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.
insights INSIGHT
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.
insights INSIGHT
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.
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What happens when a billionaire tech mogul starts to look less like a CEO and more like a modern-day messiah? This week, Chelsea, Amanda, and Reese team up with historian and authoritarianism expert Ruth Ben-Ghiat (@ruthbenghiat) to explore the cult of personality surrounding Elon Musk. The man behind Tesla, SpaceX, X, and a growing empire of followers who treat his every post like prophecy. From the mysterious emerald mine origin story to estranged family ties, secret children, and that whole “saving humanity by going to Mars” thing, we unpack how Musk has cultivated a mythos that feels more like a belief system than a business plan. What does it mean when a company’s success is inseparable from the quirks of its leader? And how does social media supercharge a fanbase into a digital congregation? We’re breaking down the doublethink, the brand loyalty, and the bizarre Twitter-era sermons that keep the cult of Elon alive.
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Sounds Like A Cult 
