“I started SpaceX with the expectation of failure.”

Humans need to be a multiplanet species.

With artificial intelligence we are summoning the demon.

If something’s important enough, you should try. Even if you – the probable outcome is failure.

Being an entrepreneur is like eating glass and staring into the abyss of death.

Fear is a hard thing to deal with. I feel it quite strongly. If I think something is important enough, I’ll make myself do it in spite of fear. But it can really sap the will. I hate fear, I wish I had it less.

For me it was never about money, but solving problems for the future of humanity.

Mars is the only place in the solar system where it’s possible for life to become multi-planetarian.

People work better when they know what the goal is and why. It is important that people look forward to coming to work in the morning and enjoy working.

Goal of government should be to maximize the happiness of the people. Giving each person money allows them to decide what meets their needs, rather than the blunt tool of legislation, which creates self-serving special interests.

Work like hell.

Only the heart senses beauty.

Starting and growing a business is as much about the innovation, drive and determination of the people who do it as it is about the product they sell.

Self-driving cars are the natural extension of active safety and obviously something we should do.

When people really understand it’s do or die . If we work hard and pull through, it’s going to be a great outcome; people will give it everything they’ve got.

Math jokes have a small audience.

Patience is a virtue, and I’m learning patience. It’s a tough lesson.

Failure is the inspiration of tomorrow’s entrepreneurs.

The success of the young entrepreneur will be the key to India’s transformation in the new millennium.

True entrepreneurship comes only from risk-taking.

My advice to young entrepreneurs is not to accept defeat in the face of odds, and challenge negative forces with hope, self-confidence and conviction.

Any man who’s not willing to take half a loaf in a negotiation, well, that man never went to bed hungry.

Anyone can be an entrepreneur. All it takes is a little drive and ambition.

Luck is when preparedness meets opportunity.

One of the best skills of an entrepreneur is the ability to question. By asking new questions, new answers are found.