“In Elon Musk’s case, his father’s impact on his psyche would linger, despite many attempts to banish him, both physically and psychologically. Elon’s moods would cycle through light and dark, intense and goofy, detached and emotional, with occasional plunges into what those around him dreaded as ‘demon mode.’ […] It’s one of the most resonant tropes in mythology. To what extent does the epic quest of the Star Wars hero require exorcising demons bequeathed by Darth Vader and wrestling with the dark side of the Force?”

The quote delves into Elon Musk’s psychological complexities and the theme of The Contradictions of Musk’s Personality, linking his moods and behaviors to the lingering influence of his father. The use of the “demon mode” metaphor adds a mythological layer, questioning Musk’s quest to overcome his inner demons. Isaacson draws parallels with the classic Star Wars narrative, inviting readers to reflect on the universal theme of battling inherited darkness. This positions Musk as a larger-than-life figure, one that may be heroic or anti-heroic.

“But he didn’t have the emotional receptors that produce everyday kindness and warmth and a desire to be liked. He was not hardwired to have empathy. Or, to put it in less technical terms, he could be an asshole.”

Here, Isaacson bluntly addresses Musk's lack of empathy, presenting it as a characteristic that can lead to abrasive behavior. The use of technical terms like “emotional receptors” adds a scientific touch, enhancing the portrayal of Musk’s personality. This quote touches on Innovation as Justification for Cruelty and prompts readers to question the role of empathy in leadership and the consequences of its absence.

“Musk also drew another lesson from his time at Scotiabank: he did not like, nor was he good at, working for other people. It was not in his nature to be deferential or to assume that others might know more than he did.”

This quote explores Musk’s aversion to working for others, emphasizing his desire for autonomy and independence. Isaacson makes it clear that Musk sees himself as a leader rather than a subordinate. This insight offers foreshadowing since it glimpses into Musk’s early career choices and his determination to chart his own path, one in which he would eventually become the head of six companies simultaneously.