Elon Musk Picks 'Three Smartest' People Alive

When high-profile business leaders talk about each other’s smarts, it grabs attention - especially when one of them is Elon Musk.

On Senator Ted Cruz’s podcast Verdict With Ted Cruz, Musk named three people he thinks are the smartest he’s encountered: Larry Ellison, Larry Page, and Jeff Bezos. It wasn’t vague praise - he pointed to specific accomplishments and moments that convinced him they deserved the title.

Musk started with Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle. “He’s one of the smartest people I know,” Musk said plainly. Their professional relationship goes back years: Ellison sat on Tesla’s board from 2018 until 2022, offering guidance during some of the company’s most pivotal growth periods.

When Musk bought Twitter in 2022, Ellison reportedly contributed $1 million to help close the deal. That kind of investment, both financial and strategic, tells Musk something about Ellison’s ability to spot opportunities and act on them.

Next on the list was Larry Page, the Google co-founder. Musk summed up Page’s genius: “To some extent, a smart person is someone who does smart things.” Looking at Page’s track record, turning a search engine startup into Alphabet, exploring self-driving cars, and funding moonshot projects, it’s hard to argue. Musk also hinted at a shift in their relationship, saying they used to be close but have drifted apart over disagreements about the future of artificial intelligence.

Finally, Musk praised Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon and Blue Origin. “Jeff Bezos has tackled many complex and significant challenges,” Musk said, highlighting both Bezos’s retail empire and his push into space exploration.

Despite their rivalry, both men are racing to dominate commercial spaceflight, Musk’s comments suggested respect, even a hint that tensions might be easing. Earlier this year, Musk shared a meme implying a thaw in their relationship, a rare public nod toward détente between two of tech’s biggest figures.

Elon Musk

While Musk was busy spotlighting others, his own ventures have faced turbulence. Protests erupted outside Tesla dealerships across the U.S., fueled by customer and employee frustration over everything from delivery delays to workplace conditions. Meanwhile, X (formerly Twitter) suffered a major outage after a cyberattack, underscoring ongoing security challenges for a platform Musk purchased for $44 billion.

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These incidents show that even someone who celebrates others’ intelligence isn’t immune to setbacks. Musk’s recognition of Ellison, Page, and Bezos reveals what he values most: the ability to turn big ideas into reality, tackle complicated problems head-on, and invest in the future.

This perspective is telling. In tech and business, intelligence isn’t just measured by IQ or academic achievements — it’s judged by action and impact. Musk’s picks aren’t just brilliant thinkers; they’re doers who have reshaped industries and pushed boundaries.

His comments also offered a glimpse into the complex relationships among today’s leading entrepreneurs. Ellison’s position on Tesla’s board tied him closely to Musk’s vision, while Musk and Page drifted apart as their approaches to AI grew more distant. With Bezos, rivalry in both space and business has shaped their dynamic — but Musk’s remarks suggest there’s still a level of mutual respect behind the competition.

The Value of Recognition

When Elon Musk acknowledges the intelligence of peers like Larry Ellison and Jeff Bezos, it highlights the importance of respect in competitive industries. James Clear, author and productivity expert, notes that mutual recognition can foster collaboration and innovation. Clear emphasizes that acknowledging the strengths of others creates an environment where creative ideas can flourish.

This approach can lead to more partnerships and shared ventures, which are crucial in today’s fast-paced tech landscape. Engaging in constructive feedback loops can also enhance team dynamics and improve overall performance.

In an arena often defined by public jabs and competitive one‑upmanship, Musk’s candid praise is refreshingly uncommon. Others’ talents can be just as powerful as promoting your own. Whether these endorsements will foster genuine collaboration or simply coexist with fierce rivalry remains to be seen.

For now, Musk’s choice of Ellison, Page, and Bezos as the smartest people he knows reveals the qualities he prizes most: visionary thinking, decisive execution, and the boldness to take on monumental challenges.

In the realm of technology and innovation, the perspectives of established leaders like Musk can serve as a guide for aspiring entrepreneurs. According to Dr. Tony Wagner, an education expert, fostering a culture of creativity and critical thinking is essential for success. He argues that education systems should prioritize experiential learning, allowing individuals to cultivate skills that align with real-world challenges.

By encouraging hands-on experiences and collaboration, future innovators can develop the resilience and adaptability necessary in a tech-driven economy. Implementing mentorship programs can also help nurture these skills in young talent, paving the way for the next generation of leaders.

Moving Forward: Actionable Steps

Ultimately, the mutual admiration expressed by tech titans like Musk not only reflects personal relationships but also underscores a larger trend in the business landscape. Research indicates that environments built on respect lead to greater innovation and productivity. According to findings from the American Psychological Association, cultivating a culture of vulnerability and openness can significantly improve team cohesion and creativity.

As businesses evolve, embracing recognition and collaboration will be crucial for sustaining growth and driving innovation. By integrating these principles, leaders can create a more dynamic and engaged workforce ready to tackle future challenges.