Elon Musk and JK Rowling used to inspire millions—now they’re spreading hate. Here’s how wealth distorts morality.

Elon Musk, the driving force behind Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink used to be called a visionary. We said he was the man who would lead humanity to Mars and reshape the future of transportation. JK Rowling, author of the beloved Harry Potter series, was one of the most celebrated writers in the world, inspiring millions with her story of overcoming adversity to create a literary empire.

And both have almost actively worked to turn their own fan bases against themselves, embracing conspiracy theories, hate speech and even holocaust denialism.

But they’re not alone.

Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, the lauded venture capitalist founders of A16Z and their fellow rich-lister David Sacks have all lined up to take a public shit on minorities and the marginalised by openly endorsing Donald Trump, a man who is actively calling for mass deportations.

What causes this “brainrot” phenomenon among the super-wealthy, leading them to embrace bigoted views and alienate the very societies that helped them amass their fortunes?

Does Bigotry Increase With Age?

This is the “easy” answer.

Both Rowling and Musk have drifted further and further to the fringes as they have passed middle age. And research does show that as some folks grow older, certain cognitive changes can make them more prone to holding and expressing bigoted views.

One of the most significant neurological changes associated with aging is the atrophy of the brain’s frontal lobes. This region is responsible for inhibiting inappropriate thoughts and behaviors, a function that can deteriorate over time. Psychologist William von Hippel explains, “Older adults in our experiments are more likely than younger adults to rely on stereotypes and they have more difficulty than younger adults suppressing their stereotypic thoughts.” As these inhibitions weaken, older adults might be more likely to express prejudiced views that they may have previously kept in check.

This cognitive decline is often compounded by a fear of societal change. In an era where issues such as gender identity, racial equality, and inclusivity are at the forefront of public discourse, older individuals may feel increasingly alienated. As psychologist Steve Taylor notes, “There’s just a general feeling of anxiety in the air that creates this need for identity and belonging, and this need to demonize other groups.”

But it can’t be that simple.

In fact, it categorically is not that fucking simple.

If age has a part to play, what about the many people who grow older and become more progressive, open-minded, and accepting?

Why do some individuals follow a path toward reactionary thinking, while others embrace change and develop a more inclusive worldview?

What accounts for the difference?

Not to be Captain Obvious here, but - it’s the fucking money.

How Wealth Insulates Musk and Rowling, Fostering Bigotry

Wealth, especially at the extreme levels of Musk and Rowling, engineers a kind of social and intellectual isolation. The mega-rich are surrounded by people whose livelihoods depend on pleasing them—employees, advisors, and even friends and family hesitate to challenge their opinions or actions out of fear of losing their proximity to power and wealth.

When people are cut off from critical feedback, their ability to reflect on their behavior or reconsider any stance weakens. They feel validated by a small inner circle of individuals who either share their views or refrain from pushing back.

This is an environment where harmful beliefs will almost inevitably fester, unchallenged by the broader societal discourse that most people encounter in daily life.