Renowned American author Joyce Carol Oates has recently sparked an intense debate by publicly criticizing Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, calling him “totally uneducated” and “uncultured.” Her comments come amid growing scrutiny of Musk’s online behavior and public persona, drawing sharp responses from the world’s richest person himself.
Oates’s critique was shared on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where she expressed puzzlement over how someone with Musk’s immense wealth “never posts anything that indicates that he enjoys or is even aware of what virtually everyone appreciates.” Citing examples like scenes from nature, affection for pets, appreciation for art, literature, or sports, Oates suggested Musk’s digital presence lacks the common markers of cultural awareness and emotional connection. She remarked, “The poorest persons on Twitter may have access to more beauty & meaning in life than the ‘most wealthy person in the world.’”
Although Oates did not explicitly name Musk in her original post, the reference to “the most wealthy person in the world” clearly pointed towards him, considering Musk’s staggering net worth of over $461 billion as noted by the Bloomberg Billionaire Index. Following her remarks, Musk fired back, labeling Oates a “liar” and “not a good human,” intensifying the public exchange. Musk’s rebuke emphasized his disdain for what he perceives as mean-spiritedness from the acclaimed author.
This clash intensifies a broader conversation about Musk’s increasingly unconventional online activities. Recently, Musk shared AI-generated videos created with his company xAI’s Grok Imagine tool, including clips featuring a digitally created woman professing love and another with a simulated version of actress Sydney Sweeney delivering the phrase “You are so cringe.” These posts generated a mix of reactions — from amusement to discomfort — with some interpreting them as signs of loneliness or disconnect from reality.
In a subsequent follow-up, Oates clarified her position, stating that her initial post was speculative and emblematic of what extreme wealth can bring—sometimes a detachment from the shared human experiences that enrich life. She acknowledged Musk’s willingness to allow critical commentary on X as “impressive,” though she questioned whether such openness aligns with the magnanimity expected from someone of his stature.
Joyce Carol Oates, a figure celebrated for her literary achievements and cultural insight, has underscored a significant tension between wealth-driven technological influence and the nuanced appreciation of life’s beauty and meaning. The exchange serves as a stark reminder of the contrasting worlds inhabited by literary icons and tech moguls—and the friction that can arise when their distinct values collide in the public sphere.
As Elon Musk continues to shape industries and public discourse with his innovations and online presence, this spat with Oates invites reflection on the nature of culture, empathy, and human connection in an era dominated by digital personalities and unprecedented riches.
