Tesla CEO Elon Musk has reignited a worldwide conversation about wealth and wellbeing, declaring that money alone cannot guarantee happiness.
Musk made the statement on Thursday via X, formerly known as Twitter, writing:
"Whoever said ‘money can’t buy happiness’ really knew what they were talking about."
The post quickly went viral, amassing over 52.1 million views, around 57,000 reposts, and more than 363,000 likes, sparking thousands of comments and debates on the value of wealth.
Reactions were mixed. Some agreed with Musk, arguing that wealth cannot shield people from emotional struggles or personal challenges. Others countered that financial security greatly improves quality of life and access to opportunities.
The discussion resonated particularly in Nigeria, where social media users linked Musk’s statement to Afrobeat star Adekunle Gold’s 2021 hit song ‘It Is What It Is’, in which the singer similarly expresses: “Money no dey bring happiness oh / Na when I get money I realise oh.”
Musk did not provide further context for his post. The billionaire, whose net worth has fluctuated sharply due to swings in Tesla’s stock, has often spoken about the pressures of extreme wealth and leadership.
In addition to Tesla, Musk continues to influence politics, regulatory discussions, and technology sectors, including SpaceX, X, and his AI firm xAI. On December 16, 2025, Musk became the first person to reach a net worth of $638 billion, a 42.7% increase from the previous year, according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
In October 2025, he also launched Grokipedia, an online encyclopedia, further expanding his technological ventures.
Musk’s brief statement has ignited a global reflection on the relationship between money, fulfillment, and personal wellbeing.
Elijah Adeyemi
