Elon Musk’s vulnerable confession: “I cannot be happy without love”— And why it rings true even today
Elon Musk, one of the richest people in the world and the man behind Tesla, SpaceX, and a flurry of world-changing ideas, seems unstoppable— a self-made billionaire thriving on 80-90 hour workweeks and big dreams. Yet beneath the surface of being a famous personality, lies a deeply human truth he shared in a raw 2017 Rolling Stone interview: “If I’m not in love, if I’m not with a long-term companion, I cannot be happy.” Amid a painful breakup with Amber Heard back then, Musk admitted the Tesla Model 3 launch (during the same time) nearly broke him. “It took every ounce of will… I was morbid,” he had confessed in the interview, chugging Red Bulls and psyching up for the cameras. It’s a reminder: Even visionaries need love to fuel their fire. Why does love and connection matter so much— and what can we learn from Musk’s honesty? Read on to know more:
The heartache behind the headlines
Picture July 2017: Tesla’s Model 3 event looms, but Elon Musk is dealing with the pain of his split with Amber Heard after roughly a year of dating. “I was really in love, and it hurt bad,” he told reporter Neil Strauss in the interview back in 2017. Weeks of “severe emotional pain” led to his first meditation session just to center himself. Back then, Musk was publicly stoic, but privately shattered. He split his time across companies, kids, and chaos, sleeping six hours amid it all. Earlier marriages to Justine Musk (mother of his five kids, whom he was married to between 2000-2008) and Talulah Riley (with whom he had an on-off relationship between 2010-2016) showed his quest for balance. Talking about love, Musk had also opened up to Bloomberg in 2012, and said, “I need to find a girlfriend. How much time does a woman want a week? Maybe 10 hours?” Long-distance woes with Heard? “Intense work obligations make it difficult,” he had said. Musk’s never liked solitude— since childhood, he’s craved companionship.
Science says he’s right: Love powers one’s happiness and success
Musk’s vulnerability and need for love echo timeless wisdom. Harvard’s 80+ year Grant Study— the world’s longest on adult life— found that good relationships keep us healthier and happier longer than fame or fortune. Loneliness kills quicker than cigarettes In 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) Commission on Social Connection released its global report in which it revealed that 1 in 6 people worldwide is affected by loneliness, and it significantly impacted their health and well-being. Loneliness is linked to approximately 100 deaths every hour— which sums up to over 8,71,000 deaths every year. On the contrary, having strong social connections can improve one’s health and prolong one’s life, the report highlighted. And, legendary investor and billionaire Warren Buffett also agrees as he once said: “It’s much more fun achieving things with a partner.” Carnegie Mellon 2017 research backs it: Supportive spouses boost career risks, leading to promotions and growth. And, Elon Musk embodies this universal truth— love steadies his chaos. Without it, even the biggest success in his career feels hollow to him. His emotional intelligence shines here: He mentors employees, charms Tesla owners, and cherishes family. But admitting “I cannot be happy” alone? That’s raw power—vulnerability fueling drive.
Why love matters for high-achievers (And all of us)
For billionaires or baristas, love combats burnout, sparks creativity. Musk’s 2017 pain of his breakup with Heard was a pivot point— he rebounded, building empires while yearning for love. Today, single or coupled, his words make one think to prioritise their connection— it’s the ultimate productivity hack.What’s your take— Can love conquer all? Tell us in the comments below.
