Walter Isaacson on Growing Up with Fewer Demons and Drives

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Growing up in a gentle and kind environment, the author reflects on the contrast between their peaceful upbringing and the remarkable accomplishments of figures like Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, and Leonardo Da Vinci. While the author acknowledges their lack of intense drive and risk-taking, they admire those who actively strive for greatness.

Walter Isaacson is an author of biographies on Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Einstein, Benjamin Franklin, Leonardo da Vinci, and many others. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
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Transcript: https://lexfridman.com/walter-isaacson-transcript

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Elon Musk: https://amzn.to/48aWSZC
The Code Breaker: https://amzn.to/3EAa0cU
Leonardo da Vinci: https://amzn.to/3RlFICB
The Innovators: https://amzn.to/45R8gs4
Steve Jobs: https://amzn.to/3P9Ak2B
American Sketches: https://amzn.to/45LM4PN
Einstein: https://amzn.to/3r6Ttu6
Benjamin Franklin: https://amzn.to/44NobWW
Kissinger: https://amzn.to/3RdTA1u
The Wise Men: https://amzn.to/45LQDJX

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OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(10:42) – Difficult childhood
(27:47) – Jennifer Doudna
(30:44) – Einstein
(36:02) – Tesla
(53:07) – Elon Musk’s humor
(57:17) – Steve Jobs’ cruelty
(1:00:41) – Twitter
(1:12:50) – Firing
(1:15:35) – Hiring
(1:24:38) – Time management
(1:32:22) – Groups vs individuals
(1:36:08) – Mortality
(1:39:40) – How to write
(2:00:38) – Love & relationships
(2:05:33) – Advice for young people