Elon Musk has done plenty of long term thinking. Colonizing mars isn’t something we will see much benefit from, but our grandchildren and great grandchildren might.
Attempting to colonize Mars is idiotic, as is setting in motion plans to begin working towards that goal. There's an entire continent on Earth we haven't figured out how to colonize yet. This is exactly why we don't want a new Caesar: we'll be hostage to their dumb science fiction kinks (until they murder us for pointing out how dumb what they're saying is, if history is any guide).
I do lots of long term thinking as well, but you probably don't want me as your autocratic ruler. I'd like my grandchildren to have a chance at surviving on this world.
