Founders – #305 Robert Caro on the relationship with your father, power, poverty, ruthlessness, obsession and running.

Intro

In this episode of the “Founders” podcast, host [Host Name] interviews Robert Caro, renowned biographer and author of books such as “The Power Broker” and “Working.” Caro discusses his writing process, the influence of his relationship with his father on his work, and the lessons he learned from studying influential figures like Lyndon B. Johnson and Robert Moses.

Main Takeaways

Exploring Life’s Work

• A reoccurring theme for founders is searching for their life’s work, often meaning starting more than one company.

Power and Influence

• Lyndon Johnson’s central fact of life was his relationship with his father, which influenced his political activities and ability to count votes.
• Robert Caro’s biographies provide insight into how power works in the world.
• Ruthlessness is a shared trait among influential figures like Caro, Johnson, and Robert Moses.

The Writing Process

• Robert Caro takes a deliberate and thorough approach to his research and writing.
• Caro’s research process is a powerful force that he cannot ignore, often leading to long gaps between his books.
• Caro’s dedication to his work and research is reminiscent of Steve Jobs’ famous statement, “I’m a reflection of what I do.”

The Influence of Fathers

• Both Robert Caro and Lyndon Johnson’s greatest talents stemmed from their dysfunctional relationships with their fathers.
• Understanding the influence of their fathers helps shed light on the motivations and work ethics of Caro, Johnson, and even Steve Jobs.

Summary

Exploring Life’s Work

One of the recurring themes for founders is the search for their life’s work, often leading them to start multiple companies. This exploration allows them to find their true passion and make a lasting impact.

Power and Influence

Lyndon Johnson’s relationship with his father played a significant role in shaping his political activities, particularly his ability to count votes. Robert Caro’s biographies provide valuable insights into how power operates in the world, highlighting the ruthless nature of influential figures like Johnson and Robert Moses.

The Writing Process

Robert Caro’s meticulous research process sets him apart as one of the greatest biographers of our time. He prioritizes thorough research over deadlines and financial constraints, ensuring that his books are comprehensive and insightful. Caro’s dedication to his work and research mirrors Steve Jobs’ philosophy of being a reflection of one’s actions.

The Influence of Fathers

The dysfunctional relationships Robert Caro and Lyndon Johnson had with their fathers had a profound impact on their lives and work. Understanding these influences helps explain their relentless work ethics and determination to succeed. This pattern extends to other influential figures like Steve Jobs, highlighting the significance of the father-son dynamic.

Conclusion

This episode of the “Founders” podcast delves into the relationship between fathers and their influential sons, exploring how these dynamics shape their life’s work. Robert Caro’s insights into power, perseverance, and the writing process offer valuable lessons for founders and individuals striving for success in their respective fields.