Part 9/12:
Isaacson compares Musk to pioneering figures like Henry Ford and Steve Jobs, noting Musk's distinctive approach—hands-on manufacturing, iterative innovation, and a relentless pursuit of product excellence. Unlike Steve Jobs, who focused more on design and user experience, Musk’s obsession extends to understanding and controlling the manufacturing process itself.
Regarding Musk's place in history, Isaacson predicts that Musk’s contributions—such as spearheading electric vehicles and commercial space flight—will cement his legacy as one of the most consequential tech entrepreneurs. He reflects that Musk’s drive for risk, mastery of engineering, and unwillingness to compromise have positioned him as a future historical icon.