Musk’s words and behavior combined with the power and gross ignorance of the guy now in the office of the President of the United States should send chills down the spine of everyone who cares about our own well-being and that of our fellow humans. Our individual capacity to act for the purpose to rid ourselves of this incompetent duo demands we act now, today while steeling ourselves in acts of faith, bravery, yes empathy! We must defend all of us against their kind! They are hellbent on destroying what is best about our beloved America!!
Hellbent and on steroids....it will take mass protests as the judicial is all that is holding as he attacks layers and law firms !!!!! yes insane...the 350 millions people are going to have to take the country BACK...no other way. NO ONE has ever ever tried this stunt on a population of this SIZE and that's a whole lot more of us than THEM ! :) :)
I really appreciate this critical addressing of the dangers of lack of empathy. There are several rare but devastating psychiatric syndromes that are characterized by the lack of empathy and I have no doubt that Musk (and probably Trump and others of their crew) are so afflicted. The collapse of society- the way we know it and it has evolved- is what they are going for. The truth of that needs to be recognized and addressed- and should take precedence over the fear of reprisal. Yet many are not willing to risk speaking up- the EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES ALL OVER AGAIN. History repeats, may we rise up in effective ways against the destruction of our society- and make it better for all.
Musk is smart enough to know that he is not empathetic. He said the other day that empathy is a problem.
As a Christian, I have no problem udentifying Musk as an AntiChrist, simply because he literally laughs about the suffering that his actions are going to have on the people those actions negatively impact.
Musk has stated in a video interview that I ran across on Twitter that he doesn’t have the burden of empathy.
This makes me wonder about his rhetoric when he speaks about saving the light of human consciousness. If he’s not burdened by empathy then his purpose is moot. He speaks about loving movies like the Princess Bride and books like Life, the Universe and Everything by Douglas Adams. It makes me wonder what appeals to him in those texts, as he has also mentioned that he falls asleep listening to Roman War podcasts. He understands the philosophy of a variety of spiritualities, but is unable to live it.
It’s clear he doesn’t or he would be unable to do the evil that he is doing. Even Republican voters are starting to recognize it, and if Republican politicians don’t do something they will regret it at the ballot box, if not sooner in states that allow voters to recall elected officials (alas, my state does not.)
The fact that has 14 kids by many partners also shows it. And that he is dragging little “X” around as a human shield and to simulate being a good dad (which he clearly is NOT) also shows his lack of empathy. And who the hell names a kid “X”? How’s THAT going to help the little guy in life? I suppose it’ll teach him how to fight….or not.
Funny how times changes. Years ago on Saturday afternnons I used to watch the rugby scores on Grandstand praying a team would get over 50 points as that would always unlock in my Dad a reflexive bonus handed to me (on top of pocket money) for reasons I never fully understood but likely to have related to his long afternoon supping in the British Legion.
And now I read absorbing pieces like this great substack on the way to visiting my Dad and I'm not sure he'll remember the rugby thing.
Musk is on Autism spectrum. This means he may be able to sympathize but not empathize. I have numerous family members, including my son, who are very clever high functioning autistic. I've seen first hand how they can unintentialy hurt or misunderstand due to this. They have to be explained the situation, or why certain things are hurtful or inappropriate. They will then learn, and try and address this in an intellectual way, not an intuitive way.
Musk prob had a parent on the spectrum too as it's highly genetic. He might have been modelled this same behavior he exhibits, and so it would be completely normal and justified to live by logic and intellect not feelings.
Add to the fact that no one is challenging or redirecting him like good friends and family normally would....
What could possibly go wrong making this person one of the richest and most powerful person in world....
I don't think Musk ever had a clear demonstration of a healthy level of empathy from any important people in his life. He seems devoid of the ability to see other people as anything more than tools to get him what he wants. I don't think he is autistic. While people with autism may have trouble expressing or 'reading' emotions like those without, they still are able to show care and compassion to others. I think that Musk is a soulless, psychopath who should be nowhere near the levers of power. Just my two pence worth. Thanks for this piece, Dan!
I for one am happy that someone is finally addressing the bullshit and the systems that have been stealing money from the taxpayers. If he lacks empathy I don’t care. He’s doing what no one else of all the generations of know it alls have failed to do at great personal expense.
But is he REALLY accomplishing what you say? Go fast and break things is hardly a recipe for success. Any fool can knock down a barn. It takes a carpenter to build one. AKA. Complex problems are generally exacerbated when simple solutions are attempted. Solutions to complex problems require thoughtfulness. Kicking down barns requires no thoughtfulness but a distinct lack of empathy for who built the barn, who/what it houses, why the barn was a good idea.
He didn’t say empathy is bad or undesirable, but that it is very easily exploited. It’s a convenient and powerful lever that people who have bad intentions can (and do) manipulate.
Not to defend Musk, because I think that he is an absolute jerk, but in his defense : Musk strikes me as being autistic, and empathy is usually lacking with autism.
Thanks for engaging, Janet. Pretty sure he’s not autistic. Autism isn’t thought to be related to a lack of empathy, merely an imbalance between affective and cognitive empathy (the former dominating the latter). Musk is probably the opposite, more akin to psychopathy. I haven’t assessed him, but I suspect much more likely.
Agreed. It is an insult to anyone on the autism spectrum to imply they lack empathy at his level. The people I know that are truly on the spectrum on the Asperger’s side, have more capacity for empathy than musk trump and their minions. I am not a psychiatrist but was raised by parents with musks traits and they were on the narcissism and psychopathy spectrum.
Perhaps you could delve into the psychopathy of the biggest “my father made his money on the back of Black people digging for emeralds for my daddy in apartheid South Africa so I could run around pretending to be a success” creature in a future piece in a similar way as this article.
Musk’s words and behavior combined with the power and gross ignorance of the guy now in the office of the President of the United States should send chills down the spine of everyone who cares about our own well-being and that of our fellow humans. Our individual capacity to act for the purpose to rid ourselves of this incompetent duo demands we act now, today while steeling ourselves in acts of faith, bravery, yes empathy! We must defend all of us against their kind! They are hellbent on destroying what is best about our beloved America!!
Hellbent and on steroids....it will take mass protests as the judicial is all that is holding as he attacks layers and law firms !!!!! yes insane...the 350 millions people are going to have to take the country BACK...no other way. NO ONE has ever ever tried this stunt on a population of this SIZE and that's a whole lot more of us than THEM ! :) :)
I really appreciate this critical addressing of the dangers of lack of empathy. There are several rare but devastating psychiatric syndromes that are characterized by the lack of empathy and I have no doubt that Musk (and probably Trump and others of their crew) are so afflicted. The collapse of society- the way we know it and it has evolved- is what they are going for. The truth of that needs to be recognized and addressed- and should take precedence over the fear of reprisal. Yet many are not willing to risk speaking up- the EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES ALL OVER AGAIN. History repeats, may we rise up in effective ways against the destruction of our society- and make it better for all.
Inhuman.
Musk is smart enough to know that he is not empathetic. He said the other day that empathy is a problem.
As a Christian, I have no problem udentifying Musk as an AntiChrist, simply because he literally laughs about the suffering that his actions are going to have on the people those actions negatively impact.
Musk is flat out evil.
Inhumane
Musk has stated in a video interview that I ran across on Twitter that he doesn’t have the burden of empathy.
This makes me wonder about his rhetoric when he speaks about saving the light of human consciousness. If he’s not burdened by empathy then his purpose is moot. He speaks about loving movies like the Princess Bride and books like Life, the Universe and Everything by Douglas Adams. It makes me wonder what appeals to him in those texts, as he has also mentioned that he falls asleep listening to Roman War podcasts. He understands the philosophy of a variety of spiritualities, but is unable to live it.
It’s clear he doesn’t or he would be unable to do the evil that he is doing. Even Republican voters are starting to recognize it, and if Republican politicians don’t do something they will regret it at the ballot box, if not sooner in states that allow voters to recall elected officials (alas, my state does not.)
The fact that has 14 kids by many partners also shows it. And that he is dragging little “X” around as a human shield and to simulate being a good dad (which he clearly is NOT) also shows his lack of empathy. And who the hell names a kid “X”? How’s THAT going to help the little guy in life? I suppose it’ll teach him how to fight….or not.
Funny how times changes. Years ago on Saturday afternnons I used to watch the rugby scores on Grandstand praying a team would get over 50 points as that would always unlock in my Dad a reflexive bonus handed to me (on top of pocket money) for reasons I never fully understood but likely to have related to his long afternoon supping in the British Legion.
And now I read absorbing pieces like this great substack on the way to visiting my Dad and I'm not sure he'll remember the rugby thing.
But I do.
Absolutely inhumane!
Musk is on Autism spectrum. This means he may be able to sympathize but not empathize. I have numerous family members, including my son, who are very clever high functioning autistic. I've seen first hand how they can unintentialy hurt or misunderstand due to this. They have to be explained the situation, or why certain things are hurtful or inappropriate. They will then learn, and try and address this in an intellectual way, not an intuitive way.
Musk prob had a parent on the spectrum too as it's highly genetic. He might have been modelled this same behavior he exhibits, and so it would be completely normal and justified to live by logic and intellect not feelings.
Add to the fact that no one is challenging or redirecting him like good friends and family normally would....
What could possibly go wrong making this person one of the richest and most powerful person in world....
Keep up the good work.
What I find quite disturbing is a widening acceptance and perhaps even cultivation of the idea that kindness/empathy equates to weakness.
Yes. Makes sense. Thank you. ☺️
I don't think Musk ever had a clear demonstration of a healthy level of empathy from any important people in his life. He seems devoid of the ability to see other people as anything more than tools to get him what he wants. I don't think he is autistic. While people with autism may have trouble expressing or 'reading' emotions like those without, they still are able to show care and compassion to others. I think that Musk is a soulless, psychopath who should be nowhere near the levers of power. Just my two pence worth. Thanks for this piece, Dan!
I for one am happy that someone is finally addressing the bullshit and the systems that have been stealing money from the taxpayers. If he lacks empathy I don’t care. He’s doing what no one else of all the generations of know it alls have failed to do at great personal expense.
But is he REALLY accomplishing what you say? Go fast and break things is hardly a recipe for success. Any fool can knock down a barn. It takes a carpenter to build one. AKA. Complex problems are generally exacerbated when simple solutions are attempted. Solutions to complex problems require thoughtfulness. Kicking down barns requires no thoughtfulness but a distinct lack of empathy for who built the barn, who/what it houses, why the barn was a good idea.
He didn’t say empathy is bad or undesirable, but that it is very easily exploited. It’s a convenient and powerful lever that people who have bad intentions can (and do) manipulate.
Like him, perhaps?
I don’t follow. If Elon is trying to use the empathy lever, he’s doing a terrible job.
Not to defend Musk, because I think that he is an absolute jerk, but in his defense : Musk strikes me as being autistic, and empathy is usually lacking with autism.
Thanks for engaging, Janet. Pretty sure he’s not autistic. Autism isn’t thought to be related to a lack of empathy, merely an imbalance between affective and cognitive empathy (the former dominating the latter). Musk is probably the opposite, more akin to psychopathy. I haven’t assessed him, but I suspect much more likely.
Agreed. It is an insult to anyone on the autism spectrum to imply they lack empathy at his level. The people I know that are truly on the spectrum on the Asperger’s side, have more capacity for empathy than musk trump and their minions. I am not a psychiatrist but was raised by parents with musks traits and they were on the narcissism and psychopathy spectrum.
Perhaps you could delve into the psychopathy of the biggest “my father made his money on the back of Black people digging for emeralds for my daddy in apartheid South Africa so I could run around pretending to be a success” creature in a future piece in a similar way as this article.