Robert Caro – The master biographer reflects at 91

Robert Caro, the renowned biographer of Robert Moses and Lyndon Johnson, examines the nature of political power and the relentless drive required to achieve monumental public works. He argues that effective leadership often necessitates a unique capacity for overcoming bureaucratic and societal obstacles, though this power frequently hardens individuals, leading to a loss of empathy and a disregard for public opposition. Caro details his meticulous research methods, emphasizing the importance of primary documents and oral histories in uncovering the truth behind complex political figures. He reflects on the tragedy of power, noting how figures like Moses eventually lose their influence, and discusses the personal toll of his own decades-long commitment to documenting these lives. Through his work, Caro highlights the persistent tension between the necessity of decisive action in government and the democratic safeguards that often stall progress.