Walter Isaacsons book "Elon Musk" is a biography of the billionaire entrepreneur that depicts him as a mercurial "man-child" with grandiose ambitions and an ego to match. The book provides an updated account of Musks life and accomplishments, picking up where Ashlee Vances book left off. Isaacson had unprecedented access to Musk for two years, shadowing him, attending his meetings, walking his factories with him, and spending hours interviewing him, his family, friends, coworkers, and adversaries. The book details the improbable arc of Musks life, from his early childhood under a cruel father and relentless schoolyard bullying through his purchase of Twitter and recent decision to launch yet another company.
The book also provides insights into Musks approach to building successful products/companies. At a very basic level, he starts with a grandiose vision and focuses on the three areas that would shape his career. He is interested in knowing and being able to visualize the properties of materials and alloys at different temperatures. He calculates the cost of carbon fiber, metal, fuel, and other materials that go into his products. He follows his philosophy that the design, engineering, and manufacturing teams should all be clustered together.
The book also discusses Musks chaotic personal life, including his three marriages and 11 children, two of whom were conceived by sperm donation. Isaacson notes that Musk talks about having Aspergers, which makes him "bad at picking up social cues" and lacking empathy. Musks frequently callous treatment of people is also discussed, and Isaacson asks whether his accomplishments justify his bad behavior.
In summary, the book "Elon Musk" by Walter Isaacson provides an updated account of Musks life and accomplishments, as well as insights into his approach to building successful products/companies. The book also discusses Musks chaotic personal life and his frequently callous treatment of people.
