54 pages ā€¢ 1 hour read ā€¢

Ashlee Vance

Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2015

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Important Quotes

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ā€œDo you think Iā€™m insane?ā€


(Prologue, Page 6)

This question serves as a rhetorical device, revealing Muskā€™s introspective nature and potential insecurity about the perception of his ambitious plans. It highlights the fine line between visionary thinking and perceived madness, a recurring theme in Vanceā€™s narrative. Muskā€™s self-awareness makes him more relatable, showing a more human side to his public persona.

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ā€œI would like to die thinking that humanity has a bright future.ā€


(Prologue, Page 6)

This quote underscores Muskā€™s existential motivation behind his ventures, particularly in space exploration and sustainable energy. The finality in the phrase ā€œdie thinkingā€ emphasizes the seriousness with which he approaches his work, aiming not just for financial success but also for a lasting impact on humanityā€™s future.

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ā€œItā€™s Elonā€™s world, and the rest of us live in it.ā€


(Prologue, Page 18)

This statement by Justine Musk encapsulates Elon Muskā€™s dominant influence in his ventures and the lives of those around him. The phrase ā€œElonā€™s worldā€ highlights a realm shaped by Muskā€™s visions and decisions and his authoritative influence. The juxtaposition of ā€œElonā€™s worldā€ with ā€œthe rest of usā€ emphasizes how Muskā€™s unrelenting focus on entrepreneurship sets himself apart from others, including his then-wife.