Elon Musk and Novelist Joyce Carol Oates Clash in Viral X Spat Over Meaning and Money

A public dispute erupted between novelist Joyce Carol Oates and Elon Musk over the nature of joy and humanity, ignited by Oates's critique of Musk's social media presence. In her tweet on November 8, Oates expressed concern that Musk, despite his immense wealth, fails to engage with the simple pleasures of life that many cherish, suggesting that those with less might experience more beauty and meaning. Musk retaliated with personal insults, dismissing Oates as a 'lazy liar' and 'an abuser of semicolons,' framing the exchange as a contest between art and technological rationalism. Musk aspired to prove his cultural relevance by referencing notable 1980s films but only reinforced Oates's critique of his detachment from human experience. Oates, maintaining her composure, acknowledged Musk's platform for critical dialogue while highlighting the importance of empathy. This clash underscores the widening gap between the values of the humanities and the relentless pursuit of technological advancement.

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