

#155
Mentioned in 172 episodes
The Power Broker
Robert Moses and the Fall of New York
Book • 1975
This book is a monumental biography of Robert Moses, who was the single most powerful man in New York City and State during his time.
It explores how Moses accumulated and wielded power, shaping the city through his public works projects, including highways, bridges, and parks.
The book delves into Moses's early life, his idealistic beginnings, and his transformation into a powerful figure who dominated New York's politics without ever being elected.
It also highlights the social and environmental impacts of his projects and his eventual fall from power.
The biography is renowned for its detailed and nuanced portrayal of power dynamics in urban politics.
It explores how Moses accumulated and wielded power, shaping the city through his public works projects, including highways, bridges, and parks.
The book delves into Moses's early life, his idealistic beginnings, and his transformation into a powerful figure who dominated New York's politics without ever being elected.
It also highlights the social and environmental impacts of his projects and his eventual fall from power.
The biography is renowned for its detailed and nuanced portrayal of power dynamics in urban politics.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 172 episodes
Recommended by 

as a long, nuanced biography worth reading for long-arc thinking and seeing how someone gets things done.


Jenny Wen

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as a long, deep read she’s been working through and recommends approaches to tackling such books.


Tara Seshan

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in relation to Sam Hinkie's discussion on Caro's work and the sacrifices required for reaching the top.


David Senra

2,359 snips
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Mentioned by 

as another classic biography written by Robert Caro.


Cal Newport

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Mentioned by 

, discussing his multi-part biography of Lyndon B. Johnson.


David Senra

1,918 snips
#302 Napoleon (The Mind of Napoleon)
Recommended by 

as an important work for understanding political power in New York, via a podcast series that walks listeners through it.


Tim Ferriss

1,770 snips
#858: The Random Show, Couch Edition! — Supplements, Hummingbirds, Cock Rings, Optimizing Mitochondria, Breathing and Balance Training, Cool Grip Strength Tools, and More
Mentioned by 

as potentially the greatest biography of all time, requiring significant research.


Shaan Puri

1,474 snips
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Recommended by 

as a well-written book about Robert Moses, explaining how power works in a democratic society.


Martin Fowler

1,052 snips
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Mentioned by 

as an example of a writer who created a simple yet effective deep work environment.


Cal Newport

905 snips
Ep. 320: Jobs and the Deep Life
Mentioned by 

as a book he reread about Robert Moses and power in urban development.


Lloyd Blankfein

888 snips
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