A Deep Dive into the Life of Joshua Haldeman, the Maternal Grandfather of Elon Musk
In a recent exploration by The Atlantic, the life of Joshua Haldeman, the late grandfather of Elon Musk, is unveiled, shedding light on a complex and controversial figure whose beliefs and affiliations left a lasting impact.
Technocracy and the Mysterious “X” Names: Joshua Haldeman was a member of “Technocracy Incorporated,” a movement that emerged in the 1920s with a unique set of principles. Followers believed that the world should be governed by engineers and scientists based in North America. Their vision encompassed a future where societal issues would be resolved by these technical elites, and individuals would work for only 20 years before retiring. The movement gained prominence during the Great Depression and counted over half a million members in California at one point.
Members of Technocracy often referred to each other by numbers (Haldeman was 10450-1) and occasionally added “X” to their names. Uniform gray clothing, identical vehicles, and special salutes characterized the group’s distinctive identity, leading some to perceive it as having elements of an incipient Fascist movement.
Canada’s Ban on Technocracy:
Canada ultimately banned Technocracy Incorporated due to its opposition to the country’s involvement in World War II, viewing the organization and its members as national security threats. Haldeman was arrested and convicted for his association with the movement.
Involvement in the Social Credit Party:
Subsequently, Haldeman became involved with Canada’s Social Credit Party, which propagated unfounded conspiracy theories about Jewish people and was widely criticized for its blatant antisemitism. As the national chair of the SCP, Haldeman defended the party’s beliefs while making statements with antisemitic undertones.
Antisemitism and the Publication of “The Protocols of the Elders of Zion”: The SCP used its platform to publish “The Protocols of the Elders of Zion,” a fraudulent text detailing a fictitious meeting among Jewish leaders aimed at world domination. Haldeman defended this publication, claiming he witnessed the protocols “rapidly unfolding.”
Parallels to Elon Musk’s Ideals:
Historians have noted that Elon Musk’s belief in technology’s ability to solve societal challenges aligns with some of the technocratic principles promoted by his grandfather. Musk has previously suggested that Mars should be governed by a technocracy.
Joshua Haldeman’s Support for Apartheid:
Following his political involvement, Haldeman fervently supported apartheid in South Africa. He expressed his belief that South Africa would become the leader of white civilization worldwide. Haldeman also wrote about international conspiracies of world domination by an elite group while in South Africa.
Legacy and Family Connection:
Joshua Haldeman, born in 1902 in the US, married Wyn Haldeman, a dance instructor, and they had three children. Maye Musk, one of his daughters, is the mother of Elon Musk. Joshua Haldeman passed away in 1974 when Elon Musk was still a toddler.
The life of Elon Musk’s grandfather, Joshua Haldeman, is a story of complex beliefs, affiliations, and controversial associations, offering intriguing insights into the family history of one of the world’s most prominent entrepreneurs.