Open Letter to Elon Musk
A number of close friends asked me to share the following letter I snail mailed Elon Musk a couple months ago. I have no idea if he received it, but if you know him, then feel free to forward it along. I wrote it because I believe people doing great things need encouragement. This is especially true in an environment with such negative news coming out daily. During this Christmas season, I’d encourage you to consider writing a loved one or a “hero” you admire. Hope you enjoy! All the best, Evan
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October 26, 2017
Dear Elon,
I’m writing this letter to thank you — not as an entrepreneur — but as a dad.
I have a two-year-old daughter and a four-year-old son, and both of them know you by name. They’ve ridden in a Tesla, seen Falcon rockets lift off (and land), and understand that you’re working to save the world.
In their minds, you’re a superhero up there with The Avengers. They want to do important, world-changing things, too — and you are a constant reminder to them that it’s possible.
As a dad and fellow entrepreneur, I can’t thank you enough for that.
You have five children yourself, and while it’s odd for most people to envision the founder of Tesla and SpaceX changing diapers at 3 AM, I know that your love for them is critical to your work.
Every parent, whether or not they can build hyperloops, understands wanting to build something better for their children. I trust you know you’ve built more than better technology for this world. You’ve renewed our national admiration for visionaries.
Generations ago, Americans looked up to people who pursued the incredible. We took off work to watch the lunar landing. We gathered to applaud Einstein when he landed in New York.
We saw the victories of others as victories on behalf of humanity.
You represent a return to that mindset. You’re an immigrant from South Africa who has pushed us to reconsider how we think about transportation, energy, and our stewardship of the world — and you’ve become a hero by doing so.
I’m grateful for the national attention you’ve been given, and for the influence you have on others.
Please know that we’re cheering you on from Austin, TX.
All the best,
Evan, Brandi, Ward, and Kathryn Loomis
P.S. My son and daughter both wanted you to know that they would love to join you at the launch of the Falcon Heavy. They’re your biggest fans — Ward and I even wrote a book about your work at SpaceX!
