Background Information
Elon Musk and Steve Jobs are two of the most iconic entrepreneurs of our times, each of them having a large impact on the world with their respective fields. Elon Musk is a technology entrepreneur, engineer and investor, who is best known as the founder of SpaceX, Tesla and SolarCity. He is credited with revolutionizing the automotive and aerospace industries, via advancements in sustainable energy, electric vehicle, space exploration technology, and artificial intelligence. Steve Jobs, on the other hand, was the former CEO of Apple, founder of NeXT and Pixar, and one of the most influential people the world has seen in recent times. The impact of his products spreads across the world, with the majority of people using iPhones, iPads, Macs and other Apple products.
There have been various speculations about the nature of the relationship between Elon Musk and Steve Jobs. Though there is no clear evidence to show that they ever interacted or met each other, there have been various reports from people who may have worked with them at some point. This article aims to dive deep into the possibility of Elon Musk and Steve Jobs ever meeting and analyze the potential implications it could have.
Close Working Relationship with Jobs’ Associate?
It has been reported that Elon Musk possibly worked very closely with Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Steve Jobs. While Laurene and Elon were not believed to be in any relationship, they were together for a significant amount of time during the launch of SolarCity, the renewable energy firm that Elon helped to found. It is thought that Musk and Laurene grew close due to their interests in renewable energy, clean energy, and space exploration.
The fact that Elon worked closely with Laurene could also mean that Steve Jobs was aware of Musk’s visionary ideas and achievements. This could open the possibility that Musk may have received guidance from Jobs, or even been connected to him in some way.
It is also possible that Musk and Jobs met each other on some instances without any knowledge of those present. There have been reports that Musk attended some events in California held by Steve Jobs and the Cupertino-based Apple Corporation. Though the events in question have not been specified and there have been no reports of Musk meeting Jobs face-to-face, it is possible that they were connected in some way without being aware of one another’s identities.
Similar Views
Elon Musk and Steve Jobs are believed to share similar views. Musk is known for his ambitious ideas and desire to revolutionize the industries with the help of technology, an attribute he shares with Jobs. Musk and Jobs also have in common their relentless drive for perfection and their ability to not accept failure. Both were notorious for their focus on product design and usability, and their obsession with detail.
Furthermore, Elon has praised Steve in interviews for his technological foresight and his knowledge of human psychology. Musk has stated that Steve Jobs was “a great example of someone who had a very deep understanding of what made things click.” This is a testament to the idea that Musk maybe looking up to Jobs, mimicking his views and successes.
The Possibility of Co-Founding
It is highly possible that Elon Musk took inspiration from Steve Jobs to form his companies. Musk has stated in interviews that he was inspired by Jobs’ successes and his presentations. In addition, Musk has been known to follow in the footsteps of Jobs, such as when he formed a space exploration company (SpaceX) after Jobs had formed a computer company (NeXT).
It is also possible that Musk and Jobs did collaborate and co-found some companies together. This is supported by the fact that both Musk and Jobs were interested in renewable energy, space exploration and artificial intelligence, suggesting that it would be logical for them to work together. Though such circumstantial evidence does not prove that they ever did, it does open up the possibility that they may have.
The Impact of A Meeting
It is possible that should Elon Musk and Steve Jobs have ever met each other, it could have changed the course of history, in terms of business and technology. Imagine if the two great entrepreneurs had a face-to-face meeting and collaborated on some project together. It is likely that the results would have been incredible, as both Musk and Jobs have unique ways of looking at businesses and pushing their ideas forward. Furthermore, it is possible that Musk may have shared some of his ideas with Jobs, allowing him to create revolutionary products, which could become the foundation of some of the biggest new industries.
Though it is unknown if the two ever met, it is difficult to deny the potential of such a collaboration.
Elon Musk’s Words on the Matter
Elon Musk has rarely spoken about Steve Jobs in public, and when he does he seems to describe him in a very respectful and admiring manner. This could be a sign of his admiration for Jobs, or it could also be that Musk sees himself in Jobs. Either way, it does show that Musk sees Jobs as a role model, even if there is no indication that they had any interactions.
In 2017, Elon Musk had the following to say about Steve Jobs when asked in an interview: “He was just a fantastic guy and really inspiring… There’s something incredibly inspiring about watching someone achieve something incredibly hard. He proved that great things could be done even in the face of what appeared to be insurmountable odds.”
Analysis and Insights
In conclusion, though there is no solid evidence to prove that Elon Musk and Steve Jobs ever met each other, there is circumstantial evidence that suggests that the two may have been aware of each other or even interacted at some point in their lives. It is difficult to assess the potential impact such a meeting could have had on the technological landscape. Though there may not be any tangible proof that they ever interacted, it is possible that they were connected without being aware of it.
The words of Elon Musk on Steve Jobs go to show that he had immense respect for Jobs and looked up to him as a role model. Thus, it is highly possible that the two were connected in some way, even if it was only on a spiritual basis.
