We humans are cognitively constrained by a variety of factors, the two most pertinent of which are (i) our limited brain capacity, and (ii) the fact we're a social species. This results in evolutionary hardwiring that creates certain fixed behaviors such as (i) embracing simplistic ideas because they require less neural effort than attempting to grapple with real-world complexity, and (ii) the need to play follow-the-leader so as to promote group cohesion. The fact we no longer live within small hunter-gatherer groups is irrelevant; the brain has not caught up with our modern way of life.

What all this means is that most people conflate fame and position with ability ("he's the King, so he MUST know what he's doing!"). And as countless studies have shown, once we form an idea - no matter how erroneous - we cling to it tenaciously, rejecting all real-world evidence to the contrary. The legion of Musk fans, therefore, will perceive even the most obvious stupidity as further signs of a "genius" Musk has never, and will never, possess.