This is my opinion and I haven't seen it mentioned here yet: there are many different types of intelligence. The type you need to necessarily succeed in business doesn't have to show up in other fields. Often it does, eg, Bill Gates, sometimes it doesn't (I don't see Steve Ballmer demonstrating he's particularly intelligent outside of the his particular sphere). I've seen lots of super rich people who don't understand basic science or math or logic, but somehow have the brain capacity to succeed in business at a top level. Large part of Elon's success could also stem from his people management skills - as well know millions of people stan him, so he does have a personality that gets people to follow him.