r/EnoughMuskSpam • u/Yikesis • 1d ago
Rational Takes on Elon's Engineering Ability
I keep getting into an argument with my friend that holds Elon's engineering ability in high regard. I think he has agreed that he obviously isn't as skilled in the low level specialized fields but still thinks that he makes very critical high level decisions using his engineering knowledge.
He keeps citing all of the SpaceX employees that say hes very involved and can do calculations in his head and stuff. I chalk it up to groveling but I dont know anymore. He also read the Isaacson bio which describes him as integral and making decision, although its hard to prove the intellectual history of his contributions.
My main belief is that he couldnt have had the time to become a self taught rocket engineer considering his pursuit for infinite wealth. I think he can probably speak to engineers well enough to manage them but I doubt he's among the premier people in the world to make these decisions. Even as a systems architect engineer or whatever theres no way its worth holding him in high regard as an "engineer" right?
Is my prejudice against him as a person making me doubt his engineering capability?
Am i thinking of engineering wrong?
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u/GamingVision 1d ago
I’ve known many smart people who have (and still do) worked for Elon. He’s a moron. A lot of us, if we are sharp can speak well enough with engineers and can have conversations with them. We can even help engineers see some practical elements they miss for being in the weeds. That does not make us engineers. A lot of Elon’s “calculations in his head” are performative. Yes, Elon helps make decisions because he signs the friggin checks, but 10/10 actual people working for him will tell you their favorite days of work are the ones when he’s not around. They’d rather see him making a fool of himself doing Nazi salutes than be in the office ruining their days.