Isaacson went for the story being about a brilliant visionary and his big flaws without really questioning the first part. That's part of the price of access it

Isaacson went for the story being about a brilliant visionary and his big flaws without really questioning the first part. That's part of the price of access it can't be too negative on what the subject actually values. Elon is alright with controversy and being seen as an asshole, his main goal is to be seen as IRL Tony Stark super-engineer, and Isaacson didn't question that.