Dwarkesh Podcast Kenneth T. Jackson - Robert Moses, Hero of New York?
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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.
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Moses' Financial Struggles
- Robert Moses, despite his immense power, struggled financially.
- He famously had to accept a salary at 71 to pay for his daughter's cancer treatment after decades of working for a dollar a year.
Moses and NYC's Success
- New York City's success is partly due to Moses' public works projects, including highways and public housing.
- Without these, the city might have declined like Detroit or other major Northeastern and Midwestern cities.
Moses Never Drove
- Robert Moses, despite shaping car culture, never drove.
- He was constantly chauffeured, even using two limousines with rotating secretaries to maximize his work time.
