I'm more inclined to think that the personality traits, drive, and fundamental intelligence that made it possible to get SpaceX and Tesla off the ground are con

I'm more inclined to think that the personality traits, drive, and fundamental intelligence that made it possible to get SpaceX and Tesla off the ground are connected to what led to him being in the Paypal Mafia in the first place. Those who have the spirit to bet it all on insane-looking risks and also choose the insane-looking risks to bet it all on that are highly likely to actually pay off are rare indeed. Many of those who can only really do it once, and then retire with all of the money anyone could ever need to live a life of luxury until they die. Elon seems to prefer doing it over and over again without that much concern about his actual financial state.