James May on Pub Ownership, Tesla, and the Future of Britain

James May's Pub Venture

• 🍻 James May discusses his part-ownership of The Royal Oak pub in Wiltshire, which he joined to prevent it from closing.
• 💼 He admits to not being involved in the day-to-day running, preferring to be a customer, and humorously notes his suggestions are often ignored by the staff.
• 💰 May highlights the financial challenges of running a pub, stating that pubs often only "wipe their own face" and that profitability is extremely difficult, with margins often under 5%.
• 🏠 He believes pubs offer an essential social experience beyond just selling beer, a value that might increase in an AI-dominated future.

The Tesla and Electric Car Debate

• 🚗 May drives a Tesla but clarifies he didn't buy it due to admiration for Elon Musk, whom he believes has "gone a bit batshit recently."
• 💡 He sees owning a Tesla as participating in an "experiment" and a nod to the engineers rather than Musk himself.
• 🤔 If given the choice again, May might lean towards other electric car manufacturers like Polestar, citing Tesla's occasional design missteps like the touchscreen controls and indicator button.
• 🔌 He believes electric cars should be made so good that people buy them naturally, rather than relying on government incentives, and that battery technology still needs improvement.

Social Media, Free Speech, and Modern Life

• 🗣️ May advocates for absolute freedom of speech on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), even if it includes abuse, arguing it's better to hear and shut down harmful speech openly than to suppress it.
• 📱 He acknowledges social media isn't real society but finds it fascinating, though he admits to occasionally being stung by online abuse.
• 🏠 Regarding younger generations, May believes they have it harder due to unaffordable housing and the mental load of complex social issues, countering stereotypes of them being lazy.
• 🤔 He questions the focus on superficial consumption like expensive coffees and avocados, contrasting it with the practical life skills he valued growing up.

The Role of Men and Practical Skills

• 🛠️ May reflects on the concept of "manliness," suggesting it involves being useful and capable of mending or creating things, a value he feels has been de-emphasized.
• 🧠 He is wary of defining roles too rigidly, preferring a curiosity that allows for dabbling in various skills, though he envies those who achieve brilliance in a single field.
• 🌍 He shares a touching anecdote about being recognized as "Mr. Slowly" in a remote part of Iraq, highlighting the unexpected reach of his public persona.
• 🐕 May expresses a desire for a dog but feels his erratic life makes it unfair to the animal, preferring to wait for a pet to "find him."