Culture Craze
Elon Musk’s Intelligence Questioned After Biographer Claims IQ Below 110
Elon Musk’s intellectual capabilities have become the subject of fierce debate following claims made by his biographer, Seth Abramson, who asserts that the tech mogul’s IQ is unlikely to exceed 110. This provocative statement has sparked a whirlwind of online reactions, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where supporters and detractors have clashed over the validity of Abramson’s assertion.
Seth Abramson, who has made a name for himself as both an attorney and journalist, took to social media to share his views on Musk’s intelligence. In a series of tweets, he bluntly stated, “As an Elon Musk biographer, I would peg his IQ as between 100 and 110. There’s zero evidence in his biography of anything higher.” For context, an IQ of 100 is considered average, while scores above 130 are typically classified as “gifted.”
Abramson’s evaluation of Musk’s IQ has raised eyebrows, especially considering the entrepreneur’s renowned status as a visionary leader in technology. He argued that Musk’s biography lacks evidence of intellectual feats that would substantiate the claim of genius often associated with him.
As an Elon Musk biographer, I would peg his IQ as between 100 and 110. There’s zero evidence in his biography of anything higher.
And I want to repeat that now, lest you think it a typo.
There’s zero evidence, from his life history, of Musk having anything higher than a 110 IQ.
— Seth Abramson (@SethAbramson) February 20, 2025
In his critique, Abramson examined Musk’s business ventures, noting the controversy surrounding his exit from PayPal and the accusations of concept theft linked to his early project, Zip2. While Abramson acknowledged Musk’s role in founding SpaceX, which he described as “the only truly successful venture” Musk initiated, he suggested that the billionaire’s triumphs were more reliant on financial backing than extraordinary intellect.
Musk’s supporters swiftly took to social media, vigorously defending his legacy and achievements. Many accused Abramson of harboring jealousy or bias, pointing to Musk’s groundbreaking work in electric vehicles, space exploration, and renewable energy. Defenders of the tech magnate emphasized that his revolutionary accomplishments in industries like aerospace and automotive transcend traditional IQ metrics.
Also Read: Elon Musk: From South Africa to Global Entrepreneurial Giant
However, Abramson’s critique also sparked a broader discussion about the validity of IQ tests as a measure of intellectual prowess. One user questioned, “What does that tell us about a person’s abilities, potential, creativity, etc.?” Another remarked, “Dude is a genius. Can you land a rocket?” – emphasizing that Musk’s unique skill set might be undervalued by conventional intelligence assessments.
The debate further escalated when Abramson, in response to his critics, alleged that the “American disease” ties wealth to intelligence. He painted Musk as an “average coder” and “average video game player,” accusing him of relying on luck and exploiting his workforce rather than demonstrating superior management skills or innovation.
As the conversation continues to evolve, Abramson has continued to promote his forthcoming book, intertwining his criticism of Musk with his narrative. Despite the backlash, he stands firm in his belief that Musk’s body of work lacks substantial evidence of intellectual breakthroughs that would elevate him beyond the “average” label.
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