Elon Musk, known for his immense wealth and pioneering work in technology and space exploration, has a surprisingly modest approach to life, even when it comes to accommodating his family.
Despite being the richest man in the world, Musk’s minimalist lifestyle extends to how he hosts his mother, Maye Musk, during her visits.
Maye, a supermodel and dietitian, has shared insights into her son’s unpretentious way of living. When visiting Elon, she doesn’t stay in a luxurious suite. In a profile for The Times UK, Maye stated, “I have to sleep in the garage.” But she was very understanding, adding, “You can’t have a fancy house near a rocket site,” referring to SpaceX’s base in Texas.
In a 2023 X post, Maye told the world she has many memories of “sleeping on mattresses or blankets on the floor, couches, or even a bed in the garage.” She noted that her other 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren, Tosca and Kimball, slept on the floor. This doesn’t seem to bother her whatsoever though.
Reflecting on her appreciation for her current life, she wrote: “We adapt. It’s still better than sleeping on the ground in the Kalahari Desert with lions or hyenas nearby, which I did as a 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥.”
Elon has also vowed to own no home, revealing in a 2022 TED talk, “I don’t even own a place right now; I’m literally staying at friends’ places.” This might seem surprising for someone with a net worth in the hundreds of billions, but it aligns with his focus on work and innovation over material possessions.
He sold his five grand homes and decided to move into a tiny 2-bedroom, module instant home that costs around $50,000. The home is conveniently located near SpaceX’s Texas site. Although this is his primary home, there are rumors he recently bought a larger family home.
Despite the seemingly uncomfortable sleeping arrangements, Maye Musk has always supported her son’s ambitions, acting as his biggest cheerleader. She has attended numerous events with Elon, including the Met Gala, and defended him amid controversies. Her unwavering support and the grounded upbringing she provided have undoubtedly shaped Elon’s character and success.
The Musk family’s story is about resilience, adaptability, and focusing on what truly matters. Elon’s minimalist lifestyle and Maye’s practical approach to living remind people that success isn’t always measured by material wealth but by the values and principles one upholds.
While Elon Musk may have a net worth of $226.9 billion according to Forbes’s real-time data, his and his family’s approach to life remains refreshingly humble and grounded.
