Larry Page Prefers Mars: Why He Would Entrust His Fortune to Elon Musk Over Traditional Charities
Larry Page, co-founder of Google, has voiced an unconventional perspective on philanthropy: he would prefer to entrust his wealth to Elon Musk rather than donate it to traditional charities. The reason lies in Musk’s ambitious mission to make humanity a multiplanetary species by colonizing Mars.
Page admires Musk’s forward-thinking vision and his commitment to addressing existential threats to humanity. SpaceX, Musk’s aerospace company, aims to establish a human presence on Mars, a goal Page views as critical for safeguarding civilization against Earth-specific risks such as climate change or global catastrophes. “He’s planning to go to Mars to back up humanity,” Page remarked, highlighting the long-term value of Musk’s endeavors.
This philosophy contrasts with the focus of traditional charities, which address immediate issues like poverty, education, and healthcare. While essential, these causes tackle present challenges rather than ensuring humanity’s survival in the face of future risks. Page’s stance has sparked debate about how best to use wealth for meaningful impact.
Supporters of Page’s view argue that bold ventures like SpaceX drive innovation and inspire progress, potentially offering transformative benefits for humanity. Critics, however, suggest that prioritizing space exploration risks neglecting urgent problems on Earth, such as inequality and environmental degradation.
Page’s comments reflect a broader trend among tech billionaires to redefine philanthropy, focusing on ambitious projects that could reshape the future. Whether through tackling climate change, advancing technology, or exploring space, these approaches represent diverse strategies for creating lasting change. For Page, investing in Musk’s vision is about securing humanity’s long-term survival, even if the rewards are far off.