Elon Musk triggered a flood of online reactions after posting about money and happiness just days after becoming the first person ever to cross a $800 billion net worth. The world’s richest man shared a reflective post on X, saying that the phrase “money can’t buy happiness” holds true, punctuating it with a sad-face emoticon. The comment quickly went viral, prompting netizens to respond with a mix of humour, memes, and broader reflections on wealth and fulfillment.
Whoever said “money can’t buy happiness” really knew what they were talking about
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 5, 2026
Social media users reacted to Elon Musk’s post with a mix of humour, realism, and philosophy. One comment read, “Money might not guarantee happiness, but lack of it can stress your soul in ways people don’t talk about… peace hits different when you’re not constantly worried about survival.” Others were more sarcastic, with one user saying, “Send me 1 million dollars so I can understand you,” while another wrote, “Money is everything and also nothing! Money can buy food, but it cannot buy appetite!” A common refrain summed it up bluntly: “It’s easier to be philosophical when rent is covered.”
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Some responses struck a more reflective tone, suggesting that happiness goes beyond wealth. One user commented that “A lot of happiness comes from helping others,” adding that Musk has already impacted millions and could reach billions. The same comment also pointed to personal relationships, noting that “Happiness can also be found in a long-term relationship with someone really special.” The message encouraged Musk to appreciate his achievements while seeking fulfillment beyond money.
The timing of Musk’s post drew particular attention because it came just as his wealth hit an unprecedented milestone. According to Forbes, Musk recently became the first person in history to surpass a net worth of $800 billion. This followed SpaceX’s acquisition of Musk’s AI company xAI in a deal valued at about $1.25 trillion, a move that reportedly boosted his personal fortune by roughly $84 billion to an estimated $852 billion.
Prominent voices also weighed in, including hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, who echoed similar sentiments in the comments. “A lot of happiness comes from helping others… Happiness can also be found in a long-term relationship with someone really special,” Ackman wrote. The SpaceX–xAI merger has created a combined entity valued at $1.25 trillion, and according to a Bloomberg report, SpaceX is now planning an initial public offering later this year, adding even more weight to the moment Musk chose to reflect on money and happiness.
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