I honestly did not know much about Elon other than he is rich and did papal, tesla and launches rockets.  I have just finished the first five chapter from his book and am learning a lot.  These take you through the first 17 years of his life. 

Before we dive in lets give a shout out to Walter Isaacson. I have loved a few of his other books and again I can tell taht this book is well written and researched.  

 https://i.imgur.com/PrMC0gH.png 

Elon grew up in South Africa.  He lived with his mon and dad and then after their divorece he spent time with his mom and then most of his teen years were with his dad. 

Elon struggled with loneliness and making friend.  Even to this day he says he never wants to be alone.  He struggled reading peoples emotions and had to study countless books to learn about people.  He was a voracious reader.  He read every sci fi book in his schools library and asked the librarian to order more.  

The science fiction book that most influenced his wonder years was Douglas Adams’s The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. He talks about how this book helped him out of his existential depression.  He also mentions how funny it is,

multiple of these first chapters talk about him blowing things up and playing with differnt types of fuels for rockets even as a young kid.  He was fascinated with space and the universe.  

Those that knew him as a kid said he was fearless and got what he wanted.  He would find a way to get the money to buy it or ask his dad until his dad broke down and got it for him.  For example a motocycle when he was only 8 yrs old.  

Just finished the chapter where he is leaving South Africa and headed to Canada.  His mom was Canadian. 

Looking forward to learning more and I will post about it as I make it through the book.  

 https://media.tenor.com/Ujsam4r3GtgAAAAC/elon-musk-dad-dance-elon.gif 



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