The Powerbroker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York Robert A. Caro
O boy. I love Caro and his writing with a burning passion. Lessons from the book: I have a newfound appreciation for the role of humility in individuals with power. I think Moses' tragic flaw, and what led to his fall from grace, can be attributed to his arrogance. I think I am leaning towards his conclusion that the purpose of life is the accomplishment of magnificent things, and for that I respect Moses. But is it possible to even accomplish things when one is not arrogant? Idk. I hope so. On the other hand, I feel like accomplishments breed arrogance; I would love to believe it's possible to humbly approach and achieve things. On another note, cars should be banned. Public transit + walking + biking + trains should be the dominant mode of transportation for the vast majority of people. Roads are stupid and highways are figuratively demonic. Public authorities are also so freaking cool. The last thing I want to discuss is the death of the romantic. I think this comes back to the idea of humility, but the pragmatic realist and the dreamy romantic should both hold a dear place in everyone's hearts. But does the builder need to prioritize one at the expense of the other? I think this also closely models the battle between LBJ and Coke Stevenson. Something to chew on.