Elon Musk Says Declining Birth Rates Could Be Society's Downfall

Tesla CEO Elon Musk believes that diminishing birthrates is “one of the biggest risks to civilizations,” emphasizing that “there are not enough people."

Musk’s comments come as birth rates are decreasing nationwide. According to research from Cornell University, U.S. birth rates dropped by 7.1% during the pandemic.

"U.S. fertility rates are likely to be considerably below replacement levels for the foreseeable future,” according to a Brookings Institution analysis. “This is driven by more than a decade of falling birth rates and declining births at all ages for multiple cohorts of women, not simply the aftermath of the pandemic-induced reduction in births."

Musk also believes that "so many people, including smart people," are under the impression that birth rates and the population are increasing out of control.

“It’s completely the opposite,” Musk stressed.

The SpaceX CEO said in a tweet last week that there should be an age limit after which running for political office would be prohibited.

“Let’s set an age limit after which you can’t run for political office, perhaps a number just below 70 …” he said.

Musk also addressed the topic of aging, saying he believes people should not "try to live for a super long time” as it threatens the emergence of new ideas and perspectives.

"I think it is important for us to die because most of the times, people don't change their mind, they just die,” he said. “If they live forever, then we might become a very ossified society where new ideas cannot succeed."

The father of six said he is trying to set a good example when asked why he has had so many children.

“If people don’t have more children, civilization is going to crumble," Musk emphasized. "Mark my words."