Elon Musk’s rise from a young boy with a fascination for technology to one of the most influential figures in the world is a story of brilliance and perseverance. However, behind this journey stands a woman who believed in her son’s potential from the very beginning—his mother, Maye Musk. In a recent interview, Maye shared her thoughts on Elon’s early years, revealing that she recognized his extraordinary abilities long before he even reached preschool. Her insight into Elon’s unique traits and her belief in his potential provide a rare glimpse into the early life of the man behind SpaceX, Tesla, and a myriad of groundbreaking ventures.

Maye Musk, a well-known dietitian, model, and author, recounted how she first noticed her son’s exceptional qualities. While many mothers speak of the joy of their children’s early milestones, Maye recalls seeing something truly different in Elon from a very young age. “He was always different, and I knew he was a genius even before preschool,” she said. She was quick to point out that this recognition wasn’t just about academic achievement but a deeper, innate understanding of how the world worked. Elon had an insatiable curiosity and a mind that was always thinking about new ways to solve problems.

Her confidence in his intellect wasn’t just a hopeful notion—it was grounded in the way Elon approached the world. From his early fascination with reading to his ability to absorb complex concepts far beyond his years, Maye noticed signs that her son was destined for greatness. “He could read before he was in kindergarten. He devoured books, and not just children’s stories—he wanted to know everything about how things worked,” she explained. This intellectual drive, combined with an early inclination towards technology, foreshadowed his future as a visionary entrepreneur.

Yet, despite his genius, Maye also recognized the challenges that came with raising such a gifted child. Elon was known to be a bit of a loner in his youth, often lost in books or working on personal projects, which made it difficult for him to relate to other children. Maye admitted that she worried about his social development at times, but she also believed in giving him the space to explore his interests. “He was always a little different from the other kids, but I thought that was okay. I didn’t want to push him into being like everyone else,” she shared. Her approach allowed Elon the freedom to pursue his own path, even if it meant he sometimes struggled to fit in.

While Maye Musk’s parenting style was rooted in support and understanding, she also acknowledged the importance of discipline. “I was strict with him in the sense that he had to work hard. There were no shortcuts, and if he wanted to succeed, he had to put in the effort,” she said. This combination of encouragement and structure proved to be a key factor in Elon’s success, as it allowed him to develop both the confidence and the work ethic that would later propel him to global recognition.

Looking back, Maye reflected on how fortunate she felt that Elon had the chance to pursue his interests and dreams. She spoke candidly about how proud she is of his accomplishments, not just as a businessman, but as someone who has contributed so much to advancing technology, space exploration, and sustainable energy. She also acknowledged that, while Elon’s path hasn’t always been easy, he has always remained true to his vision. “He’s not the kind of person who just settles for what’s comfortable. He’s always looking for ways to change the world,” she said.

One of the most poignant moments of the interview came when Maye Musk expressed how relieved she was that Elon’s genius did not lead him down a darker path, as it often does for some prodigies. “I’m happy he didn’t end up in a basement somewhere like other geniuses who get lost in their thoughts or in a world of their own,” she said. This remark underscored the immense responsibility that comes with raising a child with extraordinary talents, and how crucial it is to provide the right guidance and environment for those gifts to flourish.

Maye’s insight into Elon’s early years reveals a mother’s pride and the powerful role she played in shaping his journey. She doesn’t take credit for his genius, but she recognizes the importance of nurturing his curiosity and intellect. As Elon Musk continues to make waves across industries, from revolutionizing electric vehicles with Tesla to advancing space exploration with SpaceX, his mother’s reflections offer a poignant reminder of how far belief in a child’s potential can take them.

For those who look at Elon Musk today, it may seem like his success was inevitable, but it is clear that his journey was paved with the early support of a mother who saw his brilliance long before the world did. Her unwavering faith in him, combined with his relentless drive, has helped Elon Musk become a force of innovation—and it all began with a mother who knew her son was destined for greatness.