Elon Musk is a name recognizable across the globe, synonymous with ambition and ambition-backed success. He is the CEO of both Tesla and SpaceX, two companies at the forefront of innovation and exploration. He is also credited with revolutionizing the automotive and space industries. The thought of the successful business man’s untimely death is shocking, yet this is a consideration worth examining. How would the world be affected if he died?
At first glance, it could be said that the impact of his death would be the greatest on the companies that he presides over. Both SpaceX and Tesla struggle to turn a profit, which has not deterred investors. Musk’s influence was, first and foremost, a marketing tool. According to Donny Jackson, a media and business strategist, he said “It doesn’t matter if Tesla and SpaceX don’t make a profit, they have a brand”. Although his performance and business acumen were respected, his presence has been the greatest form of public relations. Without him, these companies would struggle to remain in the public mind and the financial backing would slowly wilt away.
However, the far-reaching impact of Elon Musk’s death would not be limited to his own companies. Whilst the space and automotive industries would suffer, the world would be materially changed as a result of his loss. Musk has been a contributor to various fields including artificial intelligence and renewable energy. With his absence from their continued development, it is likely that progress would be sapped – delaying potential breakthroughs and leaving essential research uncompleted.
It is difficult to imagine the world after the passing of Elon Musk. He is an example of the human spirit- a prime example of ambition and drive taken to lucrative heights. His death would not only have a knock-on effect on his own companies, but the entire world. It is essential that we remember his legacy, and ensure that no matter what, these crucial technological advancements will continue to be made.
Impact on the Environment
Not only would the human world be affected if Elon Musk died, but the environment too. Tesla is a well-known producer of electric vehicles, with many admirers citing the company’s commitment to renewable energy and green initiatives. The introduction of their cars into the retail sector has been a huge help to the fight against global warming and reducing the CO2 emissions that are increasingly plaguing the planet.
Likewise, research is being conducted into developing renewable energy sources that are more efficient than ever. Solar and wind energy is being studied and analysed to reduce reliance on coal and fossil fuels. With Musk’s death the implications for research and the continued development of these sources is unknown. It is highly likely that the strategies spearheaded by him would have to be rethought, and new discoveries may become more difficult to come by.
This is a prime example of the ripple effect that his death would have. By ending his life prematurely, the global environment -and the various initiatives aiming to better it- would feel the repercussion. musk’s legacy needs to be protected and encouraged in order to safeguard the long-term advancement of green energy.
Loss of Inspiration for Future Generations
Elon Musk has been a source of inspiration for many. His is a story of ambition and a powerful work ethic, making him a great example for future generations. His decision to move away from traditional career paths and launch his own business is an indication of the potential to abandon the ordinary, create something unique and follow different paths.
The idea of innovating is something that Musk encouraged. He opened up through his particular brand of innovation and encouraged others to do the same. His own company, Tesla, is arguably a result of this ethos, and without him, the idea of ‘thinking outside the box’ may become further entrenched within the corporate world.
Through his death, entrepreneurs of the future may be put off pursuing their wildest ambitions. With no role model and no figure establishing the importance of risk taking and experimentation, these future economic and social pioneers may look to settle for less, unsure of the potential of their own vision and understanding the difficult road ahead.
Loss of Creativity and Visionary Ideas
Whilst Elon musk is known mainly for his work with Tesla, SpaceX and other related companies, he has also been credited with introducing unique ideas and visionary projects that have just about reached fruition. This includes his vision for Hyperloop travel through a series of near-vacuum sealed tubes, as well as projects for providing internet to rural and remote populations.
Through his death, the world may be robbed of ideas that may have made a major difference. His innovative and ambitious ideas sought to bring about the industrial revolution of the future and to continue to strive past the limits of what is “possible”. We may never know the true extent of how his presence shaped the ways in which industry and progress moved forward.
It is clear that his death would bring a finality to these projects, and with that, a discontinuation of the process of exploring new frontiers. Without his guidance and his ideas, the future of human progress and the idea of pushing the boundaries is unclear.
Lack of Incentive to Keep Investing
Finally, it is worth considering the implications of Musk’s death on the investment in his companies. Tesla and SpaceX have been backed by investors for some years, with Musk’s presence a major factor for its continued backing. Without him, the renewed enthusiasm may dwindle away and financial support may be hard to come by.
The large-scale projects and ambitious ideas pioneered by Elon Musk have been kept afloat by the backing of those who recognise the potential of these ideas. With no tangible proof that their estimated returns are achievable and a lacking of a major influence on the company, the incentive to keep investing may be greatly reduced.
It goes without saying that the lack of financing is not a situation that either company could survive without. Despite their ambitions, both Tesla and SpaceX depend on public or private backing. Without a major investor or industry presence, they are at risk at going the way of other pioneering projects.
Difficulties in Continuing Projects
Following the death of Elon Musk, it is likely that both Tesla and SpaceX would struggle not just to find financial backing, but also continue their current projects. Musk has been at the helm of both companies and has been the primary source of decisions and advancements. If he died, it is unlikely that the same level of development would occur.
Whilst other major businesses have been able to survive a major change in leadership, it is uncertain whether this could be achieved for Musk-led corporations. Without him at the helm, decisions would likely take on a different slant and the level of ambition present may waver simultaneously. Both qualities have been cornerstones of their success and remain integral for moving-forward.
Considering the current projects and products offered, there may be a lack of new ideas and ambitious strategies from those that would take control of the corporations. In the case of Tesla, this is particularly important – given that the market has seen an influx of electric vehicles. If innovation, design and engineering take a hit, then it is unlikely that either company survives without Musk at the helm.
Risky Future Ventures
As well as the potential for existing projects to falter under different leadership, the future of both companies could exist in a vacuum. For Musk, dreams of further exploration and further limits being pushed have been prominent in his dialogue and have tantalized the public. With his death, these visions may never be achieved.
The thought of projects such as interplanetary exploration and extreme engineering would no longer exist. Such long-term visions of space exploration, the Mars habitat and Hyperloop are all tied in with Musk’s forward thinking and futuristic view of the world, and without him these ventures may remain solely in the mind and be lost forever.
The thought of such riches passing us by is unbearable, yet it is a scenario that could occur if Elon Musk were to pass away prematurely. As such, it is integral that these projects be encouraged and guided by him in order to reach their potential.
Potential Breakthroughs Lost
Finally, it is likely that the many potential breakthroughs that Elon Musk had in the pipeline for both SpaceX and Tesla would no longer exist. The potential for advancements in engineering, design and technology is only held back by our lack of insight and knowledge. As such, it is safe to assume that Musk had some revolutionary ideas that could have affected the world on a massive scale.
Yet, due to his death, these ideas may never be brought to life. Whilst it is impossible to know what these ideas would have been, it is certain that without his guidance and vision the world would be decidedly different than what it is today. For this reason alone, it is essential that anyone behind companies like Tesla, SpaceX and other Musk based companies offer their full support.
Without Elon Musk at the forefront of this movement, it is unclear how the world would be affected. Whilst it is certain that the greatest impact would be felt on his own companies, the loss of him could bring irrevocable changes to research, development, finance, the environment and the inspiration of the future generations.
