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159 Inspiring Quotes By Elon Musk That Prove His Sagacity

Famous As: CEO of Tesla
Born On: June 28, 1971
Born In: Pretoria, South Africa
Founder / Co Founder: PayPal, SpaceX, Zip2, X.com, Musk Foundation, Tesla Motors
Age: 51 Years
Elon Musk is a renowned Canadian-American business magnate, investor, and engineer. He is known to be the second entrepreneur in the Silicon Valley to establish three companies having a capital of more than $1 billion each. He has always shown interest in products that have a potential to change the world. He has a huge interest in space and owns a company called ‘SpaceX’ which manufactures satellites and launch vehicles and also has NASA on their client list. After his graduation, he collaborated with his brother to establish a software company ‘Zip2’ which he sold off to Compaq at a huge price in a short span of time. His next and first most notable venture was ‘PayPal’ which opened the gates of internet banking to the world. His next notable venture was the Tesla Motors which contributes significantly to the market of racing cars. Through this company, Musk aimed at redefining Electric cars and came up with cars which were super efficient working on a battery, unlike other general cars. Here are some gems of wisdom that have been uttered by the business giant which have become famous as his quotes and are quoted extensively. Read through the thoughts and quotes by Elon Musk that will give you a peek into such an innovative brain.
Trying to read our DNA is like trying to understand software code - with only 90% of the code riddled with errors. It's very difficult in that case to understand and predict what that software code is going to do.

Trying to read our DNA is like trying to understand software code - with only 90% of the code riddled with errors. It's very difficult in that case to understand and predict what that software code is going to do.

Elon Musk

The lessons of history would suggest that civilisations move in cycles. You can track that back quite far - the Babylonians, the Sumerians, followed by the Egyptians, the Romans, China. We're obviously in a very upward cycle right now, and hopefully that remains the case. But it may not.

Elon Musk
When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favour.

When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favour.

Elon Musk
SpaceX has the potential of saving the U.S. government $1 billion a year. We are opposed to creating an entrenched monopoly with no realistic means for anyone to compete.

SpaceX has the potential of saving the U.S. government $1 billion a year. We are opposed to creating an entrenched monopoly with no realistic means for anyone to compete.

Elon Musk
My proceeds from the PayPal acquisition were $180 million. I put $100 million in SpaceX, $70m in Tesla, and $10m in Solar City. I had to borrow money for rent.

My proceeds from the PayPal acquisition were $180 million. I put $100 million in SpaceX, $70m in Tesla, and $10m in Solar City. I had to borrow money for rent.

Elon Musk
Over time I think we will probably see a closer merger of biological intelligence and digital intelligence.

Over time I think we will probably see a closer merger of biological intelligence and digital intelligence.

Elon Musk
Rockets are cool. There's no getting around that.

Rockets are cool. There's no getting around that.

Elon Musk
I think it would be great to be born on Earth and die on Mars. Just hopefully not at the point of impact.

I think it would be great to be born on Earth and die on Mars. Just hopefully not at the point of impact.

Elon Musk
If you had to buy a new plane every time you flew somewhere, it would be incredibly expensive.

If you had to buy a new plane every time you flew somewhere, it would be incredibly expensive.

Elon Musk
I'm a Silicon Valley guy. I just think people from Silicon Valley can do anything.

I'm a Silicon Valley guy. I just think people from Silicon Valley can do anything.

Elon Musk

In the case of Apple, they did originally do production internally, but then along came unbelievably good outsourced manufacturing from companies like Foxconn. We don't have that in the rocket business. There's no Foxconn in the rocket business.

Elon Musk
I think it's very important to have a feedback loop, where you're constantly thinking about what you've done and how you could be doing it better.

I think it's very important to have a feedback loop, where you're constantly thinking about what you've done and how you could be doing it better.

Elon Musk
I hate writing about personal stuff. I don't have a Facebook page. I don't use my Twitter account. I am familiar with both, but I don't use them.

I hate writing about personal stuff. I don't have a Facebook page. I don't use my Twitter account. I am familiar with both, but I don't use them.

Elon Musk
The value of beauty and inspiration is very much underrated, no question. But I want to be clear: I'm not trying to be anyone's savior. I'm just trying to think about the future and not be sad.

The value of beauty and inspiration is very much underrated, no question. But I want to be clear: I'm not trying to be anyone's savior. I'm just trying to think about the future and not be sad.

Elon Musk
There are some important differences between me and Tony Stark, like I have five kids, so I spend more time going to Disneyland than parties.

There are some important differences between me and Tony Stark, like I have five kids, so I spend more time going to Disneyland than parties.

Elon Musk
From an evolutionary standpoint, human consciousness has not been around very long. A little light just went on after four and a half billion years. How often does that happen? Maybe it is quite rare.

From an evolutionary standpoint, human consciousness has not been around very long. A little light just went on after four and a half billion years. How often does that happen? Maybe it is quite rare.

Elon Musk
I think a lot of the American people feel more than a little disappointed that the high-water mark for human exploration was 1969. The dream of human space travel has almost died for a lot of people.

I think a lot of the American people feel more than a little disappointed that the high-water mark for human exploration was 1969. The dream of human space travel has almost died for a lot of people.

Elon Musk
I had so many people try to talk me out of starting a rocket company, it was crazy.

I had so many people try to talk me out of starting a rocket company, it was crazy.

Elon Musk
I think long term you can see Tesla establishing factories in Europe, in other parts of the U.S. and in Asia.

I think long term you can see Tesla establishing factories in Europe, in other parts of the U.S. and in Asia.

Elon Musk
If you think back to the beginning of cell phones, laptops or really any new technology, it's always expensive.

If you think back to the beginning of cell phones, laptops or really any new technology, it's always expensive.

Elon Musk
If we're going to have any chance of sending stuff to other star systems, we need to be laser-focused on becoming a multi-planet civilisation.

If we're going to have any chance of sending stuff to other star systems, we need to be laser-focused on becoming a multi-planet civilisation.

Elon Musk
Biofuels such as ethanol require enormous amounts of cropland and end up displacing either food crops or natural wilderness, neither of which is good.

Biofuels such as ethanol require enormous amounts of cropland and end up displacing either food crops or natural wilderness, neither of which is good.

Elon Musk
I've actually not read any books on time management.

I've actually not read any books on time management.

Elon Musk
Selling an electric sports car creates an opportunity to fundamentally change the way America drives.

Selling an electric sports car creates an opportunity to fundamentally change the way America drives.

Elon Musk
Mars is the only place in the solar system where it's possible for life to become multi-planetarian.

Mars is the only place in the solar system where it's possible for life to become multi-planetarian.

Elon Musk
The path to the CEO's office should not be through the CFO's office, and it should not be through the marketing department. It needs to be through engineering and design.

The path to the CEO's office should not be through the CFO's office, and it should not be through the marketing department. It needs to be through engineering and design.

Elon Musk
I think we are at the dawn of a new era in commercial space exploration.

I think we are at the dawn of a new era in commercial space exploration.

Elon Musk
Tesla is becoming a real car company.

Tesla is becoming a real car company.

Elon Musk
I would like to die on Mars. Just not on impact.

I would like to die on Mars. Just not on impact.

Elon Musk
Some people don't like change, but you need to embrace change if the alternative is disaster.

Some people don't like change, but you need to embrace change if the alternative is disaster.

Elon Musk

I would like to fly in space. Absolutely. That would be cool. I used to just do personally risky things, but now I've got kids and responsibilities, so I can't be my own test pilot. That wouldn't be a good idea. But I definitely want to fly as soon as it's a sensible thing to do.

Elon Musk
I'm reasonably optimistic about the future, especially the future of the United States - for the century, at least.

I'm reasonably optimistic about the future, especially the future of the United States - for the century, at least.

Elon Musk
A Prius is not a true hybrid, really. The current Prius is, like, 2 percent electric. It's a gasoline car with slightly better mileage.

A Prius is not a true hybrid, really. The current Prius is, like, 2 percent electric. It's a gasoline car with slightly better mileage.

Elon Musk
I think Tesla will most likely develop its own autopilot system for the car, as I think it should be camera-based, not Lidar-based. However, it is also possible that we do something jointly with Google.

I think Tesla will most likely develop its own autopilot system for the car, as I think it should be camera-based, not Lidar-based. However, it is also possible that we do something jointly with Google.

Elon Musk
Some companies out there quote a start of production that is substantially in advance of when customers get their cars.

Some companies out there quote a start of production that is substantially in advance of when customers get their cars.

Elon Musk
Land on Mars, a round-trip ticket - half a million dollars. It can be done.

Land on Mars, a round-trip ticket - half a million dollars. It can be done.

Elon Musk
I tend to approach things from a physics framework. And physics teaches you to reason from first principles rather than by analogy.

I tend to approach things from a physics framework. And physics teaches you to reason from first principles rather than by analogy.

Elon Musk
It is theoretically possible to warp spacetime itself, so you're not actually moving faster than the speed of light, but it's actually space that's moving.

It is theoretically possible to warp spacetime itself, so you're not actually moving faster than the speed of light, but it's actually space that's moving.

Elon Musk
The U.S. automotive industry has been selling cars the same way for over 100 years, and there are many laws in place to govern exactly how that is to be accomplished.

The U.S. automotive industry has been selling cars the same way for over 100 years, and there are many laws in place to govern exactly how that is to be accomplished.

Elon Musk
There's nothing - I've bought everything I want. I don't like yachts or anything; you know, I'm not a yacht person, and I've got pretty much the nicest plane I'd want to have.

There's nothing - I've bought everything I want. I don't like yachts or anything; you know, I'm not a yacht person, and I've got pretty much the nicest plane I'd want to have.

Elon Musk
The pace of progress on Mars depends upon the pace of progress of SpaceX.

The pace of progress on Mars depends upon the pace of progress of SpaceX.

Elon Musk
Stationary storage will be as big as the car business long term. The growth rate will probably be several times what it is for the car business.

Stationary storage will be as big as the car business long term. The growth rate will probably be several times what it is for the car business.

Elon Musk
The factory is the machine that builds the machine.

The factory is the machine that builds the machine.

Elon Musk
There's a silly notion that failure's not an option at NASA. Failure is an option here. If things are not failing, you are not innovating enough.

There's a silly notion that failure's not an option at NASA. Failure is an option here. If things are not failing, you are not innovating enough.

Elon Musk
I'm trying to construct a world that maximises the probability that SpaceX continues its mission without me.

I'm trying to construct a world that maximises the probability that SpaceX continues its mission without me.

Elon Musk
If you look at our current technology level, something strange has to happen to civilisations, and I mean strange in a bad way. And it could be that there are a whole lot of dead, one-planet civilisations.

If you look at our current technology level, something strange has to happen to civilisations, and I mean strange in a bad way. And it could be that there are a whole lot of dead, one-planet civilisations.

Elon Musk
We could definitely make a flying car - but that's not the hard part. The hard part is, how do you make a flying car that's super safe and quiet? Because if it's a howler, you're going to make people very unhappy.

We could definitely make a flying car - but that's not the hard part. The hard part is, how do you make a flying car that's super safe and quiet? Because if it's a howler, you're going to make people very unhappy.

Elon Musk
Here in the West, people often don't like listening to their leaders, even if they are right.

Here in the West, people often don't like listening to their leaders, even if they are right.

Elon Musk
I usually describe myself as an engineer; that's basically what I've been doing since I was a kid.

I usually describe myself as an engineer; that's basically what I've been doing since I was a kid.

Elon Musk
The reason we should do a carbon tax is because it's the right thing to do. It's economics 101, elementary stuff.

The reason we should do a carbon tax is because it's the right thing to do. It's economics 101, elementary stuff.

Elon Musk
As you heat the planet up, it's just like boiling a pot.

As you heat the planet up, it's just like boiling a pot.

Elon Musk
Facebook is quite entrenched and has a network effect. It's hard to break into a network once it's formed.

Facebook is quite entrenched and has a network effect. It's hard to break into a network once it's formed.

Elon Musk
Government isn't that good at rapid advancement of technology. It tends to be better at funding basic research. To have things take off, you've got to have commercial companies do it.

Government isn't that good at rapid advancement of technology. It tends to be better at funding basic research. To have things take off, you've got to have commercial companies do it.

Elon Musk
The rumours of the demise of the U.S. manufacturing industry are greatly exaggerated.

The rumours of the demise of the U.S. manufacturing industry are greatly exaggerated.

Elon Musk
The United States is definitely ahead in culture of innovation. If someone wants to accomplish great things, there is no better place than the U.S.

The United States is definitely ahead in culture of innovation. If someone wants to accomplish great things, there is no better place than the U.S.

Elon Musk
I wouldn't say I have a lack of fear. In fact, I'd like my fear emotion to be less because it's very distracting and fries my nervous system.

I wouldn't say I have a lack of fear. In fact, I'd like my fear emotion to be less because it's very distracting and fries my nervous system.

Elon Musk
I've been to Disneyland, like, 10 times. I'm getting really tired of Disneyland.

I've been to Disneyland, like, 10 times. I'm getting really tired of Disneyland.

Elon Musk
America is the spirit of human exploration distilled.

America is the spirit of human exploration distilled.

Elon Musk
You could warm Mars up, over time, with greenhouse gases.

You could warm Mars up, over time, with greenhouse gases.

Elon Musk
I'm personally a moderate and a registered independent, so I'm not strongly Democratic or strongly Republican.

I'm personally a moderate and a registered independent, so I'm not strongly Democratic or strongly Republican.

Elon Musk
I think most of the important stuff on the Internet has been built. There will be continued innovation, for sure, but the great problems of the Internet have essentially been solved.

I think most of the important stuff on the Internet has been built. There will be continued innovation, for sure, but the great problems of the Internet have essentially been solved.

Elon Musk
If humanity doesn't land on Mars in my lifetime, I would be very disappointed.

If humanity doesn't land on Mars in my lifetime, I would be very disappointed.

Elon Musk
If anyone has a vested interest in space solar power, it would have to be me.

If anyone has a vested interest in space solar power, it would have to be me.

Elon Musk
I'm anti-tax, but I'm pro-carbon tax.

I'm anti-tax, but I'm pro-carbon tax.

Elon Musk
If we drive down the cost of transportation in space, we can do great things.

If we drive down the cost of transportation in space, we can do great things.

Elon Musk
Nobody wants to buy a $60,000 electric Civic. But people will pay $90,000 for an electric sports car.

Nobody wants to buy a $60,000 electric Civic. But people will pay $90,000 for an electric sports car.

Elon Musk
I feel very strongly that SpaceX would not have been able to get started, nor would we have made the progress that we have, without the help of NASA.

I feel very strongly that SpaceX would not have been able to get started, nor would we have made the progress that we have, without the help of NASA.

Elon Musk
Physics is really figuring out how to discover new things that are counterintuitive, like quantum mechanics. It's really counterintuitive.

Physics is really figuring out how to discover new things that are counterintuitive, like quantum mechanics. It's really counterintuitive.

Elon Musk
Even if producing CO2 was good for the environment, given that we're going to run out of hydrocarbons, we need to find some sustainable means of operating.

Even if producing CO2 was good for the environment, given that we're going to run out of hydrocarbons, we need to find some sustainable means of operating.

Elon Musk
What I'm trying to do is, is to make a significant difference in space flight. And help make space flight accessible to almost anyone.

What I'm trying to do is, is to make a significant difference in space flight. And help make space flight accessible to almost anyone.

Elon Musk
I'd like to dial it back 5% or 10% and try to have a vacation that's not just e-mail with a view.

I'd like to dial it back 5% or 10% and try to have a vacation that's not just e-mail with a view.

Elon Musk
I don't think it's a good idea to plan to sell a company.

I don't think it's a good idea to plan to sell a company.

Elon Musk
Winning 'Motor Trend' Car of the year is probably the closest thing to winning the Oscar or Emmy of the car industry.

Winning 'Motor Trend' Car of the year is probably the closest thing to winning the Oscar or Emmy of the car industry.

Elon Musk
I'm glad to see that BMW is bringing an electric car to market. That's cool.

I'm glad to see that BMW is bringing an electric car to market. That's cool.

Elon Musk
You need to be in the position where it is the cost of the fuel that actually matters and not the cost of building the rocket in the first place.

You need to be in the position where it is the cost of the fuel that actually matters and not the cost of building the rocket in the first place.

Elon Musk
My vision is for a fully reusable rocket transport system between Earth and Mars that is able to re-fuel on Mars - this is very important - so you don't have to carry the return fuel when you go there.

My vision is for a fully reusable rocket transport system between Earth and Mars that is able to re-fuel on Mars - this is very important - so you don't have to carry the return fuel when you go there.

Elon Musk
Silicon Valley has some of the smartest engineers and technology business people in the world.

Silicon Valley has some of the smartest engineers and technology business people in the world.

Elon Musk
A battery by definition is a collection of cells. So the cell is a little can of chemicals. And the challenge is taking a very high-energy cell, and a large number of them, and combining them safely into a large battery.

A battery by definition is a collection of cells. So the cell is a little can of chemicals. And the challenge is taking a very high-energy cell, and a large number of them, and combining them safely into a large battery.

Elon Musk
I've actually made a prediction that within 30 years a majority of new cars made in the United States will be electric. And I don't mean hybrid, I mean fully electric.

I've actually made a prediction that within 30 years a majority of new cars made in the United States will be electric. And I don't mean hybrid, I mean fully electric.

Elon Musk
My opinion is it's a bridge too far to go to fully autonomous cars.

My opinion is it's a bridge too far to go to fully autonomous cars.

Elon Musk
The fuel cell is just a fundamentally inferior way of delivering electrical energy to an electric motor than batteries.

The fuel cell is just a fundamentally inferior way of delivering electrical energy to an electric motor than batteries.

Elon Musk
The goal of Tesla is to accelerate sustainable energy, so we're going to take a step back and think about what's most likely to achieve that goal.

The goal of Tesla is to accelerate sustainable energy, so we're going to take a step back and think about what's most likely to achieve that goal.

Elon Musk
The odds of me coming into the rocket business, not knowing anything about rockets, not having ever built anything, I mean, I would have to be insane if I thought the odds were in my favor.

The odds of me coming into the rocket business, not knowing anything about rockets, not having ever built anything, I mean, I would have to be insane if I thought the odds were in my favor.

Elon Musk
In the early days of aviation, there was a great deal of experimentation and a high death rate.

In the early days of aviation, there was a great deal of experimentation and a high death rate.

Elon Musk
I think we have a duty to maintain the light of consciousness to make sure it continues into the future.

I think we have a duty to maintain the light of consciousness to make sure it continues into the future.

Elon Musk
I just want to retire before I go senile because if I don't retire before I go senile, then I'll do more damage than good at that point.

I just want to retire before I go senile because if I don't retire before I go senile, then I'll do more damage than good at that point.

Elon Musk
Self-driving cars are the natural extension of active safety and obviously something we should do.

Self-driving cars are the natural extension of active safety and obviously something we should do.

Elon Musk
I was born in Africa. I came to California because it's really where new technologies can be brought to fruition, and I don't see a viable competitor.

I was born in Africa. I came to California because it's really where new technologies can be brought to fruition, and I don't see a viable competitor.

Elon Musk
We polled Tesla owners, do you want autopilot disabled or not. Not one person wanted it disabled. That's pretty telling.

We polled Tesla owners, do you want autopilot disabled or not. Not one person wanted it disabled. That's pretty telling.

Elon Musk
Silicon Valley has evolved a critical mass of engineers and venture capitalists and all the support structure - the law firms, the real estate, all that - that are all actually geared toward being accepting of startups.

Silicon Valley has evolved a critical mass of engineers and venture capitalists and all the support structure - the law firms, the real estate, all that - that are all actually geared toward being accepting of startups.

Elon Musk
In order to have your voice be heard in Washington, you have to make some little contribution.

In order to have your voice be heard in Washington, you have to make some little contribution.

Elon Musk
I don't spend my time pontificating about high-concept things; I spend my time solving engineering and manufacturing problems.

I don't spend my time pontificating about high-concept things; I spend my time solving engineering and manufacturing problems.

Elon Musk
When I was in college, I wanted to be involved in things that would change the world.

When I was in college, I wanted to be involved in things that would change the world.

Elon Musk
I think you should always bear in mind that entropy is not on your side.

I think you should always bear in mind that entropy is not on your side.

Elon Musk
I think it matters whether someone has a good heart.

I think it matters whether someone has a good heart.

Elon Musk
People should pursue what they're passionate about. That will make them happier than pretty much anything else.

People should pursue what they're passionate about. That will make them happier than pretty much anything else.

Elon Musk
Really, the only thing that makes sense is to strive for greater collective enlightenment.

Really, the only thing that makes sense is to strive for greater collective enlightenment.

Elon Musk
I say something, and then it usually happens. Maybe not on schedule, but it usually happens.

I say something, and then it usually happens. Maybe not on schedule, but it usually happens.

Elon Musk
Tesla is here to stay and keep fighting for the electric car revolution.

Tesla is here to stay and keep fighting for the electric car revolution.

Elon Musk
I don't create companies for the sake of creating companies, but to get things done.

I don't create companies for the sake of creating companies, but to get things done.

Elon Musk
Boeing just took $20 billion and 10 years to improve the efficiency of their planes by 10 percent. That's pretty lame. I have a design in mind for a vertical liftoff supersonic jet that would be a really big improvement.

Boeing just took $20 billion and 10 years to improve the efficiency of their planes by 10 percent. That's pretty lame. I have a design in mind for a vertical liftoff supersonic jet that would be a really big improvement.

Elon Musk
You need to live in a dome initially, but over time you could terraform Mars to look like Earth and eventually walk around outside without anything on... So it's a fixer-upper of a planet.

You need to live in a dome initially, but over time you could terraform Mars to look like Earth and eventually walk around outside without anything on... So it's a fixer-upper of a planet.

Elon Musk