People Archives

Upgrading Humanity: Ray Kurzweil’s Predictions for Digital Life

Can you imagine searching the web from your mind? Will you be an early adopter when it comes to nanotech-enhanced bodies? In his thought-provoking book The Singularity Is Near, computer scientist Ray Kurzweil writes about the technological Singularity and what might come after it. He tries to envision a world beyond our experience and understanding—and perhaps even beyond our imagination. Keep reading to learn some of Ray Kurzweil’s predictions for the next stage in human evolution.

Elon Musk’s AI Projects & Starship Take Us Into the Future

What’s Elon Musk doing in the field of artificial intelligence? What’s next for SpaceX? Biographer Walter Isaacson details the companies under Elon Musk that are working hard to constantly push technology forward. Isaacson contends that Musk still views bringing about a positive future for humanity as his primary mission in life. Read on to learn about Elon Musk’s AI projects—specifically Neuralink and Optimus—as well as SpaceX’s Starship rocket.

Twitter Under Elon Musk: The Rocky Road From “Twitter” to “X”

How has Twitter changed since Elon Musk purchased it? Why have many advertisers left the platform? Is it at risk of collapsing? By taking over Twitter, Elon Musk triggered a seismic shift in the social media landscape. The culture at Twitter and Musk’s leadership style were diametrically opposed in almost every way, resulting in a clash of ideals that upended the character of the social media platform. Keep reading to learn about Twitter under Elon Musk, according to biographer Walter Isaacson.

SpaceX and Tesla: Musk’s Technological Quests to Save the World

Why did Elon Musk start SpaceX and Tesla? What’s the common thread in their respective missions? Elon Musk has arguably pushed technology forward more than any other living person in the modern age. In a way, he’s made it his personal mission to bring human civilization to other worlds via his company SpaceX while weaning us away from fossil fuels by developing electric vehicles through Tesla. Continue reading to learn about SpaceX and Tesla and why they’re far more than just successful business ventures.

Elon Musk’s Psychology: The Roots of His Troubled Nature

What’s Elon Musk’s psychological makeup? What clues do we have from his childhood that might explain his mental and emotional wiring? Elon Musk’s intense drive and sweeping accomplishments come at a personal cost, a fact that he freely owns up to. The psychological challenges that Musk struggles with don’t determine every aspect of his personality, but they strongly color how other people view him. Read more to understand Elon Musk’s psychology, according to biographer Walter Isaacson.

Elon Musk’s Early Life: From South Africa to North America

What kind of abuse did Elon Musk experience in his childhood? How did he first make money? Why did he move to North America? The insightful yet combative nature that would come to define Elon Musk later in life had its roots in his upbringing. His childhood was shaped by early trauma, compounded by the difficulties caused by his neurodivergence. Read more to learn about Elon Musk’s early life, from South Africa to North America.

Elon Musk as a Leader: Mission-Focused Intensity

What’s it like to work for Elon Musk? How does he bring his personality into his businesses? Renowned biographer Walter Isaacson shadowed Elon Musk for two years. He found that Musk’s leadership mindset is entirely mission-focused with an emphasis on challenging workers rather than nurturing them in any way. Keep reading to learn about Elon Musk as a leader.

Ron Chernow’s Grant: Book Overview of the 18th US President

What’s Ron Chernow’s book Grant about? Why is Ulysses S. Grant’s life as president of the United States and general during the Civil War so fascinating? In Grant, Ron Chernow assesses Grant’s role in the Civil War, his accomplishments as president, and his struggles with alcohol use. His aim is to restore Grant’s reputation, which was demolished due to corruption and scandals. Read below for a brief Grant book overview.

How the Sons of Temperance Impacted Ulysses S. Grant

Who were the Sons of Temperance? How did the Sons of Temperance help Ulysses S. Grant with his alcohol problem? Ulysses S. Grant dealt with unhealthy alcohol use throughout his life. He eventually joined the Sons of Temperance, a national brotherhood that took a vow of sobriety. Check out how joining the Sons of Temperance affected Grant.

Ulysses S. Grant: General of the Union in the Civil War

What did Ulysses S. Grant accomplish in the military? How did General Ulysses S. Grant lead the Union to victory? In Grant, Ron Chernow writes that Grant’s military career spans from the Mexican American-War of the late 1840s to the pinnacle of the Civil War. He focuses on Grant’s military tenure in the Civil War specifically, discussing how Southern secession spurred his return to the service and how he protected ex-slaves. Learn more about the career of Ulysses S. Grant, general during the Civil War.