ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Elon Musk Calls Rousseau a 'Diabolical Asshole'

opinion-review · 2026-05-21

Elon Musk has publicly denounced 18th-century philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, calling him a 'diabolical asshole' and blaming him for the origins of woke ideology. Musk's critique aligns with a new biography that portrays Rousseau as a precursor to modern performative sensitivity and gender dynamics. The philosopher, known for his emphasis on natural emotion and gender tenderness, is described as an 'influencer of sentimentality' and a 'performative male' avant la lettre. The biography's author argues that Rousseau's ideas still resonate with collective sentiment in 2026.

Key facts

  • Elon Musk called Jean-Jacques Rousseau a 'diabolical asshole'.
  • Musk blames Rousseau for woke ideology.
  • A new biography describes Rousseau as an influencer of sentimentality.
  • Rousseau is portrayed as a 'performative male' before his time.
  • The biography's author says Rousseau's ideas reflect collective sentiment in 2026.
  • Rousseau emphasized natural emotion and gender tenderness.

Entities

Artists

  • Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Sources