Sounds Like A Cult The Cult of Elon Musk (Part 2)
11 snips
Jul 1, 2025 
Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a historian and expert on authoritarianism, joins the hosts to dissect the cult of personality surrounding Elon Musk. They delve into Musk's controversial upbringing and how it shapes his public image. The discussion contrasts his mythos with the founders of Tesla while unveiling the relationship between his utopian ambitions and historical cult figures. They also explore the toxic mindset of wealth and power, revealing how Musk's behavior and ideologies impact his followers. A humorous yet critical farewell rounds off this intriguing analysis.
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Ruth's Approach to Authoritarianism
- Ruth Ben-Ghiat shared she uses bluntness to expose authoritarian personalities like Musk. - She admires optimism and self-care, practicing yoga and balancing exercises to stay hopeful.
Musk as Authoritarian Prototype
- Authoritarian leaders pose as men of the people yet claim divine missions and superiority. - Elon Musk displays these traits, blending relatable communication with a self-view of exceptional genius.
Upbringing Influenced Musk's Worldview
- Musk's South African apartheid upbringing shaped his worldview around victimhood and racialized narratives common to fascist leaders. - Fascist leaders often present themselves as persecuted victims to gain and maintain power.
