According to Maye Musk, she advised her son Elon to focus on just one business following the sale of PayPal. He declined to follow her guidance, and those multiple ventures have since built a fortune that Forbes calculates at $929 billion.
The 78-year-old model recounted the anecdote to Fox Business anchor Stuart Varney while discussing her memoir, Timeless, released by HarperCollins on September 15.
What Maye Musk Told Elon After PayPal
Following the conclusion of PayPal, Elon sought his mother’s counsel on whether to pursue electric vehicles, solar energy, or rocketry. Her answer was shaped by the intense work ethic she had already observed in him.
“And I say, you work so hard you just do one,” she said.
He disregarded her advice, opting instead to establish multiple enterprises concurrently, such as automotive manufacturer Tesla and aerospace company SpaceX. Maye noted that observers anticipated complete failure across all of them.
Why Maye Musk Says the Fortune Is Not Cash
Forbes designates Musk as the wealthiest individual globally. The publication reports he reached the status of the first trillionaire on June 12 upon the public offering of SpaceX.
Maye challenged the prominent valuation figure, clarifying that his wealth consists of equity in his enterprises rather than liquid cash.
Figures from Forbes align with that distinction. Because Musk holds roughly 38% of SpaceX and close to 11% of Tesla, his total net worth fluctuates directly alongside the share value of SpaceX.
Grok, a Garage, and a Deep-Thinking 3-Year-Old
Maye mentioned that Elon wants her featured on Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot developed by his firm xAI, and she utilizes it frequently. When Varney questioned if artificial intelligence development ought to decelerate, she suggested he pose the question to Elon on X (Twitter).
Musk recently expressed support for an artificial intelligence industry slowdown.
She observed that Elon demonstrated unique traits starting at three years old. While his brother Kimbal and sister Tosca played and explored, he would slip into profound contemplation and articulate statements well beyond his years.
Her travel routines remain unaffected by his riches. When visiting Starbase, the Texas launch facility for SpaceX, she rests on a compact bed situated inside his garage to avoid a 45-minute drive from the nearest hotel suite.
Maye additionally expressed certainty that Elon will eventually journey into space himself, though she confirmed she has no intention of accompanying him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What book was Maye Musk promoting?
She was promoting her memoir, Timeless, published by HarperCollins on September 15.
What did Maye Musk advise Elon to do after PayPal?
She advised him to focus on just one company instead of spreading his efforts across multiple new ventures.
Is Elon Musk’s wealth held in cash?
No, Maye Musk clarified that his wealth is tied up in company stock—holding about 38% of SpaceX and nearly 11% of Tesla—rather than cash in a bank.
Where does Maye Musk sleep when visiting Starbase?
She stays on a small bed located inside Elon’s garage at SpaceX’s launch site in Texas.
