Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and The Boring Company, is one of the richest people on the planet, with an estimated net worth of $500 billion. With such immense wealth, many people wonder why he continues to work tirelessly, sometimes more than 16 hours a day, seemingly never taking a break. In a recent interview, this very question was asked directly, and Musk’s response sent waves across social media.

Rather than giving a cliché or boastful answer about his fortune, Elon Musk shared a perspective that is both practical and profound regarding his life and reasons for working. He said:

“Money is not the primary motivation. I work because of passion and because I want to create things that truly matter for the world. If I stopped working, there would be no SpaceX sending humans to Mars, no Tesla driving the transition to sustainable energy, and many other important projects would come to a halt. Working is not about money for me; it’s about tackling the big problems.”

From Musk’s point of view, wealth is simply a byproduct of what you create, not the goal itself. While $500 billion may seem like an unimaginable sum, for him, the real value lies in the impact his projects have on the world. He wants to use his energy, intellect, and effort to address some of humanity’s biggest challenges: clean energy, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and urban transportation infrastructure.

Musk also emphasizes that time is the most valuable asset, even more than money. He shared:

“When you work for a goal bigger than yourself, you feel fulfilled and purposeful. Money is just a byproduct, but the time and energy you invest are what truly matter.”

This is also why Musk frequently shares insights into his packed schedule, explaining how he optimizes every hour of the day. From meetings with engineering teams, checking on ongoing projects, to personally visiting Tesla factories or SpaceX launch sites, every moment is dedicated to advancing his goals.

The reaction from the public to Musk’s answer has been diverse. Many people expressed admiration for his relentless work ethic and long-term vision. They feel inspired, recognizing that true success is measured not by wealth, but by the value and impact you create for the world. Meanwhile, some others acknowledge that it is difficult to imagine maintaining such drive when one already has virtually everything financially.

What is particularly interesting is that Musk’s answer reflects the philosophy he lives by: working for passion, pursuing goals larger than oneself, and using time to create real value. It’s an important message for anyone pursuing a career or nurturing a major project: money may serve as an initial motivator, but passion, purpose, and impact are what sustain motivation in the long term.

Additionally, Elon Musk revealed that working is not just a responsibility but also a source of happiness. He said:

“When I see a project succeed, when SpaceX successfully launches a rocket or Tesla unveils a new product, that’s when I feel truly satisfied. The joy doesn’t come from the number in my bank account, but from witnessing positive changes that you help create.”

Overall, Elon Musk’s response highlights a key truth: wealth does not automatically equate to rest or retirement. On the contrary, for those with vision and passion like Musk, working continuously is the way to turn ideas into reality and make a lasting impact. He serves as a living example of the idea that real success is not measured by your bank balance but by your ability to change the world.

💡 The takeaway: Despite possessing an immense fortune, Elon Musk chooses a lifestyle of total dedication to projects and passion, which he believes brings true happiness, purpose, and long-term impact. For anyone seeking motivation, the lesson is clear: working for passion and the value you create is far more sustainable and rewarding than working solely for money.