How Mark Zuckerberg, Palmer Luckey, Josh Kushner & Scott Wu Think | Jeremy Stern

Long-form biographical profiling requires identifying subjects who embody broader cultural or historical themes rather than merely reporting on business success. Jeremy Stern, a writer known for his deep-dive profiles, explains that his process begins with a specific intellectual curiosity—such as the nature of defense technology or the evolution of the American Dream—before selecting a subject like Mark Zuckerberg, Scott Wu, or Josh Kushner to serve as a lens for that inquiry. These figures are often driven by a relentless, singular compulsion to build, frequently drawing parallels to historical leaders like Augustus. By conducting extensive interviews and research, Stern strips away public relations layers to reveal the underlying human psychology. This craft relies on literary ambition, treating these individuals as complex, historically contingent characters rather than static icons of industry.