The New Yorker Radio Hour Introducing Critics at Large: The Myth-Making of Elon Musk
5 snips
Oct 4, 2023 
Elon Musk, a Silicon Valley founder, discusses the myth-making surrounding tech founders. The podcast explores the loss of blind admiration for Silicon Valley founders, using examples like the series 'WeCrashed.' The conversation touches on the disillusionment of millennials and the dark mood brought by the 2007-08 financial crisis and the 2016 election. The hosts critique the biography of Elon Musk, highlighting its lack of perspective, critical thinking, and historical context.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Dorm Room Musk
- Vincent Cunningham accidentally brought the Elon Musk biography, with its cover image of Musk in prayer hands, into his daughter's dorm room.
- This caused embarrassment as his daughter, a computer science person, questioned if the book was meant for her, implying a dislike for Musk.
Divisive Musk
- The biography is divisive; some find it embarrassing while others see Musk as a role model.
- This tension is reflected in the book's reception, raising questions about the author's perspective and its stance on Musk's divisiveness.
Mechanical Bull Biography
- Isaacson's biography is a detailed, chronological account of Musk's life and ventures.
- However, the sheer amount of information feels unsynthesized, lacking a clear perspective and potentially losing the main narrative thread.