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Elon Musk Kindle Edition


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#1 New York Times bestseller

From the author of Steve Jobs and other bestselling biographies, 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?
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From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

Shortlisted for the Financial Times and Schroders Business Book of the Year

"Whatever you think of Mr. Musk, he is a man worth understanding— which makes this a book worth reading."
— The Economist

"With
Elon Musk, Walter Isaacson offers both an engaging chronicle of his subject’s busy life so far and some compelling answers..." — Wall Street Journal

"Walter Isaacson’s new biography of
Elon Musk, published Monday, delivers as promised — a comprehensive, deeply reported chronicle of the world-shaping tech mogul’s life, a twin to the author’s similarly thick 2011 biography of Steve Jobs. Details ranging from the personally salacious to the geopolitically volatile have already made the rounds — the rare example of a major book publication causing a news cycle in its own right...What Isaacson’s biography reveals through its personalized lens on Musk’s work with Tesla, SpaceX, OpenAI, and more is not only what Musk wants, but how and why he plans to do it. The portrait that emerges is one that resembles a hard-charging, frequently alienating Gilded Age-style captain of industry, with a particular fixation on AI that ties everything together....Isaacson’s book is like a decoder ring, tying the mercurial Musk’s various obsessions into a coherent worldview with a startlingly concrete goal at its center." — Politico

"[The book] has everything you'd expect from a book on Musk—stories of tragedy, triumph, and turmoil.... While the stories are fascinating and guaranteed to spark a mountain of coverage, founders and entrepreneurs will also unearth valuable lessons."
— Inc.

"Isaacson has gathered information from the man’s admirers and critics. He lays all of it out.... The book is bursting with stories....A deeply engrossing tale of a spectacular American innovator. "
— New York Journal of Books

"One of the greatest biographers in America has written a massive book about the richest man in the world. This fast-paced biography, based on more than a hundred interviews...[is] a head-spinning tale about a vain, brilliant, sometimes cruel figure whose ambitions are actively shaping the future of human life."
—Ron Charles on CBS Sunday Morning

"A painstakingly excavation of the tortured unquiet mind of the world’s richest man… Isaacson’s book is not a soaring portrait of a captain of industry, but rather an exhausting ride through the life of a man who seems incapable of happiness." —
The Sunday Times

"An experienced biographer’s comprehensive study."
—The Observer

"Walter Isaacson’s all-access biography… Its portrait of the tech maverick is fascinating."
—The Telegraph

"Isaacson boils Musk down to two men… the result is a beat-by-beat book that follows him insider important rooms and explores obscure regions of his mind."
—The Times

About the Author

Walter Isaacson is the bestselling author of biographies of Jennifer Doudna, Leonardo da Vinci, Steve Jobs, Benjamin Franklin, and Albert Einstein. He is a professor of history at Tulane and was CEO of the Aspen Institute, chair of CNN, and editor of Time. He was awarded the National Humanities Medal in 2023. Visit him at Isaacson.Tulane.edu.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BW9TRGKV
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster (September 12, 2023)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 12, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 96388 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 680 pages
  • Customer Reviews:

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Walter Isaacson
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Walter Isaacson is writing a biography of Elon Musk. He is the author of The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race; Leonardo da Vinci; Steve Jobs; Einstein: His Life and Universe; Benjamin Franklin: An American Life; The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution; and Kissinger: A Biography. He is also the coauthor of The Wise Men: Six Friends and the World They Made. He is a Professor of History at Tulane, has been CEO of the Aspen Institute, chairman of CNN, and editor of Time magazine.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
16,272 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book amazing, with an exquisite balance of awe-inspiring moments and grounded critique. They also describe the intellectual quality as refreshingly objective, moody, genius, flawed, and spontaneous. Readers describe the characters as complex, brilliant, and ruthless. They praise the writing quality as well-written and creative, simplifying the details. They describe the biography as exciting, compelling, and amazing. Opinions are mixed on the content, with some finding it candid and fair, while others say it's hypocritical and grossly inept. Reader opinions are also mixed on storyline, with Some finding it outstanding, while other say it’s disjointed and time jumping at times.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

336 customers mention "Readability"336 positive0 negative

Customers find the book captivating, showing the good, bad, and ugly of Elon Musk. They also say it provides insight into both Musk's incredible genius and ruthless. Readers also say the book provides a detailed account of his personal life and business.

"...curious about the world-changing ideas of our time, this book is a captivating and enlightening journey that is not to be missed...." Read more

"...This biography is a masterclass in storytelling, offering a captivating and nuanced exploration of Musk's life, from his childhood to his..." Read more

"...it's a good read imo. a page turner. overall i'd say it's a study of character rather than a cut and dry accounting of what elon has done...." Read more

"...And about Elon Musk - an amazing guy - temperamental, moody, genius, flawed, spontaneous. He has accomplished so much in such a short time...." Read more

159 customers mention "Writing quality"141 positive18 negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book well written, concise, and well structured. They also appreciate the key insights and creative approach.

"...The prose flows seamlessly, keeping the reader engaged and eager to turn the page.Timely and Relevant:..." Read more

"...Isaacson's writing is engaging, and his research is meticulous...." Read more

"...The book is well written. The writer shadowed Musk for two years and experienced first hand his genius and his flaws ...." Read more

"Good read. Well written and researched. About a lucky guy who made a lot of money early in his career...." Read more

149 customers mention "Intellectual quality"145 positive4 negative

Customers find the book refreshingly objective, presenting the facts without sugarcoating. They also say the character is very intelligent, interesting, and erratic. Readers say the motivations are complex and unique, and appreciate the past and present. They mention that the due diligence screams off the page.

"...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...." Read more

"...The book provides invaluable insights into Musk's innovative spirit, his relentless drive, and his passion for shaping the future...." Read more

"...And about Elon Musk - an amazing guy - temperamental, moody, genius, flawed, spontaneous. He has accomplished so much in such a short time...." Read more

"Good read. Well written and researched. About a lucky guy who made a lot of money early in his career...." Read more

98 customers mention "Biography"93 positive5 negative

Customers find the biography compelling, extraordinary, and candid. They also appreciate the author's believable and commendable portrayal of the main characters.

"...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..." Read more

"...This biography is a masterclass in storytelling, offering a captivating and nuanced exploration of Musk's life, from his childhood to his..." Read more

"...enjoyed the book, appreciated the subject's quirks & the author's honesty. Would highly recommend this book...." Read more

"...Beautifully written, honest and unbiased. Couldn’t put it down!" Read more

51 customers mention "Characters"46 positive5 negative

Customers find the characters fascinating, awesome, and flawed. They also say the author does a fantastic job portraying an unbiased depiction of Musk's work, family life, and moral. Readers also mention that the portrait is both nuanced and comprehensive.

"...automotive industry, Musk's visionary ideas are portrayed with enthusiasm and intellectual depth...." Read more

"...And about Elon Musk - an amazing guy - temperamental, moody, genius, flawed, spontaneous. He has accomplished so much in such a short time...." Read more

"Interesting character. Well written" Read more

"...Isaacson does a fantastic job of portraying an unbiased depiction of Musk’s work, family life and moral compass...." Read more

27 customers mention "Visual presentation"24 positive3 negative

Customers find the visual presentation of the book insightful, unique, and thoughtful. They also say the book provides a comprehensive look at Elon Musk's life.

"..." by Walter Isaacson is an exceptional biography that offers a profound and intimate look at the life and mind of a modern visionary...." Read more

"Another great biography by Walter Isaacson. A very thorough look at a modern day Einstein and the hard work he puts in and a look at some of his..." Read more

"...over the last few years, it really shows the good, the bad, and the ugly. Mostly good, crazy, and mind boggling things...." Read more

"...Still, an important and unbiased look at the Nicola Tesla of our age." Read more

74 customers mention "Storyline"51 positive23 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the storyline. Some find the narrative outstanding and a page turner, while others say it's disjointed, time jumping at times, and confusing. They also say the book is long and the ending is disappointing.

"...Compelling Narrative Style:Walter Isaacson's storytelling skills are evident throughout the book...." Read more

"...But this was different. Its short chapters and sub chapters made it very readable...." Read more

"...is accurate, though as a genuine believer in that mission, seemed awfully short...." Read more

"...It is full of amazing events and details about what happens in parts of the world, including the world of AI, of which ordinary people know close to..." Read more

44 customers mention "Content"21 positive23 negative

Customers are mixed about the content. Some find the author extraordinarily candid and fair in his commentaries about the main characters. They also appreciate Elon Musk's audacity, visions, drive, and result. However, some customers say the book is grossly inept, boring, and disjointed. They say it's not purposefully dishonest and not good journalism.

"...he asked a few days after Gates’s visit. “It’s pure hypocrisy. Why make money on the failure of a sustainable energy car company?”"..." Read more

"...Isaacson's work is a testament to the power of biography to inspire, educate, and entertain." Read more

"...in a good light in some ways while it also shows his crazy, dysfunctional bad side. It seems it's a fair appraisal...." Read more

"...also it was hilarious...." Read more

This Book is eye opening
5 out of 5 stars
This Book is eye opening
Only on page 50 but it’s pretty captivating. Reading about Elon’s past and now seeing who he has become, it’s mind blowing.Great book
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2023
"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.
61 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2024
I just finished reading "Elon Musk" by Walter Isaacson, and I'm still reeling from the experience. This biography is a masterclass in storytelling, offering a captivating and nuanced exploration of Musk's life, from his childhood to his revolutionary ventures.

Isaacson's writing is engaging, and his research is meticulous. He presents a balanced view of Musk's triumphs and struggles, revealing the complex personality behind the visionary entrepreneur.

The book provides invaluable insights into Musk's innovative spirit, his relentless drive, and his passion for shaping the future. It's a must-read for anyone interested in technology, entrepreneurship, or the future of humanity.

I highly recommend this book to everyone, whether you're a fan of Musk or simply curious about the man behind the headlines. Isaacson's work is a testament to the power of biography to inspire, educate, and entertain.
4 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2024
first, i'm an elon fan. not blindly, i realize the guy has faults, but holistically i think the guy is a great asset to humanity. ** my real gripes at end of this review. **

the average sentiment for elon in my social circle is negative. one time i had an acquaintance ask me three times in a row if i was being serious about liking elon. i must have been joking. i was not. there were also these things people would repeat about elon that i suspected were false. for example, he came from money, his father was a rich emerald mine owner (which conjures up ideas about south African blood diamonds) or that his success is from taking credit rather than merit or that his views have become extreme right/conspiratorial.

i wanted to dig in and separate the truth from the noise so i looked at several elon books and decided on this one.

it's a good read imo. a page turner. overall i'd say it's a study of character rather than a cut and dry accounting of what elon has done. no regrets reading it. i might read it again some day as it's packed with rockets, people, kids, wives, and electric cars. i like the way it's organized into bite sized chunks that focus on one story rather than try and tell the multitude of stories that are happening simultaneously. sometimes the author will repeat a bit already covered which is useful for the reader to get full context of what's going on. for a hypothetical example, there might be a section that focuses on a rocket launch. then later a section that focuses on a falling out with his father that was simultaneous.

my biggest complaint and the reason for 4 stars is i feel the author might be a little out of touch, making judgement calls when he should just be making observations. I also think the author is too trusting of corporate media outlets and does not entertain the possibility that elon is actually right on certain topics. instead he makes a character judgement. here are some examples:

"musk was cursed with a conspiratorial mindset" this is in reference to musk thinking his negative press was coming from hidden agendas. i find it hard to believe the negative sentiment for elon is just from offensive tweets and interviews. i've never seen a billionaire who has done so much (electric cars alone) and at the same time is so disliked. not gates, not bezos, no one i can think of. but what elon has done is challenge power. he questioned PCR tests, he fought lock downs at teslsa, he was honest about vaccine injuries in his circle of friends and his own bad experience. this is a sure fire way to get your reputation attacked. we are simply not allowed to have honest conversations about anything vaccine or lock down related. but elon did. his brutal honesty in a world where our leaders and institutions routinely lie, is imo, what people like about him.

the author also believes the tweet "my pronouns are prosecute/fauci" "made little sense, wasn't funny, and managed, in just 5 words, to mock transgender people, conjure up conspiracies about the 81 year old...." i disagree. the fact that the author dismisses this as conspiracy theory tells me he is out of touch. funding from NIAID (Fauci's organization) did go to the Wuhan Lab, they did do gain of function research, and had in the past done gain of function research on bat corona viruses. Fauci has lies about this while testifying to Rand Paul. meanwhile the lab leak has gone from a conspiracy theory to a credible explanation. even former FDA head Robert Redfield has said he believes it came from a lab. History is going to confirm that elon was ahead on this rather than conspiratorial. also it was hilarious. in 5 words elon exposed the corruption of Fauci while pointing out the insane amount of personal pronounces currently recognized. lgbtqnation.com lists 17 on it's "incomplete" list.

"he (elon) retweeted comments by robert kennedy jr, a fervent antivaxxer who alleged that the CIA killed his uncle the president..." . as a person who is very familiar with Kennedy's positions i'll say that the antivax pejorative is one of the biggest lies against RFK jr. it's very misleading. and the author is just repeating what corporate media has been saying for 20 years. RFK's position is that the safety testing is not adequate for vaccines. He is fully vaxxed (except covid) and so are his kids. the antivax pejorative is used to stop him from asking questions about vaccine safety. As for the CIA assassinating JFK it is a very old idea and RFK is not the only one who believes it. RFK jr's case for it is compelling.

"he (elon) was skittering at times on the edges of the rabbit holes of conspiracy theories about sinister global elite forces." this author seems to be unaware of things like the WEF pandemic treaty, or the gates funded pandemic simulations that were in part focused on censorship to quell "disinformation".

i could go on but won't. i think history will show elon was dialed in to better information sources rather than conspiratorial. instead of characterizing him as conspiratorial it would have better to be nuetral. what i see as a net positive (the ability of elon to think independent of corporate media narratives) the author sees as a bit cray cray.

on a positive note, i came away with (i think) a far better understanding of who elon is emotionally and his management style. i did not expect him to be super chill to work with. that's an understatement. he seems every bit as harsh as the steve jobs stories i heard from my friend at apple. one of the central questions in the book seems to be can you accomplish the near impossible and be easy to work with? is accomplishment and a-hole-ishness a package deal? maybe.

overall i'd recommend.
11 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2024
I usually don’t read 600+ page books - especially biographies which tend to be tedious reads. But this was different. Its short chapters and sub chapters made it very readable.
And about Elon Musk - an amazing guy - temperamental, moody, genius, flawed, spontaneous. He has accomplished so much in such a short time. Becoming rich is not his goal. Bettering mankind by rapidly advancing technology is his target. The book is well written. The writer shadowed Musk for two years and experienced first hand his genius and his flaws . I gained great insight into the character of this frequent newsmaker in today’s world
4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

wayne
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read to get closer to one of the most innovative mind ever existed.
Reviewed in Canada on July 25, 2024
Elon Musk ain't a super hero. He is just one of us who's in pursuit of his purest childhood dream. This book really explore both the bright and dark side of Elon's brilliant mind. It also explores some side stories about people around him, how they may or may not have influenced his life.
João Ferreira
5.0 out of 5 stars Um dos melhores livros que já li
Reviewed in Brazil on January 27, 2024
Fascinante biografia de Elon Musk e parece ser uma tentativa honesta de descrever a vida deste ser singular. Bem diferente da biografia anterior de Ashlee Vance, uma vez que mostra características bem mais sombrias e pertubadoras da personalidade de Musk e os tormentos internos que ele enfrenta e que acabam transbordando pra muitas áreas de sua vida.
2 people found this helpful
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leonardo
5.0 out of 5 stars Content
Reviewed in Mexico on December 11, 2023
Walter isaacson way of putting toghether the chronology of the different events and narrative is superb. Some details are too much and unnecesary, most of them are key to understand the mind and branding of Elon.
AJ
5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read
Reviewed in India on August 4, 2024
Love the author, his style of unfiltered writing. Becomes a little repetitive in middle but that just with every biography
JEJW Sharpe
5.0 out of 5 stars Topboek
Reviewed in Belgium on February 26, 2024
Geweldig boek, snel geleverd voor een prima prijs.

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