colleagues be it at OpenAI or Twitter are sometimes quite unnerving; his philosophical tweets about our civilization and life on Mars surely make one ponder. I read this book almost breathlessly because I couldn't wait to find out what happens next. And now that I have finished the book, I feel a sense of emptiness - as if an enriching conversation with a very close friend has come to an end. I heartily recommend this book to those who wish to find out what goes on in Musk's brain - what is he driven by; how does he manage to get up every single day and push his team to achieve the impossible!

As usual Walter Isaacson has done it again! Expectations were high after reading the Steve Jobs biography and this book is really up to the mark. The storytelling, notes from musk and his colleagues and family members gets you really close to the daily chaotic life of the world's richest person. Guy literally dies everyday not for the money but to fulfill his vision and help humanity be a multi-planetary species. After reading this I've got a lot of respect for musk and the risks he has taken in uplifting the whole humanity leaps ahead in terms of technology.

📚 Very good content! The book arrived in acceptable condition but was little poorly packed. Books should always be sent in boxes and not in pouches.😊 📖 Considering the price, I do feel the page quality could have been a little better. However, as a buyer from 🇮🇳 India, I completely understand that it's an imported book, so the higher price is quite reasonable. 💯 The best part for me is that this is an authentic edition, not a pirated copy. As a passionate book collector, authenticity matters far more than anything else. ❤️📚 ✨ If you're thinking about buying it, just go ahead! Trust me—you won't regret adding this gem to your collection. 🌍📖💙

I really love this book , it reminded me of the old times hardcover books I used to read in a library, so great quality and great print.... it's a biography of the most hardworking and richest man on the planet, don't think it's amazing just buy it ...Walter Isaacson did amazing work in writing it

This isn’t just any biography—it’s a deep dive into the universe that is Elon Musk. Picture it as your backstage pass to the life of a guy who’s trying to build a pathway to Mars while also making electric cars cool. The storytelling here is magnetic, like you’re sitting down for a coffee chat with Musk himself, his friends, his allies, and even those who aren’t quite fans. What makes this book a page-turner? It’s like a motivational speech in written form. You get an insider’s view into Musk’s never-give-up attitude and his audacious dreams that seem to defy gravity—literally and metaphorically. But don’t think it’s all a bed of roses; the book dishes out the thorny parts too, like Musk’s oddball quirks and controversies. So, you’re not just getting the highlight reel; it’s the whole, unfiltered game. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a tech geek, or someone just fascinated by people who break the mold, this biography is your treasure map to understanding one of the most talked-about people on the planet. It’s more than a read—it’s an experience that demystifies a modern-day enigma. Trust me, once you flip open the first page, you’ll want to buckle up for a ride that shoots for the stars, but keeps its wheels firmly on the ground of reality.

The book quality is overall very good. The pages are also in good condition and clean. The seller did a great job with packaging. I requested bubble wrap and they packed it properly. Very satisfied.

Excellent

Great book, not only to learn about Elon Musk as a person but also how to be a good entrepreneur 👍

É um livro grande, mas que permanece interessante do começo ao fim. Nunca perde o ritmo. Ao terminar cada capítulo, 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.

"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.

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.

Must read on the most important person on the planet.