#5253

Mentioned in 9 episodes

Means of Ascent

The Years of Lyndon Johnson II

Book • 1991

In 'Means of Ascent,' Robert A. Caro delves into the life of Lyndon Johnson during his most challenging years, from his 1941 defeat in a special election for the U.S.

Senate to his controversial victory in the 1948 senatorial election.

The book highlights Johnson's relentless ambition, his service in World War II, and the foundation of his fortune.

The central drama revolves around the 1948 election, where Caro reveals the true story of how Johnson, with significant political chicanery and vote fraud, won by just 87 votes.

This volume is part of Caro's comprehensive series on Lyndon Johnson and is characterized by its detailed investigation and engaging narrative style.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 9 episodes

Mentioned by

Saagar Enjeti

, highlighting his detailed account of Lyndon B. Johnson's allegedly fraudulent 1948 Senate election.

#454 – Saagar Enjeti: Trump, MAGA, DOGE, Obama, FDR, JFK, History & Politics

Mentioned by

David Senra

to explain the origin of Sam Hinckley's VC firm's name, as recounted from the book.

#413 How To Run Down A Dream

Mentioned by

Sam Hinkie

as one of his favorite books by Robert Caro, inspiring the naming of his firm, 87 Capital.

Sam Hinkie - Find Your People - [Invest Like the Best, REPLAY]

Recommended by

David Senra

for its depiction of determination and ambition.

“You Couldn’t Pay Me to Stop” — David Senra on Obsession and Great Founders

Mentioned by

David Senra

as one of his books on Lyndon B. Johnson.

#305 Robert Caro on power, poverty, ruthlessness, & obsession

Mentioned by

Sam Hinkie

as an author whose book "Means of Ascent" influenced the name of his firm, 87 Capital.

Sam Hinkie – Find Your People - [Invest Like the Best, EP.204]

Listed by

Ryan Holiday

as the second volume in Caro's Lyndon Johnson series.

You’ve Gotta Make Them Work For It | The Presidential Biographies You Can’t Afford to Skip

Mentioned by

Dwarkesh Patel

in the context of Lyndon Johnson's relentless ambition and work ethic.

Lessons from The Years of Lyndon Johnson by Robert Caro [Narration]

Mentioned as the second part of Robert Caro's biography of Lyndon Baines Johnson.

Flaubert's Parrot by Julian Barnes

Mentioned by

Matt Beard

when quoting a passage about Lyndon B. Johnson to illustrate extreme work ethic and ambition.

“Our Levels of Ambition Should Match The Problems We’re Solving” by Matt Beard

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!

App store banner

Play store banner