8 Eccentric Habits of Elon Musk You Didn't Know About

Surprising Quirks of the Tech Titan

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and innovator, is known for his groundbreaking ventures in technology and space exploration. Beyond his professional achievements, Musk's personal life and habits have intrigued many, offering glimpses into the mind of one of the world's most influential figures.

Musk's eccentric habits reveal a unique approach to life and work, shedding light on the unconventional thinking that drives his success. From his daily routines to his quirky preferences, these lesser-known aspects of Musk's life provide insight into the man behind the public persona. Understanding these habits can offer valuable lessons for those seeking to emulate his innovative spirit and drive.

1) Bringing a sword to meetings

Elon Musk has been known to bring unusual items to meetings, including a samurai sword. This peculiar habit reflects his unconventional approach to business and leadership.

The sword is not merely for show. Musk has been reported to use it as a prop during presentations, emphasizing key points or strategies. This unique method of communication captures attention and leaves a lasting impression on attendees.

Some speculate that the sword symbolizes Musk's aggressive business tactics and willingness to "cut through" obstacles. Others view it as a representation of his interest in history and martial arts.

While unconventional, this practice aligns with Musk's reputation for thinking outside the box. It demonstrates his ability to blend creativity with business, even in formal settings.

The presence of a sword in meetings has become somewhat legendary within Musk's companies. It serves as a talking point and adds an element of unpredictability to otherwise routine corporate gatherings.

This habit also highlights Musk's penchant for theatricality and his understanding of the power of visual aids in communication. By introducing an unexpected element, he ensures that his messages are memorable and impactful.

2) Sleeping under his desk

Elon Musk's dedication to his work extends beyond regular office hours. The tech mogul has been known to sleep on the floor beneath his desk at Tesla factories.

This unusual habit stems from Musk's desire to be constantly available and visible to his team. He initially slept on a couch in the factory but later opted for the floor under his desk.

Musk's reasoning was simple: he wanted his team to see him during shift changes. This practice allowed him to be present and accessible to employees around the clock.

By foregoing a comfortable bed, Musk demonstrated his commitment to Tesla's mission. He prioritized being close to the production process and his workforce over personal comfort.

This habit reflects Musk's hands-on approach to leadership. It also highlights his willingness to endure physical discomfort in pursuit of his goals.

Musk's desk-floor sleeping arrangement became a symbol of his intense work ethic. It showcased his dedication to solving production challenges and driving Tesla forward.

3) Making flamethrowers for fun

Elon Musk's eccentric ventures extend beyond electric cars and space rockets. In 2018, he surprised the public by selling flamethrowers through his tunneling company, The Boring Company.

These devices, officially named "Not-a-Flamethrower," were priced at $500 each. Musk marketed them as safer than conventional weed-destroying tools available on Amazon.

The flamethrowers quickly gained popularity, with 20,000 units sold. Musk playfully suggested they were "great for roasting nuts," though their actual purpose remained ambiguous.

Critics questioned the safety and legality of selling such devices to the public. Musk responded by renaming them to avoid potential customs issues.

The flamethrower project demonstrated Musk's penchant for unconventional ideas and his ability to generate buzz around his companies. It also showcased his willingness to push boundaries in product development and marketing.

While the flamethrowers were not intended for practical use, they became collectible items for Musk's fans and tech enthusiasts. The limited production run added to their appeal as novelty items.

4) Naming a child X Æ A-12

Elon Musk and musician Grimes made headlines when they named their newborn son X Æ A-12 in 2020. The unusual name sparked widespread curiosity and confusion among the public.

Grimes later explained the meaning behind each component of the name. "X" represents the unknown variable, while "Æ" is the elven spelling of AI, standing for artificial intelligence or love.

The "A-12" part refers to the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft, which Musk and Grimes consider their favorite aircraft. This spy plane was used by the U.S. government in the 1960s.

Musk clarified the pronunciation during a podcast appearance. He stated that "X" is pronounced as the letter itself, "Æ" is pronounced as "Ash," and "A-12" is said as "A twelve."

The couple's choice of name demonstrated their affinity for technology, science fiction, and unconventional thinking. It also showcased Musk's willingness to challenge societal norms and expectations.

Due to California naming laws, the couple later modified the name to X AE A-XII, replacing the Æ with AE and the numeric 12 with Roman numerals. This change allowed them to officially register the name.

5) Eating French pastries while working

Elon Musk's fondness for French pastries is well-documented. The tech mogul often indulges in croissants and other French baked goods while tackling his demanding workload.

This habit aligns with Musk's preference for tasty food over strict dietary restrictions. He has been known to enjoy these treats during long work sessions at Tesla and SpaceX offices.

Musk's choice of French pastries as a work snack reflects his appreciation for high-quality, flavorful foods. It also demonstrates his tendency to prioritize taste and immediate satisfaction over long-term health considerations.

The combination of sugar and carbohydrates in pastries likely provides Musk with quick energy boosts during intense work periods. This aligns with his reputation for working long hours and pushing himself to extreme limits.

While not typically considered a health food, Musk's pastry habit fits his overall approach to eating. He has expressed a preference for enjoying food he likes rather than adhering to strict nutritional guidelines.

This quirk offers a glimpse into Musk's work habits and personal preferences. It showcases how even one of the world's most influential entrepreneurs has unconventional approaches to fueling his productivity.

6) Building secret tunnels

Elon Musk has taken his problem-solving approach underground with his venture The Boring Company. Founded in 2016, the company aims to create a network of tunnels beneath major cities to alleviate traffic congestion.

Musk's tunnel-building efforts began in Los Angeles, where he proposed a system of underground passages for high-speed electric vehicles. The company completed a test tunnel in Hawthorne, California, in 2018.

The Boring Company has also undertaken projects in Las Vegas, constructing tunnels beneath the Las Vegas Convention Center. These tunnels are designed to transport passengers in Tesla vehicles at speeds up to 150 mph.

Musk's tunnel vision extends beyond simple transportation. He has discussed the possibility of using these subterranean networks for freight delivery and even as potential shelters in case of disasters.

While some view these tunnels as innovative solutions to urban congestion, critics question their practicality and environmental impact. Nonetheless, Musk continues to pursue his underground ambitions with characteristic determination.

The Boring Company's projects have faced regulatory challenges and skepticism from transportation experts. Despite these obstacles, Musk remains committed to his vision of revolutionizing urban transit through underground networks.

7) Throwing themed costume parties

Elon Musk has a penchant for hosting extravagant themed costume parties. These events showcase his playful side and love for imaginative experiences.

One notable example was a party in Venice where Musk dressed as a knight. He engaged in a playful duel using a parasol against a guest dressed as a miniature Darth Vader.

Musk's Halloween celebrations are particularly memorable. He has been spotted at the Playboy Mansion's annual Halloween party, demonstrating his willingness to participate in high-profile social events.

These costume parties reflect Musk's creative spirit and desire for unique experiences. They provide a glimpse into his personality beyond his public image as a tech entrepreneur.

Musk's costume choices often align with his interests in technology and science fiction. This fusion of personal passions with social gatherings highlights his multifaceted nature.

8) Tweeting important decisions

Elon Musk has gained notoriety for using Twitter as a platform to announce major company decisions and policies. This unconventional approach often catches both employees and stakeholders off guard.

Musk frequently shares crucial information about Tesla, SpaceX, and other ventures through his personal Twitter account. These tweets can range from product updates to significant corporate changes.

One notable instance occurred when Musk announced Tesla would accept Bitcoin as payment for vehicles via Twitter. This decision had a substantial impact on the cryptocurrency market and Tesla's stock price.

Another example is Musk's Twitter poll asking users if he should sell 10% of his Tesla stock. The poll received over 3.5 million votes and influenced his subsequent actions regarding his shareholdings.

This habit of tweeting important decisions has sometimes led to legal and regulatory scrutiny. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken action against Musk for tweets that were deemed to affect Tesla's stock price.

Despite the controversies, Musk continues to use Twitter as a primary communication channel. This direct approach allows him to bypass traditional media and corporate communication channels, engaging directly with his audience.

Impact on Industry Practices

Elon Musk's eccentric habits have left an indelible mark on the tech industry, reshaping norms and influencing business practices. His unique approach has sparked innovation and transformed corporate culture in Silicon Valley and beyond.

Innovation Driven By Habit

Musk's habit of setting ambitious goals has pushed technological boundaries. Tesla's rapid development of electric vehicles forced traditional automakers to accelerate their EV programs. His insistence on vertical integration at SpaceX revolutionized rocket manufacturing, dramatically reducing costs.

Musk's practice of working long hours and expecting the same from employees has become a benchmark for startups aiming to disrupt industries. This intense work culture, while controversial, has led to breakthroughs in areas like battery technology and reusable rockets.

Influence on Tech Culture

Musk's unconventional communication style, particularly his use of social media, has transformed how tech leaders interact with the public. CEOs now often engage directly with customers and share company updates on platforms like Twitter.

His habit of taking on multiple roles across companies has inspired a generation of tech entrepreneurs to diversify their interests and pursue moonshot projects. This multi-industry approach has blurred traditional sector boundaries, leading to more cross-pollination of ideas.

Musk's willingness to take risks and fail publicly has fostered a culture of experimentation in tech. Companies now often embrace a "fail fast, learn faster" mentality, mirroring Musk's iterative approach to product development.

Public Perceptions

Elon Musk's public image is a complex tapestry of admiration and controversy. His actions and statements have shaped how different groups view him, with media coverage playing a significant role in molding these perceptions.

Media Coverage Influence

Media portrayals of Elon Musk have been diverse and often polarizing. Major news outlets frequently report on his business ventures, technological innovations, and personal life.

Some media sources highlight his entrepreneurial successes and visionary ideas. They focus on his role in advancing electric vehicles, space exploration, and renewable energy.

Other outlets scrutinize his management style, social media behavior, and controversial statements. These reports often paint a more critical picture of Musk's leadership and decision-making.

The frequency and tone of media coverage have a substantial impact on public opinion. Positive stories tend to boost his popularity, while negative ones can damage his reputation.

Public Opinions and Reactions

Public views on Elon Musk vary widely across different demographics. A Quinnipiac poll revealed that Republicans (63%) and white men (51%) were most likely to view Musk favorably.

In contrast, Democrats (9%) and Black respondents (17%) showed lower approval rates. Women also tended to have less favorable opinions of Musk compared to men.

These disparities in public perception reflect the divisive nature of Musk's public persona. His supporters often admire his innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. Critics, however, take issue with his management practices and public statements.

Social media plays a crucial role in shaping these opinions. Musk's active presence on platforms like Twitter allows direct engagement with the public, influencing perceptions in real-time.