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Dwarkesh Podcast

Kenneth T. Jackson - Robert Moses, Hero of New York?

Nov 8, 2022

Kenneth T. Jackson, a leading historian on New York City and author of a definitive book on Robert Moses, shares insights into the complex legacy of this urban planner. He discusses why modern cities struggle to build effectively and poses provocative questions about the necessity of authoritarian figures in urban development. Jackson also reflects on the repercussions of Moses' highways on neighborhoods and the contrasting philosophies of urban planning represented by Moses and Jane Jacobs, illuminating the ongoing debate about progress in city living.

01:33:17

Creator website

Episode guests

Kenneth T. Jackson

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Robert Moses and the Modern City

Moses Was Like Hitler

Building a Building in New York City?

I'm Not Democratically Elect While You Are

1.

Intro

2min

2.

The Legacy of Robert Moses

13min

3.

The Paradox of Robert Moses

26min

4.

The Enduring Charm and Efficiency of New York City

2min

5.

Examining the Impact of Urban Development on Neighborhoods

6min

6.

Examining the Economic Value of Urban Highways

3min

7.

Urban Planning and Preservation in NYC

6min

8.

Urban Visionaries: Lessons from Robert Moses

15min

9.

The Complex Legacy of Robert Moses

21min

I had a fascinating discussion about Robert Moses and The Power Broker with Professor Kenneth T. Jackson.

He's the pre-eminent historian on NYC and author of Robert Moses and The Modern City: The Transformation of New York.

He answers:

* Why are we so much worse at building things today?

* Would NYC be like Detroit without the master builder?

* Does it take a tyrant to stop NIMBY?

Watch on YouTube. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast platform. Read the full transcript here.

Follow me on Twitter for updates on future episodes.

Timestamps

(0:00:00) Preview + Intro

(0:11:13) How Moses Gained Power

(0:18:22) Moses Saved NYC?

(0:27:31) Moses the Startup Founder?

(0:32:34) The Case Against Moses Highways

(0:50:30) NIMBYism

(1:02:44) Is Progress Cyclical

(1:11:13) Friendship with Caro

(1:19:50) Moses the Longtermist?

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