In the heart of San Francisco, Elon Musk took center stage at the AI Startup School on June 19, 2025, for a rare fireside chat. The gathering, which drew a crowd of eager young engineers and AI experts, offered an invaluable opportunity to hear directly from one of the most influential figures in technology. The conversation, which covered a broad range of topics from artificial intelligence to space exploration, gave attendees a glimpse into Musk’s views on the future of humanity’s most pressing challenges.
Reflecting on the Tech Industry’s Beginnings
Musk opened the discussion by reflecting on his early years in the tech industry. He recalled the pivotal year of 1995 when he was faced with a decision to either pursue a PhD at Stanford or venture into the rapidly developing world of the internet.
Musk chose the latter, opting to defer his studies for a quarter and dive headfirst into the uncharted territory of the web. “I didn’t originally think I would build something great,” Musk admitted, “I wanted to try to build something useful.” His first company, Zip2, which provided online city guides, marked the beginning of his storied career.
Artificial Intelligence and the Intelligence Big Bang
The conversation, posted in X/Twitter, quickly shifted to Musk’s thoughts on artificial intelligence. Musk described the current stage of AI development as being in the early days of an “Intelligence Big Bang.” He predicted that digital superintelligence—AI that exceeds human intelligence in every regard—could emerge within the next year or two.
Such advancements, Musk explained, would have profound implications for the economy, potentially creating an industry that is thousands, if not millions, of times larger than today’s. However, he emphasized that humanity must be cautious in managing the risks that come with this rapid advancement.
The Importance of Truth in AI Development
A key point in the discussion was Musk’s belief in the importance of truth when it comes to AI development. “Rigorous adherence to truth, even if it’s politically incorrect, is the most important thing for AI safety,” he stated.
Musk warned that forcing AI to accept falsehoods could lead to dangerous outcomes, highlighting the need for transparency and accuracy in AI systems. He also suggested that, rather than one dominant AI, multiple deep intelligences may emerge, adding a layer of complexity to the landscape.
Advice for Aspiring Engineers and Entrepreneurs
For the young engineers in attendance, Musk’s advice was both practical and motivational. He urged them to focus on being “as useful as possible.” According to Musk, the value of one’s work is determined by the “area under the curve of total utility,” which combines how useful a person is to others and how many people they impact. He also cautioned against the dangers of high ego-to-ability ratios, advising that aspiring engineers should stay grounded and avoid detaching themselves from reality.
SpaceX and the Quest for Multiplanetary Life
Musk also shared insights into his other major venture, SpaceX, which he founded in 2002 after realizing that there were no existing plans to send humans to Mars. He recalled how, in the early days, he traveled to Russia with the intent of purchasing ICBMs, underscoring his unconventional approach.
What began as a philanthropic mission—“Life to Mars”—soon evolved into a commercial space venture aimed at advancing rocket technology. Musk recounted the company’s early struggles, noting that SpaceX’s first three rocket launches ended in failure. It wasn’t until the fourth launch, in 2008, that the company succeeded and began its rise to prominence.
Rethinking Rocket Costs with First Principles Thinking
Musk credited SpaceX’s success to his application of first principles thinking, a method that breaks down problems to their most fundamental truths. By applying this approach, SpaceX was able to drastically reduce the cost of rockets. Musk explained that, historically, rockets were expensive because people assumed they had to be.
However, upon evaluating the raw material costs, he realized they only accounted for 1-2% of the overall expense. This insight allowed SpaceX to rethink the cost structure and introduce reusable rocket technology, revolutionizing the space industry.
Neuralink and the Future of Brain-Machine Interfaces
The conversation also touched on Neuralink, Musk’s venture aimed at developing brain-computer interfaces. While he acknowledged that Neuralink’s technology was not necessary to achieve digital superintelligence, he emphasized that it could significantly enhance the brain’s input/output bandwidth.
Musk explained that Neuralink had already helped five ALS patients communicate at speeds similar to those with fully functional bodies. Looking to the future, Musk envisioned a world where Neuralink implants could restore vision and augment human capabilities beyond natural limits.
Intelligence and the Fermi Paradox
Musk concluded the discussion with a reflection on the Fermi Paradox, which questions why we have yet to encounter extraterrestrial life. “It could be because intelligence is incredibly rare,” he speculated. “We might be the only ones in this galaxy, a tiny candle in vast darkness.” This belief in the rarity of intelligence is central to Musk’s mission of ensuring the survival of consciousness—both biological and digital—through SpaceX’s goal of making humanity a multiplanetary species.
Musk’s final message to the audience was simple yet profound: “If you’re doing something useful, that’s great,” he said. “Just try to be as useful as possible to your fellow human being.” His message, delivered to an audience of young engineers and innovators, was a call to action to embrace the challenges of the future with the same determination and vision that have shaped Musk’s own extraordinary journey.
