Elon Musk claims ‘money can’t buy happiness’ after reaching $800B net worth. Netizens react

Elon Musk reflects on happiness as net worth hits $800B. (Image: @Steezehuman/ X)

Elon Musk has sparked a wave of reactions online after sharing a thought on money and happiness. The post came just days after the tech entrepreneur became the first person in history to reach a net worth of over $800 billion.

Musk, the world’s richest person, took to X (formerly known as Twitter), to reflect on an age-old proverb. Adding his own take to it, he wrote, “Whoever said ‘money can’t buy happiness’ really knew what they were talking about.” He added a sad-face emoticon at the end of the post, which quickly went viral. Users responded with a mix of humour and reflection.

One said, “Money might not guarantee happiness, but lack of it can stress your soul in ways people don’t talk about. Bills, responsibilities, expectations those things quietly drain joy. You can still smile, laugh, and be grateful, but peace hits different when you’re not constantly worried about survival.”

Whoever said “money can’t buy happiness” really knew what they were talking about

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 5, 2026

Another commented, “Send me 1 million dollars so I can understand you.” One user wrote, “Yes true! Money is everything and also nothing! Money can buy food, but it cannot buy appetite! Money can buy a bed, but it cannot buy sleep!” Another pointed out, “It’s easier to be philosophical when rent is covered.”

A further comment noted, “A lot of happiness comes from helping others. You have helped millions, and someday it will likely be billions. You just need to appreciate what you have accomplished for so many. Happiness can also be found in a long-term relationship with someone really special. It is time for you to find someone for the long term. Just my two cents.”

The timing of Elon Musk’s post drew attention because his net worth recently crossed a record figure. According to Forbes, he became the first person in history to be worth more than $800 billion. This milestone followed a major corporate move: SpaceX, Musk’s rocket company, acquired his artificial intelligence firm xAI in a deal valued at about $1.25 trillion. The deal is estimated to have increased Musk’s personal fortune by $84 billion, to roughly $852 billion.