Elon Musk has confirmed that his anticipated confrontation with Mark Zuckerberg is indeed imminent. Regrettably, I must convey these words and present them within this article. To unveil the inner workings, whenever Musk engages in foolish and irrational actions, those of us in the media grapple with the dilemma of whether we are truly obligated to address these nonsensical matters. Unfortunately, the answer to this predicament often leans towards the affirmative.
Presently, the situation persists, as Musk utilized the platform he now designates as ‘X,’ disregarding sound judgment and logic. This platform was formerly known as Twitter, a prosperous social network, to declare that the confrontation is set to occur and to disclose some particulars. In the event that you have managed to remain blissfully ignorant of this exasperatingly absurd saga, Musk and Zuckerberg have been engaged in an extended back-and-forth concerning the possibility of engaging in an MMA fight. The rationale behind this peculiar notion appears to be rooted in some form of significant identity crisis associated with the complexities of late-stage capitalism.
Musk’s updates encompass a revelation that the contest will be “overseen by the respective foundations of [himself] and Zack,” in contrast to involving the UFC. Furthermore, he stipulates that the entire event will transpire in a setting devoid of any modern elements. Musk previously proposed the ancient Roman Coliseum as a potential venue. In a series of tweets, he divulged that he has already secured the agreement of Italy’s Prime Minister and the Ministry of Culture for this venue, which has been deemed an “epic location.”
To address apprehensions concerning cultural heritage, Musk endeavors to reassure critics by asserting that “every aspect will demonstrate reverence for Italy’s past and present.” Nevertheless, based on existing knowledge, this claim seems implausible. Moreover, other assertions he makes could also be fabrications, as an individual of immense influence possesses a penchant for childlike humor and exhibits the ethical compass and impulsive tendencies akin to those found in a teenager frequenting the online platform 4chan. Musk appends that “all proceeds will contribute to supporting veterans,” which is the only element of this narrative that hints towards this not being an elaborate prank. It seems unlikely that Musk’s underdeveloped moral compass would venture into such deceitful territory.
Following these pronouncements, Musk supplements his discourse with a Latin quote from Horace that essentially translates to “occasionally assuming the role of a fool is delightful; embracing a lack of dignity and unwinding at appropriate moments is pleasant.” This could signify his belief that engaging in foolish endeavors such as battling fellow billionaires purely for amusement holds value, or it might simply be another instance of his tendency to indulge in falsehoods. Regardless, this ongoing public interaction between two individuals who each wield the economic might to significantly steer the course of human progress warrants acknowledgment, albeit with a sense of disappointment.
