How did Elon Musk learn enough about rockets to run SpaceX? [Answered]

That's one of the most fascinating reads I've had in some time.

Some gems...

  The one major important distinction that sets him apart  
  is his inability to consider failure.  It simply is not 
  even in his thought process.  He cannot conceive of  
  failure and that is truly remarkable.

  He and I had very similar upbringings, very similar 
  interests and very similar early histories.

  I know this because this is where we parted ways at 
  SpaceX.  We got to a point where I could not see it 
  succeeding and walked away.  He didn't and succeeded.  I 
  have 25 years experience building space hardware and he 
  had none at the time.  So much for experience.