The self radicalization of a tech icon, a sad story

There was a time when Elon Musk was seen as a visionary – a relentless force pushing industries forward. SpaceX made reusable rockets a reality. Tesla proved that EVs could be desirable. He didn't invent these ideas, but he did build the companies by attracting and inspiring the right people, carrying out a vision and making them viable businesses.

The Musk of today, though, is a sad story. What was once bold leadership, although argued questionable by many, has morphed into provocation for its own sake. He cozies up to extremists, spreads conspiracy theories, tries to influence foreign politics and elections, and bullies and silences critics while claiming to champion free speech. His companies still build great products, but the man himself is walking controversy – to say the least.

It's a strange legacy: to have revolutionized entire industries, only to ruin it all in real time. For many, admiration has turned to unease. Owning a Tesla, using X, supporting anything he touches – it all carries a weight that didn’t exist before. And the more he spirals, the harder it gets to separate the product from the person, which is unironically a daily reality.

In a parallel universe Musk inspired entire generations about science, space exploration, EVs and using tech to help save the climate. It's just so very sad, it is not the one we live in.