Did Elon Musk Really Read Two Books a Day in His Teens?
Elon Musk has often been credited with a prolific reading habit, particularly during his teenage years. In various interviews, he has stated that he would read two books a day, immersing himself in science fiction, fantasy, and books on technology and engineering. However, the extent and authenticity of this claim have sparked debate among the public. Let’s delve into the truth behind this and explore the transformative effects of Musk’s reading habits.
The Claims and Controversies
Elon Musk’s reading habits have been the subject of both admiration and skepticism. On one hand, he has claimed that he would read up to 3 novels a day by the age of 10, necessitating a new library card every two weeks. On the other hand, some skeptics argue that these statements might be exaggerations or outright fabrications. There are also critics who suggest that while Musk is an effective self-promoter, his claims might not align with reality.
The Science Behind Reading Speeds
Reading speed plays a crucial role in understanding Musk’s claims. For those who read extensively, speeds can range from 500 to 1,000 words per minute. A 90,000-word novel would take about 90 minutes to read at this speed, making it relatively feasible to read two or more books a day. Reading at a much slower pace (less than 300 words per minute) can make it challenging to enjoy the reading experience, as the content would be presented too slowly.
Elon Musk’s Background and Reading Habits
Kelvin Schofield, Elon Musk’s brother, has confirmed that Musk indeed did read extensively during his formative years. Specifically, Schofield mentioned that Musk often brought numerous books with him, even arriving with 1,700 books and a suitcase full of books when he first arrived in North America at the age of 17. This detail supports the idea that Musk was a voracious reader from an early age.
The Transformative Effects of Reading
Musk’s extensive reading has been instrumental in shaping his interests and in-depth knowledge of various fields, contributing to his entrepreneurial success in technology and space exploration. His self-taught knowledge in rocket science, for example, is attributed to his reading habits. Books provided him with the foundational knowledge and inspiration to pursue challenging technical endeavors.
Contemporary Reading Habits
While Musk no longer has the time to read two books every day, his love for books remains. His occasionally listening to audiobooks is a testament to his continuous personal growth and learning. Many people aspirational like Musk recognize the value of time and strive to read even if it’s just a book a week.
Reading, whether it’s the traditional method or listening to audiobooks, remains a powerful tool for personal and professional development. Musk’s emphasis on the importance of continuous learning and knowledge acquisition underscores the critical role that reading plays in achieving one’s goals.
In conclusion, while the exact number of books Musk reads daily may vary, his dedication to reading is well-documented. The transformative effects of Musk’s reading habits have played a significant role in shaping his worldview and driving his entrepreneurial endeavors. Whether you read two books a day or just a few pages a week, the act of reading contributes to personal growth and the accumulation of knowledge.