Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast. Transcript: lexfridman.com/walter-isaacson-transcript 0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions: - MasterClass: masterclass.com/lexpod to get 15% off - NetSuite: netsuite.com/lex to get free product tour - BetterHelp: betterhelp.com/lex to get 10% off - ExpressVPN: expressvpn.com/lexpod to get 3 months free - Shopify: shopify.com/lex to get $1 per month trial 3:00 - Difficult childhood 20:04 - Jennifer Doudna 23:01 - Einstein 28:20 - Tesla 45:24 - Elon Musk's humor 49:34 - Steve Jobs' cruelty 52:58 - Twitter 1:05:07 - Firing 1:07:52 - Hiring 1:16:55 - Time management 1:24:39 - Groups vs individuals 1:28:25 - Mortality 1:31:57 - How to write 1:52:56 - Love & relationships 1:57:50 - Advice for young people

@EddieExplores

7 ай бұрын

I recently begun making KZread videos of my travels. Any advice on how I can improve them would mean a lot!

@ercanarisoy

7 ай бұрын

Painter's self-portrait is an excellent choice, I guess, as the cover of Dr. Isaacson's Da Vinci biography. Nasa has also chosen this very painting to represent Curiosity mission on Mars nearly a decade ago. We're living in an age that can easily consume everything but we couldn't yet fully absorb Leonardo's mysterious legacy. I want to read the book as soon as possible. Maybe I'll also learn some new things about 'Sacred Geometry'? 🤫😊

@danieltoran7260

7 ай бұрын

😊

@janetstanley5727

7 ай бұрын

Has anyone talked about folding space?

@janetstanley5727

7 ай бұрын

Elon will suffer a burn out if he doesn’t focus on other projects and that would be sad, although he could kick start a new way of thinking with bi polar

This conversation felt like a 2 hour book. One of the best ever from Lex. Bravo.

@aditichawla5836

7 ай бұрын

Love to know about elon musk

@nicomal

7 ай бұрын

I was thinking the same thing. One of my favorite conversations I have heard in this podcast. I'll be revisiting it in the future.

@The_Quaalude

4 ай бұрын

Well his guest does write books for a living

The only true long format interviewer I enjoy enough to watch and listen to repeatedly. Thank you Lex for your wide variety of guests and subjects.

@aendoh

7 ай бұрын

Give modern wisdom also a try. :)

@Rohit__4748

7 ай бұрын

I feel Same

@birbluv9595

7 ай бұрын

Lex is a true gift to those of us who love long-form interviews of a wide variety of people. I’ve learned so much from his podcasts. Thank you, Lex.

@carvalhoribeiro

7 ай бұрын

Mr. Isaacson was a master in 43:07

@johnmcwade1

7 ай бұрын

@@TormentalityYou go first.

This is such a legendary collab. Read the Steve Jobs and Benjamin franklin biographies he wrote last year. Read the Davinci one this year and now working on the Einstein one. The amount of research this man must do to write such in-depth and easy to digest pieces of work is astounding. He will be a major reason why these legends are not forgotten hundred of years in the future! Thank you lex for having this conversation.

@grayowl108

7 ай бұрын

Ditto! His biographies of both Jobs and Franklin were outstanding. Walter has the gift of making you feel like you're part of the subjects inner circle.

@thomasjones4570

7 ай бұрын

His work is highly questioned though. Many inaccuracies made to fit a modern audience...aka, not true. He actually said Da Vinci was gay. its 100% false. It comes from Freud who wrote a paper about it and some moronic modern moralistic re-writing of history using assumption that because he did not marry it meant he was gay and hiding his sexual nature. A biographer should never make ASSUMPTIONS.

@snewze323

7 ай бұрын

@@thomasjones4570is it 100% false?

@thomasjones4570

7 ай бұрын

@@snewze323A person cant be 5% gay.

@animeyoverload9820

7 ай бұрын

What was his first bestselling book? Second is Elon still going

Excellent interview and video. Profoundly informative as always

@mathieutyler8745

7 ай бұрын

Blah.

@peredavi

7 ай бұрын

@@mathieutyler8745You should stick to cartoons and porn.

@Creole_Rebellion

5 ай бұрын

@@mathieutyler8745why Blah?

"I always respect those in the arena." No better way to start this talk.

@johnlymanfraser

7 ай бұрын

There is a great tyranny in creativity.

@johnlymanfraser

7 ай бұрын

One has to be thoughtful of collateral damage.

@lindyswing4368

7 ай бұрын

Are we still talking about Chamath

@danlovaj

7 ай бұрын

Definitely above the line

@scottrerickson9626

7 ай бұрын

@@johnlymanfraser 25:28 😅 35:38

I like how Walter very gently introduces Lex to the idea that you can be brilliant and not intense. It is a great motivation to change the world, but we can't all be trail blazers, so we should also give credit to those who just do the right thing.

@SerenityDreaming

7 ай бұрын

Why not both?

@sirishgreen

7 ай бұрын

@SerenityDreaming Good question. I don't think I imply that these things are exclusive, so there is no problem with both. My focus was more on how inspiring it can be when you hear a story of someone doing the right thing, regardless of how many people it directly impacts. Of course, we should admire people who achieve and aspire to great things. We would be lost without them, but there is a balance. If, instead of launching rockets to Mars, for example, you are helping your local community, friends, or strangers, you are also inspiring people. I think it's important to remember this.

@jacquelyngutierrez5427

7 ай бұрын

I don’t agree, I think Walter is a trail blazer in every sense of the word. He’s just a different kind of trailblazer with possible different motivations. You don’t get to the heights he’s gotten without intensity but channeling it and distributing it differently

@sirishgreen

7 ай бұрын

@jacquelyngutierrez5427 No doubt, Walter has intensity. Everyone has it to a certain degree, but there is a big difference in the amount of intensity between Elon and Walter. You can still be brilliant, and Walter is obviously brilliant, and so was the procrastinator Da vinci.

@juliahello6673

7 ай бұрын

Just doing the right thing doesn’t change very much. Just because we can’t all have a huge impact doesn’t mean we can’t acknowledge that we would be better if we could.

Now this is QUALITY YT content, actually worth a damn and definitely educating.

@catchaser52

4 ай бұрын

BUT. Does it belong here ?

@voltski

4 ай бұрын

Are we talking about Howard Hughes ??

His biography of Steve Jobs was really inspiring to me as a teenager. I can’t believe he’s written so many others! Now I’m doubled inspired, both by jobs, and Isaacson himself as a writer. It shows the impact you can have if you follow your passion. As Lex said, I’m sure many of us have been inspired to self actualize by Isaacson’s biographies of world changing people.

@michaelowens5394

5 ай бұрын

Thank you for saying this. I feel this, but in my tiny corner of the world it seems silly to compare myself to Jobs.

@joshiasbaja3934

3 ай бұрын

When I first moved to San Jose, California-the capital of Silicon Valley, I found a copy of Steve Jobs’ biography at a Goodwill and read it in two weeks. It was exciting to learn about Steve Jobs as I explored the San Francisco Bay area. At first I wanted to find some of Steve Jobs residences but then lost interest. I found the ‘Museum of Computing History’ at Mountain View and it was exciting to see so many original computers and electronic devices. I also got to meet some interesting Uber passengers at Apple, Facebook, Google; a mix of engineers and employees. Also the Stanford University students were fun especially after parties.

@driliagor

20 күн бұрын

Einstein and Leonard da Vinci are axtremely well written as well

So far I'm very impressed by Walter Isaacson having never heard of him before. He has deeper insights than I ever expected.

@Darwin_is_my_copilot

7 ай бұрын

😂

@walkerblack47

7 ай бұрын

how could you have expected anything if you had never heard of him? and why are you impressed people you haven’t heard of have deep insights. wtf

@sean7098

7 ай бұрын

What makes you think that?

@Browny84

7 ай бұрын

His book on Da Vinci is amazing. Such a deep dive.

@LtBlue14

7 ай бұрын

Greatest biographer alive, or maybe of all time

Dude I love this show. It's good when the interviewer just let's the interviewee roll.

One of the best interviews I've watched this year. I love that Walter gives back to the community he grew up in. Keep it up!

@catchaser52

4 ай бұрын

Walter is transparent too.

Damn, Walter Isaacson knows exactly how to be the fly on the wall that we'd all like to be AND he knows how write it up well.

8 minutes in and I already know this will be one of my favourite interviews.

@phillmeredith

7 ай бұрын

Yep

Hi Lex, I am from Ethiopia. Thank you for this amazing podcast. It's such an inspiration for all of us, and it's a rare product

@ead630

7 ай бұрын

ሰላም የኔ ወንድም

@yimingzeng3811

7 ай бұрын

Dr.Abiy said hi.

@danielmulu1311

7 ай бұрын

ኢትዮጵያዎች ዝም በሉ, አትረብሹ ከዚህ

@NeilRaouf

7 ай бұрын

🇪🇹❤

There's nothing like reading a good biography. Informative, inspirational, and insightful. 🙌

I became a full-fledged multidimensional person that I am today due to the 8 years I spent in New Orleans. Walter's tribute to New Orleans at the end brought tears to my eyes. Thank you both for this beautiful conversation.

@GZWA

7 ай бұрын

504

@BetaBuxDelux

7 ай бұрын

What the heck happened in New Orleans?

@TeeTV22

7 ай бұрын

@@BetaBuxDeluxHer first BBC experience, what do you think..

@TheSteinbitt

3 ай бұрын

@@BetaBuxDeluxhookers and blow

This episode will humanize greatness. Thank you Lex!🎉

One of, if not the best, conversation I've ever listened to. Just incredibly awesome in every sense of the word.

As a wedding officiant who writes countless lovestories i got a lot out of this interview. From "let me tell you a story" through just listening in silence and letting them talk to quoting T.S. Eliot in the end there are so many gems in here. Time well spent - Thanks Lex & Walter!

I really enjoy Walter Isaacson’s work. He adds a ton to the world. The problem I worry about is he is committed to writing something entertaining, not necessarily what’s objective. So his writing, like many from fellow journalists, tend to overstate the importance of interesting-looking things and understate the boring explanations. That’s OK. It’s not dishonesty, it’s just how the world works. But it would be wise for younger readers to be aware of this bias and make sure they understand journalism is not history and not science, so take it with a grain of salt.

Lex brings on the most interesting intellectuals

never been more excited for a book than this one

Jesus this was sensational. The 6 words "Let me tell you a story" are going to be with me for the rest of my life. Thank you Lex and thank you Walter. I guess I have a series of biographies to read now!

Love when the conversation steered into Lex asking him about his interviewing/writing process. Conversations where an enthusiastic student engages the mind of an expert who is passionate to pass down the knowledge they have are priceless.

Never tire of W. Isaacson. Outstanding writer, interviewer, speaker and human being. Totally enjoyed this interview

@12801270able

7 ай бұрын

Until he started tarnishing his credibility by kowtowing to Elon's panic-driven quims on the Starlink-Crimea thing; in which case, he's doled out three entirely different narratives on how Elon handled the situation; each with an increasing amount of divorcing Elon's liability to what happened. Even in absence of the terms of the agreement between Starlink, the Pentagon, and the Ukrainian government, it's a shame we live in a moral-less era where people prioritize relationships and money above values and character. This "outstanding writer" of yours either published false - and deathly incriminating - information in the book and is now backtracking on it to correct the record (indicating incompetence for someone of his stature), or he's lying now to cover Elon's ass and retain the access that he has to him (which is more on the nose with Musk). "Outstanding" indeed, for someone with his reputation, making an elementary mistake usually more constrained to neophyte or sophomoric writers.

“I work hard to improve “. Amen. I live by that

This is becoming the absolute best show/podcast on any medium. You're great and getting greater at this stuff, Lex. Well done!!!

@AESETC

2 ай бұрын

All podcasts are in their own rights, no need for comparisons, something can just be good, doesn’t have to try and tear down other things/podcasts.

I’m so grateful to have discovered this podcast. As someone who has often felt like a misfit and struggled, but wants to contribute in the way your guests have, this place inspires me and makes me feel part of something meaningful, which is invaluable. Thank you Lex for making this freely available. You are doing so much good by sharing these conversations with everyone.

1:22:55 he's smiling and observing you, amused at your intensity, what a great episode. I gotta learn all new superlatives to praise you with. Also I'm watching this 2 more times today.

@gabrielbrina

7 ай бұрын

I was just thinking that

One of my favourite interviews so far. What a humble and great man. Examining and admitting to his own strengths and weaknesses and being open about that - and then moving on his strengths and having a real impact. An excellent example.

Took a break from the pod for a bit. This was the best reintroduction I could’ve asked. Walter is incredible.

Mr Isaacson is an extraordinary writer! Thank you sir for your work, it's very much appreciated.

@devilsolution9781

25 күн бұрын

Cheers, cutie

I wonder if Walter Isaacson has ever considered writing the biography of Nikola Tesla, another fascinating genius.

@barrym3651

7 ай бұрын

Musk is not a genius

@thomastran1344

7 ай бұрын

@@barrym3651umad?

@bobparker6922

7 ай бұрын

By "another" you would insinuate that Musk is a genius, which he most definitely is not. What is wrong with all these comments??

@thomastran1344

7 ай бұрын

@@bobparker6922 He is genius level… Individuals with an IQ of 145 or more are considered to be geniuses. Elon Musk's IQ falls between 150 - 155, making him one of the most intelligent people on the planet. Why everyone so mad?

@ZuduOoT

7 ай бұрын

@@bobparker6922 29:58 To recognize not just that something may be off ("6 bolts seems unnecessary - let's look further"), but to mentally "simulate" phenomena like this to come to the conclusion that 4 bolts would work, seems like a simple example of genius, especially when considering all the other anecdotal accounts of high intelligence. I suppose we need to first define what "genius" even means - Musk may not be a Newton or Mozartian prodigy - but by any conventional metric e.g. 145+ IQ, or intelligence+innovative streaks... give me a break. He's genius level intellect. He's a genius.

Two nice people talking intelligently. It's a joy to listen in!

One of the best interviews Lex. It was amazing to know more about W. Isacsson. How he can switch from Leonardo Franklin Einstein to Mask detailed stories. Love it

What a beautiful conversation. Thank you both.

Walter Isaacson of Podcast having a podcast with Walter Isaacson. Amazing :)

@sosospacesheep2344

7 ай бұрын

Well put

@user-dm2id9oq3q

7 ай бұрын

Cudnt agree more

Oh wow!!! My favourite biographer!!! I’ve read nearly all his books. Thanks for this Lex!!!❤

@obakengsmasekos5382

7 ай бұрын

Why not all, you loser👀

This is such a nice conversation to be a part of! I have such a great appreciation for Walter and Lex.

Amazing podcast as always Lex. After reading Walter Isaacson's biography on Steve Jobs, I must say that my perspective on how I view problems and tasks changed. It takes me less than a minute I approach tasks now as being solvable if only I stay long enough to decipher its intricate parts.

Such a beautiful conversation between two beautiful beings.

".....will ever result in sacrificing my integrity" Love this man, absolutely amazing! Thank you Lex

It has been a while since I have been so engaged in a podcast. Very well done, amazing conversation.

Thank you so much, Mr. Fridman and Mr. Isaacson. Thanks for the remarkable interview.

Fascinating. Bought an advance copy of the Musk biography - not something I would normally do - but Isaacson is so respected [and the advance price was a 3rd off] that it was a no-brainer.

@briangrimmer8225

7 ай бұрын

As for Elon, What a joke😂 The daft one can’t even put a sign on his own building let alone monetize an already global platform with whopping brand equity he then set fire to. The rest… Tesla, SpaceX was done by real engineers who he happens to mistreat and then takes their credit. He was ousted from PayPal early on when he went on honeymoon the rest has been nothing but Fierce Surrogacy 😂

Thank you so much for this, both Lex and Walter! This was truly inspiring two hours!! ❤️

Thank you very much, Lex. Just got done listening to this very energized interview with Issac and found the wisdom so enriching and nourishing of my spirit. Thank you 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏, Lex. Keep marching forward knowing, in fullness, that we all must crossing that waiting threshold onto the Great Seamless Quality. 🧘🧘🧘🧘🧘✨✨✨✨👍👍👍👍👍

Fascinating conversation, packed with great insights, stories and lessons!

Hats off Lex, this was greatly deep and meaningful conversation

Great interview with Walter Isaacson and his display of interviews with Genius people and allowing us to get to know you both better!

I continue to appreciate all the interviews you have conducted but being a huge fan of Walter Isaacson’s writing this was a real treat. Great guest choice! Thank you.

The perfect prelude to getting the book on tuesday! Thanks Lex, another killer podcast.

One of the common symptoms for any of us from troubled families is the lack of emotional regulation, sudden wide mood swings and abrupt lack of empathy.

@midmomom2490

7 ай бұрын

Facts…that describes me to a certain extent

@unmoored7414

7 ай бұрын

@@midmomom2490 Although I am sorry to read that, I do compliment you on your self-awareness.

@midmomom2490

7 ай бұрын

@@unmoored7414 the lack of empathy is me, the others not so much. It’s my wall I put up probably to avoid being hurt…which doesn’t work well 🤷🏻‍♀️

@unmoored7414

7 ай бұрын

@@midmomom2490 Yes, this is our dilemma. At first it is effective, as it helps to create some kind of sanity, but later in life, it gets in the way.

@midmomom2490

7 ай бұрын

@@unmoored7414 Agree

I am a huge fan of your work. There has been a handful of people that I can go back and listen to their podcasts, but with what Walter Isaacson said in the last few seconds of this podcast really rings true. "I am a big fan, especially a big fan because you take people seriously" ... and I think anybody that listens to your podcasts know this and appreciate the true raw honesty that you bring out in people. Don't change, and please don't stop doing this.

Thank you Lex and Walter. This was a conversation to be cherished for its candour and wisdom. The intergenerational element, especially towards the end is worth more than I can say. This should be mandatory viewing for high school students.

Thank you for these conversations. I have two kids in high school and elementary. Listening to long format podcasts on any topic would be such a great way to expand the new generations worldview. I’m wondering if any school has it as part of their curriculum.

Thanks Lex for the great content and for being such a good interviewer

Thank you Lex for bringing such incredible people to my (and others) attention. Time to read Steve Jobs - that has been sitting on my bookshelf for quite some time…

Incredible interview, so much information, Walter range of interaction with so many projects across the board is Astounding !! Thank you Lex !

Lex doing the most. Keep up with the good work.

Never clicked as fast to listen to every minute... Let's go! ❤

@nikolasraposense

7 ай бұрын

Exactly!

Amazing conversation, thank you Lex! I'm really happy to hear you asking about writing process, interviewing, listening, etc. Been requesting that for awhile here in the yt comments :) Thanks again man!

Such a humble man. Really nice conversation and a pleasure to listen to.

40:08 "I think Boeing and NASA and others have become unwilling to enter your dark room without knowing exactly where the exit is and the lighted path to the exit." Incredible insight!

Walter Isaacson should do a biography on Larry Ellison.

This gentleman is an exceptional story teller

One of my favorite podcasts I’ve ever listened to! So insightful into the greatest innovators in history.

I appreciate you Walter. And thank you Lex!

No doubt, Walter Isaacson is a good observer, so he can be an amazing story teller. I thoroughly enjoy all the stories about these great people of their time. There's always a reason for each madness. Their drive to be achievers seems to come from a terrible place - trauma in childhood. Love this episode with delight. Thank you so much Lex.

Isaacson is a master at print and you are my favorite long video interviewer. Another great one and of course I ordered the book. Mahalo!

I find your podcast quite soothing.

Would never doubt your integrity Lex, keep doing you and thank you for all the work it takes to put out these incredible podcasts out, I hope you feel the love and respect you receive 10 fold.

Excited to see new content from you Lex! Thanks for your hard work.

What an amazing personality, a great story teller!And so humble and kind

Thanks Lex! Fascinating conversation, can't wait to read the book!

Listening to two Lex podcasts in 12 hours 😂

Lex! Love the podcast! Have you ever considered having on Hamilton Morris? I think a conversation between you two would be excellent. Pharmacology, medical chemistry, psychedelics and prohibition or something like that? Thanks for all the content!

Excellent conversation. I appreciate both parties each respected their time and space to speak and listen. Gracias!

A fantastic conversation. Definitely one of the top podcast hosts in my opinion.

Two of the most inspiring and deep thinkers we have the pleasure of sharing our time with.

I just happened to be reading his book, an elaborate biography of Leonardo da Vinci, so it's really timely. I would like to read other biographies of his books. His books are logical and easy to read. thank you. Lex.

@lawrencefrost9063

7 ай бұрын

That is on my to-read list! I'm still reading his biography on Benjamin Franklin.

This is right up there at the top of the list of Best Podcasts Ever! A truly enlightening and inspiring conversation of ideas that matter to humanity. My deepest gratitude to you and your guest.

I had never heard of the guest before seeing this. As a person who appreciates the quality of the Lex Fridman Podcast, and who always feels there's something to learn, I watched regardless of not knowing anything of the guest. A scan of the comments section makes me think I will be alone in this view, but, though some of the guest's stories were entertaining, I found him to be too happy to name drop and too happy to be the overtly humble nobody. Could just be the mood I am in tonight - who knows - but I was put off by the "I am so humble and so great" feeling I got from him. Thank you both, gentlemen. I claim no right to knowing.

@staninjapan07

7 ай бұрын

@@Lexfridman._- You managed to get the lexfridman part in his user name correct, so well done for that great work, but, as even you should have noticed, he does not use an upper case L and nor does he have a dot or an underscore at the end of his user name. Perhaps other people fall for this scam? Text you, indeed.

Спасибо🙌🏼 обожаю засыпать под ваши подкасты и после дослушивать их на следующий день 💙

Thanks for making this happen! 🙏

You are a unique talent Lex that emerged from a medium that is trying to find a meaningful purpose. Another attention holding interview with a fascinating guest. I'll be reading the book and following along on your journey.

@JessePeters-vj2yq

7 ай бұрын

😮 20:42 20:42 😮😮😮😅😮😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

@JessePeters-vj2yq

7 ай бұрын

😅

Great podcast, Lex! As usual, you will continue be inspiring.

This is going be a nice distraction for the next couple houra of house work I have to take care of. I appreciate the effort you put into these podcasts, there's talks for everyone. A noteable one is your talk with Kanye, your ability to keep the conversation progressing positively was amazing and perhaps teach him a few things along the way. Sidenote, it'd be amazing to see you come out to Reno for a TedX event in January.

@2pool777

7 ай бұрын

Yep been listening to this while doing cooking ironing and hoovering

This is a great podcast Lex, your kindness, empathy and reflection is excellent - inspirational for others.

Great conversation.. Can't wait to listen to the book on Audible ❤

Thank you Lex, this is such a pinnacle of your interviews. You've grown so much since just a few years ago when you started this incredible journey and I have enjoyed seeing you cause to become the man who makes this great podcast for posterity! I love Walter Isaacson, his book The Innovators was my first touching of his gift and am a huge fan of his work.

@RosaLei

7 ай бұрын

Lex, you have people using fake profiles of you, major catfishers!!!

@jimtheakston9732

4 ай бұрын

MSM AND THE DNC PARTY ARE NAZIS 😢😢😢

Looking forward to enjoy these 2h, thx for your amazing work Lex!

@mugnuz

7 ай бұрын

nice. no clue about the content but writing a useless comment...

Another excellent podcast. Bravo !

Lex’s best conversation ever.

Lex and Walter, excellent conversation, congratulations!

This is pure gold. So many interesting anecdotes. My favourite one is about Einstein, divorce and Nobel. Your conversation makes it feel 2 hours, like 15 minutes. Greetings from Chile and keep doing this amazing work!!!

Absolutely brilliant episode. So inspiring. Walter is just incredible.

Lex, not much better than these high quality, insightful and highly educational/entertaining conversations. Must see YT

By far one of my favorite Lex pods