Elon Musk had a complicated relationship with his father, Errol. Errol is a wealthy South African engineer, who Elon lived with for the first ten years of his life. Throughout his life, Elon has spoken positively about his father and his influence on him, but reports suggest that the two had a strained relationship, especially during Elon’s teenage years.
From an early age, Errol pushed Elon to work hard, setting lofty goals and expectations of him. Elon was encouraged to pursue a career in engineering and was denied the freedom to pursue music and arts. Errol also expected perfection and was often critical towards Elon’s academic and extra-curricular pursuits. Chronicles of Elon’s early life suggest that Errol was a harsh disciplinarian, towering over Elon in an intimidating manner. This likely left scars across their relationship.
Most relationship experts suggest that parents should maintain a positive attitude while being supportive and understanding of a child’s goals. Not responding to a child’s wants and needs, especially in critical phases of development, may lead to issues in their relationships. It appears as though Errol Musk had a different parenting strategy, one which did not take the feelings of his son into account.
It is no surprise that Elon was eager to break away from Errol’s authoritative regime. At the age of 17, Elon left South Africa and moved to Canada to live with one of his mother’s relatives. The move would mark the beginning of his dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur.
However, analysts point out that Elon still continued to lead an ambitious life as a result of the influence his father had on him during his early life. Errol also continued to mentor Elon, providing him with invaluable advice throughout his entrepreneurial journey.
However, it was not until 2015 that it was clear the two had reconciled. During his acceptance speech at the South African of the Year Awards, Elon made sure to thank his father and credited the adversity he experienced from Errol for his success. “If it wasn’t for the difficulty my father had raised me in, I don’t think I could have achieved what I have today”, Elon stated.
Despite a rocky start to their relationship, it appears as though Elon and Errol Musk have put the past behind them and developed a mature connection. Even so, it is safe to say that Elon’s relationship with his father was very complex, leaving a powerful impact on many aspects of his life.
Errol Musk’s Impact on Elon’s Upbringing
Most agree that a child’s early years define the adult they will become. Errol Musk was a powerful figure in the life of young Elon, one that shaped much of his formative years. Elon has credited his father for instilling ambition and intellectual curiosity within him, but he has also described Errol’s influence as trying and tough. This dichotomy paints a complex picture of their relationship.
It is possible to see the effects of Errol’s parenting as far back as the preschool years. According to childhood accounts, Elon was able to recite the entire encyclopedia of biology by the age of four. Such a feat is a testament to the prodigiousness and intelligence fostered by Errol’s parenting.
Still, Errol may have taken it too far. Elon was subjected to a strict routine and intense expectations, leaving him feeling constrained and unhappy. Numerous reports describe his early years as troubled, although Elon has moved on from his tumultuous upbringing.
Early Disconnect Between Father and Son
As Elon reached his teenage years, the relationship between him and his father deteriorated further — Elon did poorly in school and spent most of his time socializing and playing video games. This enraged Errol who had expected perfection from his son. As such, Elon was made to feel that he had failed to live up to his father’s expectations.
At the age of 17, Elon made the difficult decision to leave his father’s house and move to Canada. Although his father had given him the opportunity to get a good education, Elon decided he needed to break away from Errol’s influence and chart his own path.
Although Elon had done well in school up until that point, it was not enough for Errol. This may have set the framework for their troubled relationship, as Elon felt that his father never appreciated or recognized his efforts.
Post Move Reconciliation
Over time, Elon became more successful as an entrepreneur, catapulting him to fame. His accomplishments were undeniable and Errol soon began to recognize and admire his son’s achievements, despite their disagreements in the past.
In 2015, Elon received the award for South African of the Year, and during his acceptance speech, he praised his father for the hardships he had endured and credited the struggles his father put him through as the fuel he needed to find his ambition and drive.
It was at this moment that it became clear Elon and his father had reconciled. The speech was an elbow of love from a son to a father. To this day, Elon continues to credit his father for helping shape the ambition that has catapulted Elon to the echelons of success.
Errol’s Involvement After The Move
Despite his decision to move away from his father, Elon continued to rely on Errol for guidance over the years. Errol provided him with the support he needed to become successful and offered him advice throughout the ups and downs of his entrepreneurial journey. Elon has described his father as a source of solace and strength during the most difficult times.
Furthermore, even after Elon had gained financial success as an entrepreneur, Errol refused to accept any financial compensation from Elon. This demonstrates Errol’s undying support of his son and his belief that Elon should be in charge of his own destiny.
It is clear that the two were able to make amends, something that few father-son duos are able to do. They have put the past behind them and continue to maintain a healthy relationship with one another.
Errol’s Influence On Elon’s Adult Life
As a result of the tensions between him and his father during his formative years, Elon often drove himself to be the best in all areas of his life. In interviews, Elon has credited these hardships as the catalyst that encouraged him to build one of the most successful careers in modern times.
It is also evident that Errol’s influence on his son has had a profound impact on other aspects of Elon’s life. Reports suggest that Elon still employed various tactics taught to him by his father, including methods for dealing with stress and difficult situations.
He is also known for having a harsh leadership style, which many believe was modeled after his father’s authoritative way of parenting. This style has earned him both fans and detractors, something Errol is likely familiar with from his own experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Elon Musk’s relationship with his father, Errol, was a complicated one that has had far-reaching implications for both of their lives. Their relationship has likely been an inspiration to many father-son duos, demonstrating that it is possible to reconcile and put the past behind them. It is clear that despite their differences, deep down the two remain close.
