PayPal

Most are familiar with PayPal, and many harbor a dislike for it. Yet, we must acknowledge that in 1999, the idea of transferring money via email was revolutionary. However, the narrative isn't as straightforward as some might think. Prior to PayPal, there existed an online payment platform called Confinity in the U.S. Musk was merely a co-founder of X.com, which merged with Confinity due to its efficient payment system. While the merger was a savvy move, the innovation cannot be attributed to Musk alone. Furthermore, Australia had BPAY, operational since 1997, two years before PayPal, showcasing that the concept was not entirely novel. Their strength lay in robust partnerships with U.S. banks and credit card firms. Thus, no innovation credits for the wealthiest Twitter troll.

Zip2

Reflecting on Zip2, one might mistakenly assume it was a groundbreaking idea by Musk, but that’s not quite accurate. Launched just three months after CitySearch in 1995, it was late enough that credit for the concept should not go to Musk. Nevertheless, it was arguably the least contentious of his ventures, sold for a substantial amount to Compaq Computer in 1999, which integrated it into its Alta Vista search engine.

Tesla

I once desired a Tesla, drawn by the brand's allure, but is it truly deserving of the hype? While Teslas boast impressive range and aesthetics, claiming they are innovative is misleading. The electric vehicle concept itself is nearly two centuries old, with the first model created in 1827 by Hungarian priest Ányos Jedlik. Mass-produced electric cars appeared in the early 1900s, thanks to companies like the Studebaker Automobile Company, which introduced electric vehicles in 1902. It’s unfortunate that Ford's influence stifled electric car adoption, as the Detroit Electric was a popular choice in its time.

Musk capitalized on the planet's dire environmental state, marketing electric cars as eco-friendly options without using traditional dealerships. While this may seem novel in the U.S., similar practices existed in Eastern Europe, where direct orders were placed with factories during communist rule. Advocating for more efficient motors and batteries does not equate to innovation, as it merely builds on the successes of predecessors.

The Boring Company

This venture could aptly be labeled "The Stupid Company," exemplifying foolishness disguised as innovative technology. The concept revolves around a vacuum-sealed pipe designed for high-speed travel—a notion that is far from original, dating back to 1799 when George Medhurst envisioned transporting goods through pressurized pipes. Pneumatic railways were even constructed in major cities during the mid-1800s. Musk's so-called "Boring Company" lacks originality, and the idea of a vacuum train proposed by Robert Goddard in 1910 illustrates how unoriginal this venture truly is.

SpaceX

Musk's foray into space travel has resulted in affordable rockets and satellites. The secret lies in recognizing that state-funded projects are often plagued by inefficiency, excessive costs, and bureaucratic hurdles. Musk aimed to create reusable rockets—an idea that, while commendable, is not his own. The concept of reusable launch vehicles has historical precedence, with NASA-supported DC-X achieving twelve successful launches.

Neuralink

At the intersection of visionary and unsettling, Neuralink represents yet another venture co-founded by Musk, who increasingly resembles a villain. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are not groundbreaking; research began in the 1970s, stemming from Hans Berger's discovery of brain electrical activity in 1924. While the potential for BCIs is compelling, their development raises ethical concerns, especially regarding the intentions behind such advancements.

OpenAI

I intentionally highlight OpenAI following Neuralink, as it evokes a sense of a rogue Tony Stark. Contrary to popular belief, OpenAI is not an original concept from Musk. Its competitor, DeepMind, was established years prior to Musk's co-founding of OpenAI in 2015. Musk's departure from the board three years later suggests a lack of commitment to the initiative he once supported.

The Mars Mission

Musk's ambition to colonize Mars—a barren planet with potential frozen water—marks a significant decline in his credibility. While I admire bold ideas, the concept of Martian colonization is fundamentally flawed. The differences between Mars and Earth render it inhospitable for human life. The current state of our planet may be challenging, but it remains manageable for the foreseeable future.

The God that Never Was…

In conclusion, it’s evident that many of our contemporary tech "gods" are far from divine. Their popularity often reflects societal tendencies to ascribe power and reverence to those who may not warrant such accolades. Whether Musk embraced this role or simply rode the wave of fame remains uncertain, but a closer look reveals a lack of genuine innovation and a vision that poses significant risks. Ultimately, the only triumph appears to be deceiving a large portion of the populace—a notion that echoes the traits of mythological deities.

In 2022, perhaps it’s time for a new chapter in the saga of modern technology.