From a young age, Musk recognized that his mind operated differently than those around him. By the age of five or six, he felt an overwhelming influx of ideas that set him apart, leading him to question his sanity. “I thought I was insane,” he admitted, noting his fear that others might not understand or accept his unique perspective. This feeling of being different, combined with the tumultuous school environment, made reading a refuge for him. Musk became an avid reader, turning to encyclopedias and various texts not just for entertainment, but as a means of learning and escape.