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2025-03-02
Elon Musk, the tech mogul behind Tesla and SpaceX, has always been a proponent of intellectual growth and leadership. Recently, he shared a new reading choice with his millions of followers on X (formerly Twitter) — “The Persian Expedition: The March of the Ten Thousand” by Xenophon. This ancient text, written in the 4th century BC, delves into themes of resilience, leadership, and military strategy, much like many of Musk’s favorite reads. The tweet stirred interest among his 219 million followers, sparking curiosity about Musk’s personal interests and his leadership philosophy.
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In his latest post on X, Elon Musk shared an image of Xenophon’s The Persian Expedition, a historic narrative detailing the perilous journey of 10,000 Greek mercenaries after their leader, Cyrus the Younger, was killed. The Greeks, led by Xenophon, made a daring and arduous journey back to Greece, overcoming numerous obstacles, including betrayal and constant danger. Musk’s sharing of this book is in line with his known penchant for books that focus on leadership, endurance, and tactical thinking.
In 2024, Musk also shared a curated list of 11 audiobook recommendations, which resonated with his followers who are interested in history, strategy, and personal development. The list included titles such as The Story of Civilization, Iliad, The Road to Serfdom, and Genghis Khan. Despite his active involvement with audiobooks, Musk has also acknowledged that reading is faster and more efficient, preferring it over listening to books in most cases.
Additionally, Musk has recently voiced his frustrations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing him of alienating himself from the American public. This follows a string of controversial comments and clashes involving Zelenskyy and political figures like Donald Trump and JD Vance. Musk is now calling for greater transparency regarding the substantial financial aid sent to Ukraine.
What Undercode Says:
Elon Musk’s book selection reflects his deep interest in topics of strategy, leadership, and the human capacity to endure under extreme pressure. The Persian Expedition is an ideal reflection of these themes, as it tells the story of 10,000 Greek mercenaries who were abandoned in enemy territory after their commander was killed. What followed was a courageous march toward survival, led by Xenophon, whose leadership qualities are highlighted throughout the book.
Musk’s choice is especially significant because it mirrors his leadership approach in business and technology. His own ventures, from Tesla’s innovations to SpaceX’s daring space explorations, show similar qualities of resilience and an unyielding drive to succeed in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. This book, steeped in historical lessons of military strategy and overcoming adversity, is a powerful choice for Musk, who values tactical brilliance and the ability to adapt to shifting circumstances.
The notion of taking calculated risks in the face of danger and persevering through difficult times also ties into Musk’s personal brand. His ability to challenge conventional thinking and work toward seemingly impossible goals, such as creating reusable rockets or pushing the boundaries of electric vehicles, makes him a modern-day example of the resilient leaders in Xenophon’s narrative.
Musk’s interest in such books is also part of a broader trend where tech moguls turn to history and philosophy to inform their decision-making. Like many successful entrepreneurs, Musk seems to draw from the wisdom of the past to guide his future actions. The enduring lessons found in ancient texts such as The Persian Expedition offer a timeless perspective on human nature, leadership, and survival — all topics that resonate deeply in today’s complex world.
Moreover, Musk’s 2024 audiobook list illustrates a profound interest in the foundations of civilization, the complexities of power, and the lessons that history can teach us. Books like The Road to Serfdom by Hayek and The Guns of August by Tuchman explore the rise and fall of civilizations, offering insights into the socio-political dynamics that shape the world today. These texts align with Musk’s often stated belief in the importance of understanding history to better navigate the present and future.
In light of Musk’s recent public comments regarding Zelenskyy and his criticisms of the Ukrainian government’s handling of foreign aid, it is clear that Musk’s views on leadership are not limited to the historical realm. His desire for transparency, accountability, and strategic clarity in geopolitical matters echoes the lessons from The Persian Expedition, where leaders are called to act decisively in difficult situations. Musk’s unflinching stance on various political issues mirrors the tough choices Xenophon and his men had to make during their retreat — choices that ultimately determined their survival and success.
Fact Checker Results
- The Persian Expedition, originally written by Xenophon, is indeed a 4th-century BC text documenting the Greek mercenary journey.
- Musk has previously shared his love for books centered around leadership, endurance, and history.
- Musk’s public statements regarding Zelenskyy and Ukrainian aid are consistent with his critical stance on the matter.
References:
Reported By: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/elon-musk-is-reading-this-book-right-now/articleshow/118661694.cms
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