Elon Musk, a spacefarer of some sort who launched the most rockets than all of the countries combined and was a pioneer of interplanetary exploration and colonization of Mars, talks about a Dutch philosopher from the 17th century who conceptualized his God as synonymous with nature, the universe, and how everything is connected. This is the God of Spinora. /Read Less
Spinoza presented God not as a being but as an encompassing presence, immanating through all that is known and unknown, seen and unseen, heard and unheard, a transcendent of every matter. A God that sharply contradicts the conventional religious perspective.
Musk has openly admired Spinoza’s ideas in interviews, finding resonance with Spinoza’s view of God. He sees this perspective as aligning closely with his own worldview, influencing how he thinks about the universe, our existence, and our future.
At the heart of Musk’s fascination is the notion that the universe itself is divine. In this view, everything in the cosmos is part of a higher power, unlike the idea of a separate, transcendent deity in traditional religions.
Musk has even speculated about the possibility of us living in a computer simulation, echoing Spinoza’s philosophy where God is inherent in all aspects of existence. He suggests that the likelihood of us living in “base reality” might be low, questioning the reality we perceive.
Beyond technology, Musk’s interests span philosophy, reflecting his curiosity about reality, consciousness, and our place in the universe.
As with any public figure, Musk’s beliefs may evolve over time. His interest in Spinoza’s philosophy offers insight into the influences shaping his thinking, beyond business and technology.
In a world focused on technological progress, Musk’s engagement with philosophical ideas, including Spinoza’s unconventional views, adds depth to discussions about the future and our understanding of reality. It remains to be seen how these philosophical influences will shape his future endeavors and contribute to broader societal discourse.