Isaacson delves into the intricacies of Musk’s character, portraying a complex figure who is cruel in order to achieve his goals in the industries that he has sought to revolutionize. Throughout the biography, Isaacson implies that Musk’s harsh behavior may be justified by his lofty goals and innovative accomplishments.

Isaacson paints a vivid picture of Musk’s managerial style, often characterized by an unyielding approach that many colleagues label as cruelty. The book illustrates instances in which Musk’s impatience and exacting standards led to the abrupt firing of employees, creating an environment fraught with tension and uncertainty. Isaacson argues that Musk’s unapologetic demand for excellence, though often harsh, catalyzed a culture of relentless pursuit of perfection, pushing the boundaries of what was deemed possible. To make his point, Isaacson compares Musk to Steve Jobs, also known for his demanding managerial style:

Steve Wozniak said that the big question to ask was Did he have to be so mean? So rough and cruel? So drama-addicted? […] Then he paused and added, ‘But if I had run Apple, we may never have made the Macintosh.’ And thus the question about Elon Musk: Could he have been more chill and still be the one launching us toward Mars and an electric-vehicle future? (7).