Superb - what a great invitation to read Power Broker and learn about a man of whom, up until this morning, I had not heard. Worth taking out the subscription just for this. Thank you. Interesting take on the definition of the Deep State which in its entangled and entrenched system of sinecures and revolving doors between corporate and ‘public service’ interests fosters a self-referencing swamp of corruption. Moses appears to have carved out a personal fiefdom within the Administrative Kingdom and I am interested to find out whether he accumulated a personal fortune or whether the power of “Gestaltung” was reward enough?
For Moses the Gestaltung und die Leistung waren alles. While he was well-off I do not recall him living in luxury. Moses craved power above everything and his ultimate thrill in life was using his power to transform his environment. Unlike today's political class he was hyper competent. Competent to a fault even, in that even valid pushback of bad projects was rarely able to stop him. To the extent that he was corrupt, he funneled the proceeds of corruption into expanding his empire, not his bank account.
Thanks for subscribing Steven! I'm glad I was able to share the Power Broker with you. It really was an enlightening read. However polarizing he was, Robert Moses was a fascinating & brilliant man.
Again, I'm buying another book you've recommended, excellent article.
Thanks Greg, glad you enjoyed the article! It really is a fantastic book, I think you'll like it.
Superb - what a great invitation to read Power Broker and learn about a man of whom, up until this morning, I had not heard. Worth taking out the subscription just for this. Thank you. Interesting take on the definition of the Deep State which in its entangled and entrenched system of sinecures and revolving doors between corporate and ‘public service’ interests fosters a self-referencing swamp of corruption. Moses appears to have carved out a personal fiefdom within the Administrative Kingdom and I am interested to find out whether he accumulated a personal fortune or whether the power of “Gestaltung” was reward enough?
For Moses the Gestaltung und die Leistung waren alles. While he was well-off I do not recall him living in luxury. Moses craved power above everything and his ultimate thrill in life was using his power to transform his environment. Unlike today's political class he was hyper competent. Competent to a fault even, in that even valid pushback of bad projects was rarely able to stop him. To the extent that he was corrupt, he funneled the proceeds of corruption into expanding his empire, not his bank account.
Thanks for subscribing Steven! I'm glad I was able to share the Power Broker with you. It really was an enlightening read. However polarizing he was, Robert Moses was a fascinating & brilliant man.