27A Reading Reflection #3

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

1) You read about an entrepreneur:

• What surprised you the most?

The most surprising thing to me about this book was the open relationship that was discussed between Musk and his lady companions. He's been married three times now and twice to the same girl. For a genius of the 21st century I was surprised to learn this about Musk.

• What about the entrepreneur did you most admire?

The most admirable trait that Musk exhibits is his lust for wanting to save humankind. He is searching, working, sweating trying to find the solutions to a plethora of human issues. He is trying to make a positive impact on the world and ultimately wants to save it. I also love his passion for wanting to colonize Mars. He has such an outside the box mentality that I truly admire. 

• What about the entrepreneur did you least admire?

The least admirable thing about Musk from what is seen is his indecisive manner when it comes to handling real-life situations (like with his wife) and sometimes would always put work before family. I understand he is the "Iron Man" of our society but he still needs to put his family first. 

• Did the entrepreneur encounter adversity and failure? If so, what did they do about it?

Musk came across the issue of either having to fund Tesla or SpaceX. When funds were starting to become an issue he had to make the ultimate decision of which branch to shut down for awhile and which branch he needs to keep working on and improving. 

2) What competencies did you notice that the entrepreneur exhibited? 

Musk's most obvious competency was his ability to finish a job by the deadline no matter the circumstances. He would grind for hours very day of the week until he finished what he was starting on. He is one of the most determined and hardworking individuals in world history.

3) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

I was confused about the part where Musk got involved with the whole PAyPal thing and how he sold it to Google. I didn't quite understand how the transaction came to be.

4) If you were able to ask two questions to the entrepreneur, what would you ask? Why?

1.) Why did space colonization become such a passion of yours?

Really curious as why this became something he so passionately loved 

2.) Who was your idol growing up?

Everyone has a role model that they want to follow and grow up like, curious as to this was for him.

5) For fun: what do you think the entrepreneur's opinion was of hard work? Do you share that opinion?

I think Musk's opinion of hard work was when you start a task you fulfill all the duties that the task requires and to go above and beyond the most basics for the task. I feel I share an opinion similar to that of Musk but his passion and dedication are unmatchable.