After a few months of no motivation and no excitement, your article has singlehandedly inspired me to do the same as Elon Musk: have a bigger vision and go for it. Thanks so much.
Ok, I'm engaged. Well done. Your support of exploration is exemplary. Musk needs to be reminded that Earth's orbit is regularly 'corrected' when the orbits of Mars and Venus bring those planets close to ours. Any significant change to their orbits, will affect ours, and potentially alter seasons, irrevocably. Installation of shields at the La Grange points to remedy atmospheric conditions, would inevitably affect life on Earth, let alone attempted nuclear interventions. Any significant impact on current orbit trajectories is an extreme risk. The money this guy makes does not justify the means.
Some of what you mention in this article is demonstrably false. Elon has is important and has achieved some great things. You’re buying way too much into the myth of Elon, rather than accurately researching and portraying him. The big myth is that Elon got no help from rich parents. I almost fell out of my seat. I thought you properly researched for these articles?
Thanks for your enlightened comments about a person who is my hero, too. Elon Musk singlehandedly (and with a cast of thousands at SpaceX, NASA and other agencies) has restarted humanity's dream of being a spacefaring species.
This article will kick anyone’s ass into gear or out of a procrastination funk. Also, I too despise these grandpas (and one grandma) who make billions of dollars that provide no relief for the world. Jamie Dimon is one of the worst examples of these grandpas and was the first person to come to mind when I read this article. It’s a shame that Armstrong wasn’t a fan of the rocket program. You would think he would be excited for it.
I think part of the blowback against Musk or Bezos is about aspiration; or rather the death of aspiration. We used to all /want/ to go to the moon (or be rock stars, or whatever). We'd watch the shuttle launches together with baited breath. It was exhilarating.
Now we post memes abut it being "wine o'clock," and how adulting is hard. We've (collectively) let our own dreams die, and so we project that grief onto people who are still chasing theirs.
This is eye opening, thought provoking, and gives us all hope for a brighter future.
I'm a "grandma" generation and fully agree with you - the grandpa (and dad) generation need to either step aside or get on the Elon Express opening up other worlds to us. Great piece.
For some perspective, Jesus is our God (uppercase) and Saviour; Elon Musk is a mere mortal man who has discovered and exploited, perhaps more than most mortals, what our Creator God has put at our fingertips. If Elon were our savior, why is there so many starving children in the very continent that Elon fled from? It doesn't pay well. So remember, the love of money is the root of all evil. This might explain why he is the wealthiest man on the the planet.
This gives me a better picture of Elon Musk's positive side. Whether he'd be better than the Grandpas in governing a country is another question. I'd prefer evolution to revolution any day.
Glad you put yourself out there trying to explain Elon. I think much of Elon's behavior is a defense mechanism. He sees so much technically that he feels only he can do. A sign of a great leader is on who constantly grooms people to replace him or her and/or take on projects/work. Elon does not seem to be delegating or if he is, he does not let others grab the limelight.
Jack Welch was considered a pro at this but Jeff Immelt failed. Bill Ford, CEO from 1999 to 2006, may prove to be a success for an legacy American Automobile manufacturer.
A big burden Elon has to carry, along with Joe Biden, is that they are in positions where they can't tell the truth about important things so communication comes out sideways. They can't be taken literally.
As for today, the moon landings I believe are mankind's greatest accomplishment. I am so psyched the James Webb Telescope is working. Have a good day!
I couldn't agree more. If anyone can save us, if it is not too late, it will be Musk. Doesn't anyone see the genius of reuseable rockets? Electric cars as a step into a future wirh much less polution? Low earth satelites to deliver the internet everywhere?
I qualify as a grandpa and I say, "It's time to get old people out of positions of power. We need new, young blood that is not afraid to try new things. Going to the moon or Mars will mean the deaths of many people, but not going could be the death of the human race."
Elon is like the rest of us - he is human - and like the rest of us he shows that it is possible for us ALL to dream bigger. As humans we all have this potential. Keep up the good work Tim
One question I always consider is why spend so much energy in trying to fit in on another planet. The people on this planet are dying from floods and hunger. Why not help them here. Taking all these people on a new planet will not solve problems. The problems will be same. I mean we don't even know what problems we can face on Mars but we know the problems we face on earth. Why not solve the problems of this planet rather than ignore them by moving to another planet. It will create even more gap. All the rich will be on Mars and poor will still be on earth
Loved every word and on a day when I was a little down, I feel hopeful again. I agree with every word but I'm saddened there seems to be so few Elon Musks on our home planet.
After a few months of no motivation and no excitement, your article has singlehandedly inspired me to do the same as Elon Musk: have a bigger vision and go for it. Thanks so much.
Ok, I'm engaged. Well done. Your support of exploration is exemplary. Musk needs to be reminded that Earth's orbit is regularly 'corrected' when the orbits of Mars and Venus bring those planets close to ours. Any significant change to their orbits, will affect ours, and potentially alter seasons, irrevocably. Installation of shields at the La Grange points to remedy atmospheric conditions, would inevitably affect life on Earth, let alone attempted nuclear interventions. Any significant impact on current orbit trajectories is an extreme risk. The money this guy makes does not justify the means.
Really loved this piece and fully agree with you!
Elon sacrifices a chill and rich life he could have for the sake of his vision on making human a multiplanetary species.
Just one comment, you write that:
“When Elon went into space in 2022 this was the response:”
What did you mean by this? Since Elon has not (yet) gone to space yet - nor there are any plans in the near future.
Some of what you mention in this article is demonstrably false. Elon has is important and has achieved some great things. You’re buying way too much into the myth of Elon, rather than accurately researching and portraying him. The big myth is that Elon got no help from rich parents. I almost fell out of my seat. I thought you properly researched for these articles?
Thanks for your enlightened comments about a person who is my hero, too. Elon Musk singlehandedly (and with a cast of thousands at SpaceX, NASA and other agencies) has restarted humanity's dream of being a spacefaring species.
This article will kick anyone’s ass into gear or out of a procrastination funk. Also, I too despise these grandpas (and one grandma) who make billions of dollars that provide no relief for the world. Jamie Dimon is one of the worst examples of these grandpas and was the first person to come to mind when I read this article. It’s a shame that Armstrong wasn’t a fan of the rocket program. You would think he would be excited for it.
Another amazing article, Mr. Denning!!
I think part of the blowback against Musk or Bezos is about aspiration; or rather the death of aspiration. We used to all /want/ to go to the moon (or be rock stars, or whatever). We'd watch the shuttle launches together with baited breath. It was exhilarating.
Now we post memes abut it being "wine o'clock," and how adulting is hard. We've (collectively) let our own dreams die, and so we project that grief onto people who are still chasing theirs.
This is eye opening, thought provoking, and gives us all hope for a brighter future.
I'm a "grandma" generation and fully agree with you - the grandpa (and dad) generation need to either step aside or get on the Elon Express opening up other worlds to us. Great piece.
For some perspective, Jesus is our God (uppercase) and Saviour; Elon Musk is a mere mortal man who has discovered and exploited, perhaps more than most mortals, what our Creator God has put at our fingertips. If Elon were our savior, why is there so many starving children in the very continent that Elon fled from? It doesn't pay well. So remember, the love of money is the root of all evil. This might explain why he is the wealthiest man on the the planet.
This gives me a better picture of Elon Musk's positive side. Whether he'd be better than the Grandpas in governing a country is another question. I'd prefer evolution to revolution any day.
There are good and bad Grandpas too.
Glad you put yourself out there trying to explain Elon. I think much of Elon's behavior is a defense mechanism. He sees so much technically that he feels only he can do. A sign of a great leader is on who constantly grooms people to replace him or her and/or take on projects/work. Elon does not seem to be delegating or if he is, he does not let others grab the limelight.
Jack Welch was considered a pro at this but Jeff Immelt failed. Bill Ford, CEO from 1999 to 2006, may prove to be a success for an legacy American Automobile manufacturer.
A big burden Elon has to carry, along with Joe Biden, is that they are in positions where they can't tell the truth about important things so communication comes out sideways. They can't be taken literally.
As for today, the moon landings I believe are mankind's greatest accomplishment. I am so psyched the James Webb Telescope is working. Have a good day!
I couldn't agree more. If anyone can save us, if it is not too late, it will be Musk. Doesn't anyone see the genius of reuseable rockets? Electric cars as a step into a future wirh much less polution? Low earth satelites to deliver the internet everywhere?
I qualify as a grandpa and I say, "It's time to get old people out of positions of power. We need new, young blood that is not afraid to try new things. Going to the moon or Mars will mean the deaths of many people, but not going could be the death of the human race."
Elon is like the rest of us - he is human - and like the rest of us he shows that it is possible for us ALL to dream bigger. As humans we all have this potential. Keep up the good work Tim
One question I always consider is why spend so much energy in trying to fit in on another planet. The people on this planet are dying from floods and hunger. Why not help them here. Taking all these people on a new planet will not solve problems. The problems will be same. I mean we don't even know what problems we can face on Mars but we know the problems we face on earth. Why not solve the problems of this planet rather than ignore them by moving to another planet. It will create even more gap. All the rich will be on Mars and poor will still be on earth
Great post Tim. Very well done. Gives us plenty to think about. 🤔
Loved every word and on a day when I was a little down, I feel hopeful again. I agree with every word but I'm saddened there seems to be so few Elon Musks on our home planet.