Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in 2022 remains a controversial topic, and even his own biographer, Walter Isaacson, has expressed reservations about the move. In a recent interview on his podcast “On Musk,” Isaacson candidly shared his concerns, highlighting Musk’s lack of experience in handling social and emotional networks.
Isaacson, who released a biography of Musk titled “Elon Musk” in September 2023, stated, “I’m thinking it’s idiotic to buy Twitter, because he doesn’t have a fingertip feel for social, emotional networks. It’s like rocket engines were simpler to him than human emotions.” This blunt assessment reflects the anxieties many have expressed regarding Musk’s leadership of a platform with such profound cultural impact.
While Isaacson acknowledged the “better story” aspect of the Twitter saga, he emphasized his personal aversion to conflict and controversy. “I’m not somebody who loves conflict and controversy,” he stated, revealing that writing a biography about someone he “really, really hates” would be a significant challenge.
Isaacson’s four-part podcast, launched as a companion piece to his biography, promises an intimate exploration of Musk’s life and work. With questions like “What is it like to shadow Elon Musk for two years?” and “how on earth do you make sense of it all?”, the series aims to offer a deeper understanding of the enigmatic billionaire.
Isaacson’s critical perspective on the Twitter acquisition adds another layer to the already complex narrative surrounding Musk’s ventures. His concerns raise crucial questions about the future of the platform under Musk’s leadership and the potential consequences of entrusting such a powerful tool to someone with limited social and emotional intelligence.