Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist calls fellow tech titan ‘super-smart’ but guilty of ‘overreach’

Summary

Bill Gates criticized Elon Musk for his support of far-right politicians, including the UK’s Tommy Robinson and Germany’s AfD party, calling it “insane shit” and accusing Musk of destabilizing political systems.

Gates questioned Musk’s focus on divisive politics while managing global businesses like Tesla and SpaceX.

Gates also expressed concern about wealthy individuals influencing foreign elections.

Musk has faced backlash for controversial actions, including a Nazi salute.

  • RekorseEnglish
    8·
    2 days ago

    Quite a lot of americans equate money with success and ability. Elon musk must be the smartest guy because dumb people dont make money like that.

    I think its reverse engineering though, americans see his worth, and work backwards claiming all his choices are genius and well thought out.

    • Kichae@lemmy.caEnglish
      10·
      2 days ago

      It’s absolutely reverse engineering. People want to believe that the world is a meritocracy, and that means believing that those who have succeeded at meritful.

      People avoid internalizing that the world is a kleptocracy, because that would mean having to confront that if they want to get ahead, they’ll have to actively amd knowingly fuck other people over, and most of us are not psychopaths

      • Bronzebeard@lemm.eeEnglish
        5·
        2 days ago

        People who have fully bought into the hard work+talent=success line cannot stand to have that belief shaken by realizing that someone dinner than them lucked/exploited their way to more success than they did.