What explains the cult following of Elon Musk?

"Perception is reality". Musk is a master manipulator of mass media.

Every other rich person is constantly trying to align themselves with the political left like it's somehow the correct moral choice. This moral grandstanding is what most sensible people dislike about the current state of the left, especially when so many of the ideologies are truly far-fetched. Elon is just saying what most politically "normal" people are thinking, whether on the left or right. Everyone is tired of pretending, and also glad that someone with that amount of money is pushing back, even if just a tiny bit.

Every famous wealthy person employs a reputation management firm to monitor and promote their public image, and to counter any negative news or scuttlebutt. I don’t doubt the guy has a cult following… but also a very busy paid posse.

nerds who grew up reading asimov, who went into the real world and realized life wasn't going to be the space scifi of their dreams...

until one geek from south africa came to america and tried to make that scifi future a reality

nerds go gaga over their savior.

news at 11.

I used to be a Elon musk fanboy because I thought he wasn’t like other billionaire who has rich parents, but later found out Elon musk has had rich parents as well… and I do think he is quite different than others in terms of personality (nerdy? maybe I don’t know)

Every rich, famous, powerful, influential person gets "cult" followings. Taylor Swift, Donald Trump, Lebron James, Ruth Ginsburg, etc. It's the human condition. Which also explains the cult-like anti-following of Elon Musk.

Hopefully you weren't hoping for something profound. There are more rational reasons to like and dislike people, but you were asking about the cultish behavior.

Other than multiple times doing things largely considered impossible as a tech entrepreneur?

There’s literally no one who has done more for decarbonization and reliance on fossil fuels in the world.

God I wish he’d shut up and get off twitter.