Jeff Bezos Odyssey: From Online Retail Pioneer to Interstellar Visionary | 10 Transformational Insights from Jeff Bezos’s Odyssey

Jeff Bezos is an extraordinary man who embarked on an extraordinary journey that redefined the world of commerce. He is a visionary, a dreamer, and a relentless entrepreneur. He possesses an unwavering belief in the potential of the Internet and its power to transform the way people live and do business. His story serves as a testament that ordinary individuals can achieve extraordinary things if they dare to dream big and have the courage to pursue their passions.

From his early days as a Wall Street executive to the founding of Amazon in his garage, Bezos demonstrated a keen ability to spot untapped opportunities and disrupt traditional industries. His tenacity and willingness to take risks allowed Amazon to diversify its offerings, including Kindle e-readers, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and forays into streaming and entertainment.

Jeff Bezos’ transformation from a Wall Street prodigy to a tech titan and space explorer demonstrates his willingness to embrace change and evolve with the times.

Jeff Bezos’s Personal Life

Jeff Bezos was born on January 12, 1964, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States. He was born to Jacklyn Gise Jorgensen, and Ted Jorgensen. His biological parents divorced when he was still an infant, and he was subsequently adopted by his stepfather, Miguel “Mike” Bezos, who married Jeff’s mother Jacklyn. Bezos has two younger siblings, a brother named Mark and a sister named Christina.

In terms of his education, Bezos attended Miami Palmetto High School in Florida, where he showed early signs of his interest in science and technology. He excelled in his studies, was a National Merit Scholar, and served as the valedictorian of his class in 1982.

After completing high school, Bezos attended Princeton University and graduated with honors in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. During his time at Princeton, he showed a keen interest in computers and technology. He was a member of the university’s notable engineering honor society, Tau Beta Pi, and also served as the president of the Princeton chapter of the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS).

After graduation, Bezos ventured into the world of finance, working on Wall Street for various firms, including Bankers Trust and D. E. Shaw & Co. During his time at D. E. Shaw, Bezos gained valuable experience in quantitative finance and improved his business acumen.

Jeff Bezos married MacKenzie Scott in 1993. Sadly, they divorced after 25 years in 2019. They have four children together.

In 1994, Bezos made a life-changing decision. He left his well-paying job at D. E. Shaw to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions in the emerging world of the Internet. With a vision of revolutionizing the way people buy and sell goods, he founded Amazon.com, an online bookstore, in his garage in Bellevue, Washington.

Amazon started as a modest venture, but Bezos’ foresight and innovative approach quickly propelled it to success. The company expanded its product offerings beyond books to become a one-stop shop for various goods, and Bezos became known for his customer-centric philosophy and relentless focus on long-term growth.

Bezos faced numerous challenges and setbacks along the way, but he remained steadfast in his pursuit of Amazon’s potential. His bold decisions and willingness to take calculated risks enabled Amazon to grow into one of the world’s largest e-commerce giants, fundamentally changing the way people shop and transforming the retail industry.

Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Jeff Bezos has shown a passion for space exploration. In 2000, he founded the aerospace company Blue Origin, with the goal of making space travel more accessible and sustainable. His ambition to colonize space and support humanity’s future in the cosmos has driven his involvement in space projects.

In 2019, Bezos started seeing Lauren Sanchez, a former entertainment reporter, news anchor, and helicopter pilot. Bezos and Sanchez are not engaged to be married. Jeff has recently hosted a party on his super yacht in Italy which was attended by several celebrities and business tycoons.

What Inspired Jeff Bezos

Jeff Bezos has been influenced by several key moments that ignited his drive and propelled him toward entrepreneurship. Here are the things and events that have significantly shaped and inspired his journey:

Early Passion for Innovation: Bezos’ fascination with technology and innovation started at a young age. His upbringing in a technologically inclined household exposed him to the possibilities of computers and laid the foundation for his lifelong curiosity.

Banking on E-commerce Potential: In the early 1990s, Bezos saw the growing potential of the Internet and its transformative effect on commerce. This realization led him to establish Amazon.com in 1994, with the vision of creating an online bookstore that would eventually evolve into a global e-commerce empire.

Risky Entrepreneurial Leap: Bezos’ audacious decision to leave a secure job on Wall Street and venture into the uncharted waters of e-commerce was driven by his conviction in the untapped potential of online shopping. This bold leap showcased his willingness to take calculated risks and disrupt traditional business models.

Customer-Centric Philosophy: Bezos’ unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction became evident through his customer-centric approach. The creation of Amazon’s customer reviews and emphasis on convenience paved the way for the company’s reputation for exceptional customer service.

Diversification Beyond Books: Bezos’ recognition of Amazon’s potential to expand beyond books led to the inclusion of diverse product categories, from electronics to apparel. This strategic diversification laid the groundwork for Amazon’s status as a one-stop shop for a vast array of consumer needs.

Launch of Amazon Web Services: Bezos’ insight into the scalability and profitability of cloud computing resulted in the launch of Amazon Web Services (AWS). This move not only transformed Amazon into an industry leader in cloud services but also showcased Bezos’ ability to anticipate and capitalize on emerging trends.

Blue Origin and Space Exploration: Bezos’ lifelong fascination with space culminated in the establishment of Blue Origin in 2000. This venture reflects his enduring commitment to advancing space exploration and making it accessible to a wider audience.

Acquisition of The Washington Post: Bezos’ acquisition of The Washington Post in 2013 demonstrated his interest in supporting quality journalism and adapting traditional media to the digital age.

These pivotal incidents, from the inception of Amazon to the exploration of space and beyond, have played a pivotal role in inspiring and shaping Jeff Bezos’ journey.

Jeff Bezos’s Entrepreneurial Journey

Jeff Bezos’s entrepreneurial journey is captivating and inspiring.

1994-1995: Genesis of Amazon
In 1994, Jeff Bezos conceived the notion of revolutionizing the way we buy and read books. He initially named the venture “Cadabra”. Later he renamed his venture “Amazon” after the grandeur of the Amazon River. With a humble beginning as an online bookstore on July 16, 1995, Amazon emerged as a digital haven for book enthusiasts, foreshadowing its future as the “everything store.”

1997: Amazon’s Grand Entrance
Amazon went public with an initial public offering (IPO) on May 15, 1997. Its stock symbolized the rise of e-commerce. Amazon’s IPO sent ripples through the financial world and secured funds to fuel its expansion.

1998-1999: Expanding Horizons
In 1998, Amazon started expanding its product offering beyond books, diversifying its product offerings into music and DVDs. In 1999, Amazon added electronics, toys, and kitchen items to the mix. With Jeff Bezos’s focus on customer experience, the company’s pursuit of growth and innovation became evident. Amazon grew rapidly and Jeff Bezos was named Time magazine’s Person of the Year.

2000: The Marketplace Revolution
In the new millennium, Amazon unveiled the Marketplace—a platform that welcomed third-party sellers to join the Amazon ecosystem. This marked a pivotal shift towards becoming a vast digital marketplace, connecting buyers and sellers from around the globe. Amazon also acquired Exchange.com, which becomes Amazon’s online auction site.

2001: Clouds and Payments
Amazon ventured beyond e-commerce and made groundbreaking moves in technology. Amazon launched “Amazon Web Services” (AWS) cloud computing services that redefined the tech landscape. Amazon also acquired Accept.com which laid the foundation for Amazon Payments and offered seamless online transaction experiences.

2004: Space Odyssey
Jeff Bezos’s entrepreneurial spirit extended beyond Amazon. In 2004, he founded Blue Origin, a private aerospace company with the ambitious goal of making space travel accessible to all. Through Blue Origin, Bezos aimed to build a future where humanity could explore and colonize space, fostering scientific advancements and expanding the boundaries of human knowledge.

2005-2006: Prime and Fashion
Amazon introduced Amazon Prime to the world. Amazon Prime is a subscription service promising expedited shipping (one day in most cases), and exclusive content on its OTT platform “Prime Video”. Bezos forged an unbreakable bond with customers with this move. The pursuit of innovation continued as Amazon stepped into the fashion world with the acquisition of Shopbop, adding fashion and style to its expanding portfolio. Amazon also acquired BookSurge, a company specializing in print-on-demand services for books.

2007-2009: Kindle and Beyond
In 2007, Amazon unveiled the Kindle—an e-reader that transformed how we consume literature. Simultaneously, the acquisition of dpreview.com demonstrated Amazon’s commitment to fostering communities of enthusiasts. Amazon acquired Zappos, an online shoe and clothing retailer which further solidified its position in the world of fashion.

2010-2011: Entertainment and Expansion
Amazon Studios’ birth in 2010 revealed Bezos’s appetite for disruption. By producing original content, the company ventured into Hollywood’s realm. In 2010, Amazon also acquired Woot, an online deal-of-the-day website. In a parallel stride, the acquisition of LOVEFiLM in 2011 opened doors to the European market, signaling Amazon’s global ambitions.

2012-2013: Robotics and Reading
The acquisition of Kiva Systems in 2012 echoed Amazon’s commitment to efficiency. Robotic innovations streamlined warehouses, optimizing order fulfillment. Simultaneously, the addition of Goodreads fortified Amazon’s position as a reading haven.

2014: Fire Phone
Amazon launched the Fire Phone in 2014. The Fire Phone was a highly anticipated device that aimed to compete with established smartphone manufacturers like Apple and Samsung. However, despite significant investment and marketing efforts, the Fire Phone failed to gain traction in the highly competitive smartphone market.

2014-2017: Gaming and Grocery
Amazon’s reach expanded further with the 2014 acquisition of Twitch Interactive, solidifying its stance in the gaming industry. In a dramatic turn, the 2017 acquisition of Whole Foods Market fused e-commerce prowess with brick-and-mortar convenience.

2018-2021: Cashier-less Stores and Transitions
Amazon Go’s launch in 2018 unveiled cashier-less stores that harnessed advanced technology for a seamless shopping experience. In 2021, Bezos passed the CEO baton to Andy Jassy, leaving an indelible legacy as he pivoted towards new horizons.

From a modest online bookstore to an unrivaled global powerhouse, Amazon’s journey, masterminded by Jeff Bezos, remains a captivating tale of audacity, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of customer-centric excellence. Through acquisitions that spanned industries, Amazon’s evolution continues to redefine how we live, shop, and connect in the digital age.

Jeff Bezos’s Philanthropy

Jeff Bezos’ philanthropic efforts have become an integral part of his legacy, reflecting his commitment to addressing global challenges and making a positive impact on society. Here are some notable aspects of Jeff Bezos’ philanthropy:

Day One Fund: In September 2018, Jeff Bezos announced the creation of the Day One Fund, which focuses on two areas: funding organizations that provide shelter and support for homeless families, and creating a network of high-quality, nonprofit, full-scholarship preschools in low-income communities.

The Bezos Earth Fund: In February 2020, Bezos pledged $10 billion to the Bezos Earth Fund, an initiative aimed at addressing climate change, environmental sustainability, and conservation efforts. The fund supports organizations and scientists working on innovative solutions to combat the climate crisis.

Supporting Education: Bezos has shown a commitment to education through donations to initiatives such as the DreamBox Learning math software, Summit Public Schools, and the Long Now Foundation, which promotes long-term thinking and education.

Medical Research: In the fight against various diseases, Bezos has contributed to medical research and innovation. He invested in Unity Biotechnology, a company focused on developing treatments to slow or reverse aging-related diseases.

Social Causes: Bezos has also supported social causes and organizations, such as contributions to organizations addressing homelessness, disaster relief efforts, and community-based projects.

The Bezos Academy: In 2020, the Bezos Academy was launched, aiming to provide a Montessori-inspired education for children from low-income backgrounds. The academy’s vision is to provide innovative, quality education to underserved communities.

Jeff Bezos’ philanthropy reflects his dedication to tackling complex global challenges and his belief in leveraging his resources and influence to drive meaningful change. Through his various initiatives and donations, Bezos continues to contribute to a wide range of causes, aiming to leave a positive and lasting mark on the world.

Jeff Bezos’s Luxurious Possessions

Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and one of the wealthiest individuals in the world, has amassed a range of luxurious possessions over the years. Here are some details about his lavish acquisitions and possessions up to that point:

Real Estate: Jeff Bezos owns several high-end properties. His primary residence is a 24,000-square-foot estate in Medina, Washington. In 2001, he bought three apartments in the Century building on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. In 2012, he bought one more apartment in the same building. In 2013, Bezos spent another $23 Million to purchase a historic 27,000-square-foot mansion in Washington, D.C., which was once the Textile Museum. In 2019, Bezos acquired three apartments in Manhatton’s 42nd Street for $80 Million. In 2020, he purchased the 9-acre Warner Estate in the upscale Beverly Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles for $165 Million. In 2021, Bezos spent $78 Million to buy a home a Maui, Hawai. His most recent purchase is a $68 Million Mansion in Miami’s Indian Creek village (Billionaire Bunker).

Superyachts: In 2020, Bezos was reported to have purchased a massive superyacht called “Koru.” The yacht that cost Jeff Bezos $500 Million is approx 417 feet in length and boasts amenities such as multiple decks, a helipad, a swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, and more. It is followed by another of Bezos’s Super Yacht called Abeona which is approx 246 feet long. Abeona is a shadow Or support vessel for Koru that carries all the essential amenities for Bezos. It also features a large helicopter hanger.

Private Jet: Jeff Bezos owns two Gulfstream G650ER private jets. One was purchased in 2015 and another in 2019. These Jets have a range of 7500 nautical miles and can fly at a height of 51000 feet.

Land Holdings: Bezos owns around 420,000 acres of land in Texas, mainly for his space exploration company Blue Origin’s launch and testing facilities.

Clock of the Long Now: In Feb 2018, Bezos tweeted about the start of the construction of the Clock of the Long Now, also called the Millennium Clock, in the Sierra Diablo mountain range in Texas, US. It is a 500-foot tall, mechanical watch, powered by day/night thermal cycle, intended to run for 10,000 years. It is a symbol of long-term thinking.

Art Collection: Bezos has recently acquired the work of Kerry James Marshall (Vignette 19) for $18.5 million and Ed Ruscha (Hurting the Word Radio) for $52.5 million.

Robot Pet: Jeff Bezos owns a Pet robot called Spot (Spot-mini) which he bought from Boston Dynamics. Bezos was spotted walking along with the Pet during the MARS2018 conference.

While not personal possessions, Bezos’ philanthropic initiatives, such as the Day One Fund and the Bezos Earth Fund, showcase his commitment to creating positive change. Jeff Bezos’ luxurious possessions and acquisitions are just one aspect of his multifaceted life, which includes his role as a prominent entrepreneur, visionary leader, and philanthropist.

Interesting Facts about Jeff Bezos

Here are some interesting facts about Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon:

1. Net Worth – Jeff Bezos’s net worth is US$ 160 billion. This makes him the third wealthiest person in the world.
2. Early Pioneering: Jeff Bezos displayed his entrepreneurial spirit from a young age, starting with a summer camp business he launched at the age of 10. The camp was attended by students from neighboring schools.
3. Educational Background: Bezos studied computer science and electrical engineering at Princeton University. He graduated summa cum laude in 1986 and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.
4. Amazon’s Humble Beginnings: Amazon was originally launched in 1994 as an online bookstore out of Bezos’ garage. The company’s name was chosen to reflect its mission of being the largest store on Earth.
5. The Laughter Button: In Amazon’s early days, Bezos installed a “Laughter Button” on the company’s website. When clicked, it would play a hearty laugh to symbolize the joy of online shopping.
6. Innovative Corporate Culture: Amazon’s innovative culture and leadership principles, often referred to as “Jeffisms,” are centered around customer obsession, long-term thinking, and a willingness to experiment and take calculated risks.
7. Regret-Free Decision Making: Bezos is known for using a unique decision-making framework called the “Regret Minimization Framework.” He imagines himself at age 80 looking back on his life and assessing whether he would regret not taking a certain action.
8. Space Exploration: Bezos has a deep passion for space exploration. He founded Blue Origin in 2000 with the goal of enabling private human access to space and reducing the cost of space travel.
9. Visionary Investments: He has made personal investments in various innovative companies, including Google (now Alphabet Inc.), Uber, Airbnb, and more, demonstrating his interest in cutting-edge technologies.
10. The Washington Post Ownership: Bezos purchased The Washington Post in 2013 for $250 million in a personal capacity, expressing his commitment to quality journalism and his belief in the importance of an independent press.
11. Richest Person in Modern History: Jeff Bezos has been frequently recognized as one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, with fluctuations in his net worth tied to Amazon’s performance.
12. Philanthropy: Bezos has made significant philanthropic contributions, including the creation of the Day One Fund and the Bezos Earth Fund, which focus on addressing homelessness and combating climate change.
13. New Shepard Rocket: Bezos’ Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket was named in honor of astronaut Alan Shepard, who became the first American to travel to space.
14. Desert Delivery: In 2013, Bezos revealed an ambitious plan for Amazon Prime Air, a drone delivery service. He joked that the drones would be capable of delivering packages to customers’ doorsteps in under 30 minutes. While it seemed like a futuristic concept at the time, it highlighted Bezos’ inventive thinking.
15. “Customer Obsession” Tattoo: As part of Amazon’s commitment to customer obsession, Bezos humorously suggested getting a “customer obsession” tattoo on his forehead during a company meeting. While he didn’t actually follow through, it underscored his dedication to prioritizing customer satisfaction.
16. Online Customer Reviews: In a fun and playful move, Bezos once read and responded to customer reviews of a Bic pen on Amazon, adding his own humorous touch to the comments section.
17. Moon Landings Doubt: In 2019, Bezos shared an amusing story about his childhood skepticism about the moon landings. He mentioned that his younger self was skeptical because the astronauts’ boots seemed too clean in photos, which he thought wouldn’t be the case on the moon’s surface.
18. Office Desk: The Door Desk: Bezos used a desk that was made from a repurposed wooden door as his office desk during Amazon’s early days. This creative setup reflected the resourcefulness and scrappiness of the company’s beginnings.
19. Dog Food Desk: In a symbolic gesture to remind employees of the importance of staying focused on customers, Bezos placed an empty dog food bowl on his desk during meetings. It served as a quirky visual representation of the “empty chair” representing the customer.
20. Space Cowboy: Bezos’ enthusiasm for space exploration and Blue Origin has led to some playful comparisons of him as a real-life “space cowboy,” riding into the frontiers of space with his cowboy hat.
21. Hearty Laughs: Bezos is known for his distinctive, hearty laugh that has become a recognizable part of his public speaking style. It adds a touch of warmth and authenticity to his presentations.
22. Moon Base Dreams: In his vision for space colonization, Bezos humorously suggested that building a lunar base on the moon could help preserve Earth as a residential and light industrial planet.
23. Space Tourist: Bezos himself took a spaceflight on Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket in July 2021. His excitement and cheerful demeanor during the flight were a testament to his genuine passion for space exploration.

These facts provide a glimpse into Jeff Bezos’ multifaceted life, his innovative spirit, and his influential role in shaping modern technology, e-commerce, and space exploration.

Inspiring Quotes by Jeff Bezos

Jeff Bezos has shared several inspiring quotes throughout his career that offer insights into his entrepreneurial mindset and vision for innovation. Here are some notable quotes by Jeff Bezos:

1. “I knew that if I failed I wouldn’t regret that, but I knew the one thing I might regret is not trying.”
2. “We’ve had three big ideas at Amazon that we’ve stuck with for 18 years, and they’re the reason we’re successful: Put the customer first. Invent. And be patient.”
3. “If you double the number of experiments you do per year, you’re going to double your inventiveness.”
4. “In the old world, you devoted 30% of your time to building a great service and 70% of your time to shouting about it. In the new world, that inverts.”
5. “What’s dangerous is not to evolve.”
6. “I think frugality drives innovation, just like other constraints do. One of the only ways to get out of a tight box is to invent your way out.”
7. “The common question that gets asked in business is, ‘Why?’ That’s a good question, but an equally valid question is, ‘Why not?'”
8. “You have to be willing to be misunderstood if you’re going to innovate.”
9. “We see our customers as invited guests to a party, and we are the hosts. It’s our job every day to make every important aspect of the customer experience a little bit better.”
10. “Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.”
11. “We are stubborn on vision. We are flexible on details.”
12. “The human brain is an incredible pattern-matching machine.”
13. “If you’re not stubborn, you’ll give up on experiments too soon. And if you’re not flexible, you’ll pound your head against the wall and you won’t see a different solution to a problem you’re trying to solve.”
14. “Cleverness is a gift, kindness is a choice. Gifts are easy — they’re given after all. Choices can be hard.”
15. “If you’re long-term oriented, customer interests and shareholder interests are aligned.”
16. “Your brand is what other people say about you when you’re not in the room.”
17. “We see our customers as invited guests to a party, and we are the hosts. It’s our job every day to make every important aspect of the customer experience a little bit better.” 
18. “I knew that if I failed, I wouldn’t regret that. But I knew the one thing I might regret is not trying.”
19. “What’s dangerous is not to evolve.” 
20. “If you never want to be criticized, for goodness’ sake don’t do anything new.” 
21. “A brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn a reputation by trying to do hard things well.”

These quotes reflect Jeff Bezos’ approach to innovation, customer focus, persistence, and willingness to embrace change and take calculated risks. They offer valuable insights into his philosophy of business and life.

10 Lessons from Jeff Bezos’s Life

Here are 10 valuable lessons that can be gleaned from Jeff Bezos’ life and career:

1. Customer Obsession: Bezos’ relentless focus on putting the customer first has been a driving force behind Amazon’s success. Prioritizing customer needs and satisfaction can lead to lasting loyalty and business growth.
2. Embrace Failure: Bezos views failure as an integral part of innovation. He encourages taking risks, experimenting, and being willing to fail in order to learn and improve.
3. Long-Term Vision: Bezos is known for his long-term thinking. He encourages entrepreneurs to focus on building lasting value rather than pursuing short-term gains.
4. Invent and Innovate: Innovation is at the heart of Bezos’ approach. Continuously inventing and reinventing products, services, and processes can keep a business relevant and dynamic. Bezos advocates for a culture of experimentation. Regularly trying out new ideas, projects, and approaches can lead to breakthroughs and unexpected successes.
5. Frugality Drives Creativity: Bezos’ frugality philosophy forces efficient resource allocation, which can spark creativity and resourcefulness in problem-solving.
6. Risk-Taking: Bezos encourages calculated risk-taking. Bold decisions and the courage to pursue disruptive ideas can lead to transformative outcomes.
7. Adaptability: Bezos’ ability to adapt to changing market dynamics and his willingness to pivot and diversify Amazon’s offerings have been key to the company’s resilience and growth.
8. Continuous Learning: Bezos’ curiosity and willingness to learn from various fields have broadened his perspectives. Embracing lifelong learning can lead to more well-rounded and innovative thinking.
9. Work-Life Balance: While Bezos is known for his intense work ethic, he also recognizes the importance of work-life balance. Prioritizing well-being, family, and personal time can contribute to sustained success and happiness.
10. Give back and make a positive impact: Bezos has donated billions to social causes like education, healthcare, homelessness, climate change, and more. Caring for society and taking steps to ensure its betterment makes Bezos a real-life hero.

These lessons from Jeff Bezos’ life reflect his innovative mindset, his focus on customer satisfaction, and his commitment to building and sustaining a successful business. They offer insights that can inspire entrepreneurs and individuals seeking to make a meaningful impact.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jeff Bezos’ remarkable journey stands as a beacon of innovation and perseverance. From humble beginnings in a garage, he shaped Amazon into a global e-commerce titan, championing customer-centricity, long-term vision, and disruptive thinking.

Throughout his journey, Bezos faced both triumphs and setbacks. But he never let fear of failure deter him from pursuing his vision. He understood that failure was an essential stepping stone on the path to success. His resilience, audacity, and ability to learn from mistakes fueled his drive to push the boundaries further. Bezos’s story is an inspiration to entrepreneurs, dreamers, and innovators worldwide. He demonstrated that with a clear vision, relentless determination, and a customer-centric approach, one can create extraordinary change. He showed that embracing risks, challenging the status quo, and continuously striving for improvement can lead to unimaginable achievements.

There are more than 2000 Billionaires on Earth. Read more inspiring stories of a few of these billionaires on Recharge Inspiration. Did you know that at the age of 12, Elon Musk sold his first video game, “Blastar,” to a computer magazine for $500? Read more about Elon Musk here.