In 1984, the public first encountered Elon Musk through a South African trade publication. It was the source code for a video game he designed called Blastar. At the age of twelve, Musk showcased his passion for space and grand conquests, earning $500 for his creation. Even though Blastar wasn't groundbreaking in computer science, it hinted at Musk's character and early visions.

Musk's childhood was marked by a blend of fantasy and reality, leading to a profound sense of personal obligation towards humanity's fate in the universe. An existential crisis characterized his teenage years. During that time, Musk delved into religious and philosophical texts. Ultimately, he embraced a mission of striving for greater collective enlightenment, influenced by The Hitchhiker's *Guide to the Galaxy.*

Growing up in South Africa during the era of apartheid, Musk faced a tumultuous environment. He witnessed clashes between blacks and whites. Elon identified with the outsider status due to his reserved personality and geeky inclinations. Musk dreamt of escaping to a place where his personality and dreams could flourish – America.

The roots of Musk’s adventurous spirits lie in his family. His grandfather, Joshua Norman Haldeman, was an eccentric man who embarked on daring journeys. He flew across continents with his family and pursued wild expeditions, including searching for the Lost City of the Kalahari Desert. This adventurous spirit and laissez-faire parenting influenced Musk's outlook on risk and decision-making.

Moving on, Elon, as a child, exhibited an ability to concentrate deeply on tasks. Yet, he often drifted into a trance-like state. Musk’s classmates don’t remember him as a remarkable student. “There were just no signs that he was going to be a billionaire,” said one of them. For Musk, aiming for a straight As in all subjects was useless. He would rather play video games or write software. Once Elon had to pass the subjects to move to the next grade, and he got the best grades in the class.

What else? Reading played a significant role in Musk's childhood. He would spend hours immersed in books from various genres and had an insatiable curiosity. Once, he even started reading the Encyclopaedia Britannica when he ran out of books at the library.

Elon Musk's childhood laid the foundation for the innovative and risk-taking entrepreneur he would become.