Joe BedaNov 2, 2022

Posted some stuff critical of musk (roadster announced 6 years ago and ppl put down $250k deposit) and the replies? These dudes will defend Musk no matter what. And I guarantee he doesn't give a shit about them.

I've always been fascinated by cults. How do people fall into them?

Show threadDarwin.D.WNov 2, 2022

@jbeda
There are a lot of research done on this topic so I think you'll likely find a lot of opinions on this.

Having observed a friend joining a cult before, it seems like a combination of
1. Have a definitive answer for a problem (realistic or solvable doesn't matter)
2. It looks like the goal is to do good
3. Some kind of positive enforcement of the person's character & activities

Show threadDarwin.D.WNov 2, 2022
@jbeda
Musk lacks #3 but seems to be very good at #1.
Also he did popularize electric cars so that achievement itself probably plays a very big factor for his cult base.
Especially when it was going against the tide and everyone else thought he'd fail.
Show threadJoe BedaNov 2, 2022
@darwin I think a lot of folks can't deal with the duality of him both doing some amazing things AND being a problematic ass that isn't always right.
Show threadDarwin.D.W

@jbeda
I agree and I'm one of those people.
There are many occasions that I do feel he should just shut up and focus on what he does best.

Having opinions vs trying to stick his nose into everyone's business is a completely different thing but his fan base probably doesn't see it that way.

Nov 2, 2022 at 5:27pmWeb