Dear Bill Gates,

Re: The Elon Musk Phenomenon...

I recall, years ago, an engineer said to me that his goal was to become the next Elon Musk, that he aspired to be everything that Elon represented...

Yes at the time, Tesla was emerging, Space X becoming a household name. Musk was un-besmirched by social media and his own appearances and attributed quotes/tweets. His image just seemed so clean and attractive. Like he was really part of the next wave of innovation - carrying the torch that other conflicted figures (such as Jobs) had once forcefully wielded.

And now he seems out of touch, sort of desperate and fearful of losing that ideal self-image in the zeitgeist - let's say. Clutching at every opportunity to inject himself and his companies into the conversation.

I just wish he'd kept working on expanding and enabling the projects and endeavors instead of choosing the ever-present and attractive, momentary high of Social Media / Front Page headlines. It just reeks of inadequacy and, well, averageness... That's just my take.