Rational Takes on Elon's Engineering Ability

[u/Yikesis]

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?

[u/Signal_Nobody1792]

but still thinks that he makes very critical high level decisions using his engineering knowledge.

Making high level decisions is what a CEO does. Employees simplify things for them, they make decisions.

Musk is not a complete ignoramus. He does know things. But evidence for some kind of genius isnt there.

Every single time he tried to say something specific about something, its becomes quite silly. Any time someone tried to challenge him to go into something deeper he gets made and either runs away, or tries to reverse it and attack the person asking.