Billionaire Elon Musk, known for his ambitious projects in technology and space, recently lifted the veil on his personal world, sharing an unexpected revelation about what tattoo he might get. Although he doesn’t have any ink on his skin yet, the founder of Tesla and SpaceX shared in an interview for Nikhil Kamath’s podcast “People By WTF” that if he were to take this step, his choice would be dictated by deeply personal motives.
Elon Musk: Family Values First
During a candid conversation held in early December 2025, Musk shared that he would most likely get the names of his children tattooed. This statement came in the context of a discussion about the Austrian School of Economics and the concept of delayed gratification, which host Nikhil Kamath touched upon, mentioning the famous “marshmallow test.”
Kamath elaborated on the idea of marginal utility, noting: “You know, the Austrian School of Economics, if you go back in time, with a deviation from Adam Smith, talks about the marginal utility of everything. Having one thing has value, having two identical things has less value, and having ten identical things has no value.” To this, Musk responded with his characteristic humor:
- “Like ten marshmallows. One is, well, one is enough. You say: you can have two marshmallows later or one now. And I’m like, ‘I’ll have one marshmallow… I don’t want two marshmallows.’ Well, I don’t… one marshmallow is enough.”
Kamath, who himself has a tattoo of the words “Delayed gratification,” then asked a direct question: “If you could get a tattoo, what would you get?” Musk’s answer was concise and telling: “I think, possibly, the names of my children or something like that.”
The Billionaire’s Fatherhood Philosophy
Interestingly, during the same podcast, Kamath confessed that he doesn’t have children. Musk, who is the father of 14 children from five different partners over more than two decades, didn’t miss the opportunity to remark: “Well, perhaps you should.” He stated with conviction: “You won’t regret it.” When asked by Kamath what the best thing about fatherhood is, Musk gave a detailed and touching answer:
“Well, you have this little creature that loves you, and you love this little creature. And I don’t know, you kind of see the world through their eyes as they grow up, and their conscious perception increases.
From an infant who has no idea what’s going on, can’t survive on their own, can’t even walk, can’t talk, to them starting to walk, then talk, and then they start having interesting thoughts. And yeah, I think we fundamentally should have children, otherwise we’ll go extinct, you know.”
These words underscore Musk’s deep personal connection with his offspring, which undoubtedly explains his hypothetical tattoo choice.
Expert Analysis: Tattoo Culture and Elon Musk’s Choice
Elon Musk’s choice of his children’s names for his potential first tattoo is far from random and deeply resonates with current trends in tattoo culture. Family tattoos, especially children’s names, are one of the most popular and timeless options. They symbolize unconditional love, devotion, and an eternal bond, serving as a personal talisman and a constant reminder of what is most precious in life.
In a world where celebrities often opt for provocative or symbolic designs to emphasize their image or philosophical views, Musk demonstrates a commitment to classic, intimate values. This might seem unexpected for someone whose public activities are associated with futuristic technologies and space exploration, but it is precisely this choice that makes him more human and relatable to ordinary people.
A tattoo with children’s names is not just an image on the skin; it is a manifesto of parental love that transcends all social and cultural barriers. For Musk, whose life is filled with complex projects and constant pressure, such a symbol could serve as an anchor, a reminder of his personal mission and legacy. Unlike Nikhil Kamath’s “Delayed gratification” tattoo, which is more of a philosophical statement, Musk’s choice is emotional and deeply personal.
This hypothetical move by Musk, if it were ever to become a reality, could also influence public perception of tattoos. When such a prominent and influential figure as Elon Musk considers getting a tattoo, it further contributes to the destigmatization and normalization of tattoo culture in the mainstream. It demonstrates that a tattoo is not just an attribute of subcultures but also a way for anyone, regardless of their status or profession, to express their deepest personal feelings.
Such statements from public figures always spark interest and discussion, inspiring many to reflect on their own values and ways of expressing them. Ultimately, Musk’s choice highlights that behind all the grand plans and innovations lies a person with the same simple and profound attachments as millions of other people around the world.