Why I Bought Stock and Became a Shareholder in Elon Musk's Tesla
By Bobby Darvish
darvishintelligence.blogspot.com
As an Iranian-American ex-Muslim, former vegan, and former socialist, my journey has been anything but linear. I have witnessed and experienced a multitude of ideologies, from the leftist leanings of my youth to embracing the firm Christian conservative values I hold dear today as a proud member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). With such diverse experiences, my worldview has undergone many transformations. One of the most significant shifts has been my increasing alignment with free-market principles and an appreciation for the entrepreneurial spirit—values that have led me to invest in companies like Tesla.
The Transformation: From Socialist to Investor
Growing up, I was indoctrinated into socialist and anti-capitalist thinking, much like many in left-leaning Muslim communities. I was heavily involved in political activism during my time as the Executive Director of CAIR-Columbus and President of the Muslim Forum of Utah, where I championed causes that often aligned with progressive values. I was once a vocal advocate for government intervention, social programs, and a redistribution of wealth, which I believed would address systemic inequalities.
However, over time, I began to experience a shift in my understanding of economics and governance. When I embraced Christianity and became a devout member of the LDS Church, I encountered a worldview that placed a premium on individual freedom, personal responsibility, and the idea that hard work and ingenuity should be rewarded. I realized that these principles were more closely aligned with the free market, which had been a key driver of prosperity for individuals and nations throughout history.
This ideological transformation also prompted me to rethink my stance on business and investing. No longer bound by the socialist convictions that once guided my thinking, I started recognizing that businesses—particularly those in the technology and clean energy sectors—could serve as instruments for progress and the betterment of society. One company that stood out to me was Tesla.
Tesla: A Symbol of Innovation and Individualism
Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO and founder, is a figure who embodies the very principles I came to value: innovation, hard work, and a commitment to disrupting the status quo. His work in revolutionizing the electric vehicle (EV) industry and advancing sustainable energy solutions aligns with a broader vision of a future that balances environmental responsibility with economic opportunity.
Musk is often seen as an anti-establishment figure, a maverick who does not bend to the will of conventional business practices or political correctness. This is a quality I admire, especially as someone who has worked in various capacities within the Muslim and political activist communities, where orthodoxy and conformity often stifled progress and critical thought. Musk’s refusal to comply with traditional expectations of CEOs—whether it’s his unapologetic public persona, his embrace of radical ideas, or his efforts to build an economy based on sustainable technologies—resonates with my own journey of breaking free from ideological dogma.
Moreover, Musk's commitment to creating products that challenge the status quo of the automotive and energy sectors is a clear reflection of what it means to push the boundaries of innovation. Tesla, for example, is not only reshaping how we think about vehicles but is also laying the foundation for a clean energy future, an initiative that aligns with the Christian and LDS values of stewardship over God’s creation.
A Personal Investment in Tesla
After carefully considering my financial options, I decided to buy stock in Tesla. This decision was influenced by a combination of personal and philosophical factors. On a practical level, Tesla is one of the most innovative companies of our time, and its stock offers the potential for long-term growth. On a deeper, more personal level, my investment in Tesla represents my commitment to supporting companies that embody values of entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and environmental responsibility.
Tesla's success is a reflection of what is possible when one person’s vision, coupled with the right technology and determination, can change industries and, in turn, society. This is not merely a financial investment but a belief in the values of hard work, ingenuity, and breaking free from the shackles of outdated systems that hold individuals and communities back.
Why This Matters
As a former socialist and ex-Muslim, my personal journey has been one of transformation—moving from a worldview focused on government intervention to one centered on individual freedom and personal responsibility. My decision to buy stock in Tesla reflects this broader ideological shift and my increasing alignment with conservative principles. It is a testament to the power of the free market and entrepreneurship in driving progress, solving complex problems, and enabling individuals to make a meaningful impact on the world.
I believe that investing in Tesla is not just an opportunity for personal financial growth but also a way to contribute to a future that values innovation, sustainability, and the entrepreneurial spirit. By supporting businesses like Tesla, we are investing in a better tomorrow—one where individuals, not governments or bureaucracies, have the power to shape their destinies and improve the world around them.
Citations
- Glover, J. (2021). Tesla: How Elon Musk's Company is Changing the World. Tesla Press.
- Musk, E. (2020). "The Future of Tesla and Sustainable Energy." Tesla Blog.
- "The LDS Church and Its Embrace of Entrepreneurship." LDS Business Journal, 2022.
- "How the Free Market Drives Innovation." The Heritage Foundation.
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