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duskdozertoday at 8:00 AM2 repliesview on HN

>Take Elon Musk — tremendous positive-sum deals with people everywhere, and all together, that's what got him to the top.

Ah yes, "tremendous" positive-sum deals like:

>Musk admitted to his biographer Ashlee Vance that Hyperloop was all about trying to get legislators to cancel plans for high-speed rail in California—even though he had no plans to build it.

https://time.com/6203815/elon-musk-flaws-billionaire-visions...


Replies

kindkang2024today at 8:30 AM

> Hyperloop was all about trying to get legislators to cancel plans

Sorry, I don't know the full story behind Hyperloop. But I really doubt he is trying to play a zero-sum or negative-sum game as the article hinted.

Setting aside all the disputes — the deals he made with people are positive-sum. Nobody is forced to buy a Tesla, or invest in, or work for SpaceX.

And in my personal view, all the article brings is deconstructive criticism — which does not fit my tastes. Maybe because I believe the world doesn't owe anyone anything. In fact, to make money, most of the time you have to play a positive-sum game and bring value to others. There is no shame in seeking profit — there is glory in it, if it comes through a positive-sum game.

Those who complain — they can always reject the deal and choose something else. And even better, go offer or support better products in the market and help the best one win.

show 1 reply
kubbtoday at 8:24 AM

When will they learn it’s not about value, but about power and perception of value is just means to that?