Elon Musk’s recent interaction with Nikhil Kamath has hit nearly 5 million views on YouTube. The video gained significant clout for his views on energy, AI, robotics, and philanthropy as well. During the interview, podcast host Kamath asked the Tesla CEO about his views on charitable endeavors, to which Elon Musk gave a very unexpected response.
Social media was rife with speculations regarding Musk’s views on philanthropy, as netizens sat down to decode what the tech entrepreneur meant by certain phrases and terminologies. Although many appreciated his efforts and down-to-earth manner of looking at human society, some expressed their discontent regarding what philanthropy means to Musk.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk talks of Philanthropy and the “reality of goodness”
Elon Musk got candid in the November 30 episode of Nikhil Kamath’s podcast. In the interview, host Kamath asked about his opinion on the idea of philanthropy, to which Musk responded with much reflection. He said, “I think we should. I mean, I agree with the love of humanity, and we should definitely try to do things that help our fellow human beings. But it’s very hard.”
The SpaceX CEO futher addressed the challenge associated with philanthropy. He stated, “If you care about the reality of goodness rather than simply the perception of it, it’s extremely difficult to give away money well.” Throwing light on the matter of recognizing those who deserve while averting the perception created of it, Musk added, “It’s very easy to give money away in a way that creates the appearance of goodness. It is very difficult—extremely difficult—to give money away for the reality of goodness.”
The Tesla chief executive also spoke about his charitable organization which does not bear his name. He said, “I have a large foundation, but I don’t put my name on it. In fact, I’ve said I don’t want my name on anything. The biggest challenge I find with the foundation is trying to give money away in a way that is truly beneficial to people.”
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Netizens react to Elon Musk’s views on philanthropy
Elon Musk opined that philanthropy should be the acknowledgement of the positive impact contributions have for the welfare of people instead of merely feeding the general perception of the idea. An X post by user @niccruzpatane, a clip of Musk’s conversation with Kamath on philanthropy was posted.
In the comments, many netizens supported Musk’s views on philanthropy. Some expressed uncertainties regarding whether the money would be utilized for good. Others mentioned the complexity involved in philanthropic practices and how it requires much attention and support to make it happen effectively.
It’s a dilemma on a different scale, but do I hand a homeless person cash not knowing how the money will be used?
— Steve Harte (@stevos_tweet) December 1, 2025
Problem for me here is giving to charity using the same mindset as a private company. It's not an input – output kind of logic. Philanthropy and welfare are much more complex than engineering and much of the perceived ineffectiveness arises from it being very difficult to measure
— Evandro H. (@evandroholz) December 1, 2025
Several netizens, however, wholeheartedly disagreed with Musk’s views. Some highlighted the sheer simplicity of philanthropy by citing cases of sportspersons who have actively contributed to charity. Another user stated that philanthropy can be done effectively if invested in the solutions to problems that affect the livelihood and welfare of people.
It's really not as difficult as he makes it out to be. Pay people by the good they do that causes change. Pay people to actually fix the homelessness issue. It's not homes. Then when they fix it, pay them to fix food insecurity in the US. When they fix it, pay them to fix some…
— Joe (@JuanRellah) December 1, 2025
Others just do it. See for yourself. Basketball players donate money to help their communities. Football players do the same thing. Some people leave monies for colleges in their will. To say it is difficult to ‘give away money’ is preposterous. It’s not difficult at all.
— Peten (@9teen4typete) December 1, 2025
Perhaps Elon Musk’s ideas could pique one’s curiosity or concern pertaining to how many of us deem the concept of “philanthropy” per se. Nevertheless, one point of commonality exists in all these varying opinions – they are oriented towards the care and support of fellow human beings in society.
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