Biographer Reveals Elon And Kimbal's Tumultuous Relationship With Father Errol Musk: He 'Instilled His Drive But Also His Demons'

Walter Isaacson, a renowned biographer and tech journalist, shed light on the tumultuous childhood of Tesla CEO and Twitter owner Elon Musk, revealing how it shaped the billionaire’s drive and personality. Isaacson’s new biography called ‘Elon Musk’ delves into the psychological scars inflicted by Musk’s father and their lasting impact.

What Happened: Isaacson’s tweet detailed the psychological trauma Musk and his brother Kimbal experienced at the hands of their father, Errol Musk. The biographer shared that Musk’s wives and girlfriend also provided insights into how Musk continues to grapple with these past traumas.

“Elon Musk's father instilled his drive but also his demons, beginning at an early age. In my book, Elon and his brother Kimbal tell vivid and psychologically brutal tales and the scars they left, and their father Errol spends hours giving his own side forcefully,” Isaacson tweeted with a snapshot of a young Musk with his father.

Why It Matters: The revelations in Isaacson’s tweet and the biography provide a deeper understanding of Musk’s personality and drive. The experiences of his childhood, as detailed in Isaacson’s biography shed light on Musk’s high tolerance for risk, craving for drama, and intense focus, traits that have been instrumental in his success. The biography also explores whether these “demons” are necessary for driving innovation and progress.

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