7am ‘A total, miserable, self-loathing poser’: The neuroscientist taking on Elon Musk
May 28, 2025
Paola Totaro, a seasoned UK correspondent and contributor to The Saturday Paper, dives into the turbulent feud between neuroscientist Philip Low and Elon Musk. Low's bold criticisms—branding Musk as a 'narcissist'—trigger a discussion about their complex past. The dialogue shifts to Low’s $250 million legal push against social media's censorship claims and the evolving dynamics of friendships in tech. Totaro highlights how Low seeks to champion free speech and accountability in a climate rife with challenges, making it a compelling exploration of rivalry and activism.
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Lowe's Insider Critique of Musk
- Philip Lowe, a neuroscientist and billionaire tech CEO, publicly criticized Elon Musk in a viral, scathing essay.
- His insider perspective is based on a long friendship turned sour over character and business disagreements.
Testing Social Media Free Speech
- Lowe alleges social media platforms suppress dissenting posts and use algorithms to limit reach.
- He is funding legal challenges to test whether these platforms' claims of free speech are genuine.
From Friends to Adversaries
- Lowe and Musk were once friends and collaborators discussing big ideas early in their careers.
- Their relationship deteriorated amid business rivalries and Musk's controversial political actions, leading Lowe to hire security due to credible death threats.