In a revealing 2014 interview, Larry Page, co-founder of Google, made a surprising statement that has intrigued tech enthusiasts and philanthropists alike. Rather than focusing on traditional charity or designating heirs to his fortune, Page said he would leave his wealth to Elon Musk. This decision stems from Page’s belief in Musk’s ambitious goal to colonize Mars and support humanity’s future. Let’s take a closer look at this unconventional choice and what it says about Page’s vision for the future.
Page’s Bold Endorsement of Musk’s Vision
When asked about his thoughts on legacy and philanthropy, Larry Page defied expectations. Instead of naming a traditional charitable cause or future inheritors, he expressed his admiration for Musk’s vision and his plan to use his wealth to contribute to humanity’s survival by exploring and settling on Mars. Page explained that Musk’s goal to reach Mars was not only about technological advancement but also about providing a future for humanity in case of global catastrophes.
In the interview with Charlie Rose at the TED Conference, Page elaborated, saying, “He really wants to go to Mars—to support humanity.” This echoed Musk’s repeated statements about using SpaceX to make life multiplanetary and ensure the survival of the human race. For Page, this was a cause that aligned with his own belief in transformative, revolutionary goals that could impact the future positively.
The Synergy Between Page and Musk
Page’s relationship with Musk has always been one of mutual respect and shared vision. The two have bonded over their passion for innovation and their belief that the future is shaped by companies that are driven by bold ideas and the desire to push technological boundaries. Musk and Page even shared a friendship, with Musk visiting Page’s home in Silicon Valley frequently, a dynamic that earned them a spot in Fortune’s 2016 list of “Business Leaders You Didn’t Know Were Friends.”
Page believes in the transformative power of businesses to change the world. In his interview, he stated that many companies fail because they miss the future, but he and Musk are focused on creating that future—one that includes the colonization of Mars. For Page, Musk’s ability to turn visionary ideas into tangible outcomes made him the ideal person to support with his wealth.
A Legacy Beyond Charity
In contrast to traditional philanthropic efforts, Page’s decision highlights his belief in the power of companies and innovative leaders like Musk to create meaningful change. While traditional charity focuses on immediate relief, Page sees Musk’s ventures—SpaceX, Tesla, and beyond—as efforts that could shape the course of humanity for generations to come. Page’s commitment to this vision represents a shift in how wealth can be directed toward long-term, high-impact goals rather than short-term solutions.
Page’s thoughts on legacy also resonate with his philosophy at Google, where innovation was not just about financial success but about striving to make a meaningful difference in the world. This approach is rooted in the belief that companies and individuals who focus on monumental goals can have a far-reaching impact.
The Future of Page’s Wealth
While Page’s comments about leaving his wealth to Musk were made nearly a decade ago, they underscore his enduring belief in Musk’s potential. As Musk continues to lead SpaceX and Tesla toward ambitious goals, including Mars colonization and sustainable energy, Page’s choice remains a reflection of a broader philosophy that sees technological advancement and corporate leadership as key drivers of future change.
In the end, Larry Page’s decision to entrust his fortune to Elon Musk rather than to traditional charitable causes speaks to his trust in Musk’s vision of the future and the profound impact it could have on humanity.
