I know it’s a lot to ask of the general populace, but self-reflection is key here. I’m smart and confident. But I know that I would be a terrible person to give a $465m loan to.

Money is our economy’s way of rewarding those of us with outsized skills. It’s far from perfect, but it’s the best we’ve got. Is Tesla and Elon the best place to put that $465m? Maybe, maybe not. But it was the best we had at the time, and I certainly don’t see anyone better than him now.