Elon Musk was born in South Africa in 1971. Even as a child, he was captivated by technology and science fiction. At the age of twelve, he created and sold his first computer game. After high school, Musk moved to Canada and then the United States, seeking new opportunities and a better future. He attended college at the University of Pennsylvania and earned degrees in both economics and physics. Musk soon realized that the internet was changing the world, so he started his first company, Zip2, which provided business directories and maps online. He sold this company for a large profit and then co-founded X.com, which later became PayPal, a company that revolutionized how people send money online. But Musk’s ambitions reached even higher. In 2002, he founded SpaceX, with the goal of making space travel more affordable and eventually sending humans to Mars. Many people doubted him. His early rockets failed multiple times, leading to financial risk and public criticism. However, Musk was resilient and refused to give up. Eventually, SpaceX successfully launched the Falcon 1 rocket into orbit, making history as the first privately developed rocket to do so. At the same time, Musk became the CEO of Tesla Motors. He wanted to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy by creating electric cars that were both practical and desirable. Like SpaceX, Tesla faced setbacks, production delays, and skepticism from experts. Despite the challenges, Musk’s leadership helped Tesla become the most valuable car company in the world. Musk is also known for his work with SolarCity (solar power), Hyperloop (high-speed transportation), and Neuralink (brain-computer technology). He has become one of the most influential entrepreneurs of the 21st century. While some criticize his management style as demanding or unconventional, others admire his vision, risk-taking, and relentless pursuit of innovation. Elon Musk’s story is about perseverance, imagination, and the willingness to challenge what others believe is impossible. He continues to dream big and encourage others to think beyond the limits of today.
Vocabulary List
Here are some important words from the reading. Try to guess the meaning, then check the definitions.
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captivated
Very interested or attracted by something; fascinated."He was captivated by technology and science fiction."
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opportunity
A chance to do something or succeed."He moved to the United States, seeking new opportunities."
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revolutionize
To completely change something, especially in a way that makes it better."PayPal revolutionized how people send money online."
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ambition
A strong desire to achieve something, especially success."Musk’s ambitions reached even higher."
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affordable
Not too expensive; able to be paid for by most people."He wanted to make space travel more affordable."
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resilient
Able to recover quickly from difficulties or failure."Musk was resilient and refused to give up."
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orbit
The path one object in space takes around another object."The Falcon 1 rocket went into orbit."
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transition
A change from one state or condition to another."He wanted to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy."
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sustainable
Able to continue over time without causing harm to the environment."Tesla creates sustainable electric cars."
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setback
A problem or difficulty that delays or prevents progress."Tesla faced many setbacks in production."
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skepticism
An attitude of doubting that something is true or will happen."Many experts expressed skepticism about Musk’s goals."
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entrepreneur
A person who starts and manages a new business, taking on financial risks."He became one of the world’s most famous entrepreneurs."
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influential
Having the power to change or affect people or things."He is an influential leader in technology."
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unconventional
Not following traditional ways; different from what is usual."Some say his management style is unconventional."
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relentless
Never stopping or giving up; continuing in a determined way."He is known for his relentless pursuit of innovation."
Comprehension Questions
Answer these questions about the reading.
- Where was Elon Musk born, and why did he move to the United States?
- What was Musk’s first major business success?
- What is the main goal of SpaceX?
- What challenges did Tesla face in its early years?
- List two other projects Musk is known for besides SpaceX and Tesla.
- Which qualities helped Musk succeed, even when others doubted him?