Despite being crowned the richest man in the world, Elon Musk’s lifestyle might surprise many. A recent revelation by his ex-girlfriend has painted a picture of the tech mogul as a man who lives “below the poverty line,” often refusing to indulge in the luxuries his immense fortune could afford.

The woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, shared a series of anecdotes that highlighted Musk’s unconventional approach to money. She disclosed that Musk once balked at the idea of replacing a leaky mattress, a decision that seemed baffling given his billionaire status. “He was so focused on his work and projects that he didn’t see the point in spending money on comfort,” she explained.

The mattress incident was just one of many examples of Musk’s extreme frugality. According to the ex-girlfriend, the couple spent eight consecutive days surviving on peanut butter, a meal choice that seemed at odds with Musk’s status as a global icon of wealth and innovation. “It wasn’t about the money,” she emphasized. “He genuinely doesn’t care about material wealth. For him, it’s all about the mission and the vision.”

Elon Musk’s fortune, estimated at over $200 billion, is built on groundbreaking ventures like Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink. Yet, the billionaire’s personal habits often reflect a minimalist lifestyle, one that stands in stark contrast to his public persona as a tech visionary. Musk himself has addressed his modest living arrangements in the past, mentioning that he lives in a tiny prefabricated home near SpaceX’s headquarters in Texas.

This revelation from his ex-girlfriend aligns with Musk’s own statements about his values. In 2020, Musk famously tweeted that he would be “selling almost all physical possessions” and would “own no house.” True to his word, he sold several of his luxurious properties, further cementing his reputation as a billionaire who values purpose over possessions.

For Musk, the sacrifices extend beyond material comforts. His ex-girlfriend described him as someone wholly devoted to his work, often at the expense of personal relationships and leisure. “Elon’s mind is constantly racing. Even when we were together, it felt like he was always working through the next big problem,” she said.

Musk’s frugality might be shocking, but it appears to be part of his broader philosophy. By avoiding excess and staying laser-focused on his goals, Musk has been able to channel resources into projects he believes will benefit humanity, such as colonizing Mars or advancing renewable energy.

The revelations have sparked mixed reactions online. While some admire Musk’s dedication and find his lifestyle inspiring, others question whether his frugality crosses the line into neglecting basic needs. Critics have pointed out that living on peanut butter for eight days or refusing to replace a leaky mattress could be seen as unnecessary austerity rather than pragmatism.

Supporters, however, view Musk’s lifestyle as a testament to his authenticity. “It’s refreshing to see someone who doesn’t let wealth change their values,” one fan commented. “Elon is showing us that it’s not about how much money you have, but how you use it to make a difference.”

The anecdotes shared by Musk’s ex-girlfriend add another layer to the enigmatic persona of one of the world’s most influential figures. Musk’s life choices—however unconventional—underscore his commitment to a larger vision. While most billionaires might be defined by their opulent lifestyles, Musk remains focused on his mission: solving humanity’s greatest challenges.

For better or worse, Musk’s frugality reveals a man driven not by the trappings of wealth but by the pursuit of a future he deems worth fighting for. As the world continues to watch his every move, these glimpses into his personal life remind us that even the richest man on Earth is, at his core, a complex and deeply human figure.