Joseph Pulitzer: The Inventor of Mass Media

Joseph Pulitzer's better known today for Joseph Pulitzer's better known today for the prize that bears his name than his the prize that bears his name than his the prize that bears his name than his contributions to history. That's a contributions to history. That's a contributions to history. That's a shame. In the 19th century, when America shame. In the 19th century, when America shame. In the 19th century, when America became an industrial nation and Carnegie became an industrial nation and Carnegie became an industrial nation and Carnegie provided the steel, Rockefeller the oil, provided the steel, Rockefeller the oil, provided the steel, Rockefeller the oil, Morgan the money, and Vanderbilt the Morgan the money, and Vanderbilt the Morgan the money, and Vanderbilt the railroads, Joseph Pulitzer was the railroads, Joseph Pulitzer was the railroads, Joseph Pulitzer was the midwife to the birth of the modern mass midwife to the birth of the modern mass midwife to the birth of the modern mass media. What he accomplished was as media. What he accomplished was as media. What he accomplished was as significant in his time as the creation significant in his time as the creation significant in his time as the creation of television would be in the 20th of television would be in the 20th of television would be in the 20th century, and it remains deeply relevant century, and it remains deeply relevant century, and it remains deeply relevant in today's information age. Pulitzer's in today's information age. Pulitzer's in today's information age. Pulitzer's lasting achievement was to transform lasting achievement was to transform lasting achievement was to transform American journalism into a medium of American journalism into a medium of American journalism into a medium of mass consumption and immense influence. mass consumption and immense influence. mass consumption and immense influence. He accomplished this by being the first He accomplished this by being the first He accomplished this by being the first media tycoon to recognize the vast media tycoon to recognize the vast media tycoon to recognize the vast social changes that the Industrial social changes that the Industrial social changes that the Industrial Revolution triggered and by harnessing Revolution triggered and by harnessing Revolution triggered and by harnessing all the converging elements of all the converging elements of all the converging elements of entertainment, technology, business, and entertainment, technology, business, and entertainment, technology, business, and demographics. This accomplishment alone demographics. This accomplishment alone demographics. This accomplishment alone would make him worthy of a biography. would make him worthy of a biography. would make him worthy of a biography. His fascinating life, however, makes him His fascinating life, however, makes him His fascinating life, however, makes him an irresistible subject. Ted Turner-like an irresistible subject. Ted Turner-like an irresistible subject. Ted Turner-like in his innovative abilities, Teddy in his innovative abilities, Teddy in his innovative abilities, Teddy Roosevelt-like in his power to transform Roosevelt-like in his power to transform Roosevelt-like in his power to transform history, and Howard Hughes-like in his history, and Howard Hughes-like in his history, and Howard Hughes-like in his reclusive second half of his life as a reclusive second half of his life as a reclusive second half of his life as a blind man tormented by sound. Pulitzer's blind man tormented by sound. Pulitzer's blind man tormented by sound. Pulitzer's tale provides all the elements of a life tale provides all the elements of a life tale provides all the elements of a life story that is important, timely, and story that is important, timely, and story that is important, timely, and compelling. compelling. compelling. That is an excerpt from a book that I That is an excerpt from a book that I That is an excerpt from a book that I recently reread and the one I'm going to recently reread and the one I'm going to recently reread and the one I'm going to talk about today, which is Pulitzer: A talk about today, which is Pulitzer: A talk about today, which is Pulitzer: A Life in Politics, Print, and Power, and Life in Politics, Print, and Power, and Life in Politics, Print, and Power, and it was written by James McGrath Morris. it was written by James McGrath Morris. it was written by James McGrath Morris. And I wanted to start there because I And I wanted to start there because I And I wanted to start there because I think the framing of putting Pulitzer think the framing of putting Pulitzer think the framing of putting Pulitzer alongside of these other robber barons alongside of these other robber barons alongside of these other robber barons is really important and really anchors is really important and really anchors is really important and really anchors the immensity of his accomplishment. And the immensity of his accomplishment. And the immensity of his accomplishment. And if you take into account where he if you take into account where he if you take into account where he started, his life story is both one of started, his life story is both one of started, his life story is both one of the most inspiring life stories you can the most inspiring life stories you can the most inspiring life stories you can read about, but also, if you think of read about, but also, if you think of read about, but also, if you think of the second half of his life, he goes the second half of his life, he goes the second half of his life, he goes blind at the apex of his power. He's in blind at the apex of his power. He's in blind at the apex of his power. He's in like his early 40s when he goes like his early 40s when he goes like his early 40s when he goes completely blind, lives for another 20 completely blind, lives for another 20 completely blind, lives for another 20 years, and descends almost into madness. years, and descends almost into madness. years, and descends almost into madness. So, it is is one of the most inspiring So, it is is one of the most inspiring So, it is is one of the most inspiring life stories, but also this cautionary life stories, but also this cautionary life stories, but also this cautionary tale. I want to jump into the fact that tale. I want to jump into the fact that tale. I want to jump into the fact that he was born in Hungary, and by the time he was born in Hungary, and by the time he was born in Hungary, and by the time he's 17 years old, he's had to endure he's 17 years old, he's had to endure he's 17 years old, he's had to endure the death of his father and seven out of the death of his father and seven out of the death of his father and seven out of his eight siblings. Pulitzer's father is his eight siblings. Pulitzer's father is his eight siblings. Pulitzer's father is going to die of tuberculosis when he's going to die of tuberculosis when he's going to die of tuberculosis when he's 47 years old. 47 years old. 47 years old. But while he was alive, his father was a But while he was alive, his father was a But while he was alive, his father was a very successful merchant, and he very successful merchant, and he very successful merchant, and he insisted on hiring tutors to educate his insisted on hiring tutors to educate his insisted on hiring tutors to educate his children. And in this story, we see two children. And in this story, we see two children. And in this story, we see two of Pulitzer's personality traits that of Pulitzer's personality traits that of Pulitzer's personality traits that are with him forever. The first one are with him forever. The first one are with him forever. The first one being he's incredibly industrious and being he's incredibly industrious and being he's incredibly industrious and love to read and to learn, but he had to love to read and to learn, but he had to love to read and to learn, but he had to select what he was learning. And two, he select what he was learning. And two, he select what he was learning. And two, he had a furious temper. He was a difficult had a furious temper. He was a difficult had a furious temper. He was a difficult pupil and displayed a volcanic temper. pupil and displayed a volcanic temper. pupil and displayed a volcanic temper. Joseph once chased a tutor out of the Joseph once chased a tutor out of the Joseph once chased a tutor out of the window when the tutor made the mistake window when the tutor made the mistake window when the tutor made the mistake of insisting on teaching mathematics of insisting on teaching mathematics of insisting on teaching mathematics rather than entertaining the youth with rather than entertaining the youth with rather than entertaining the youth with war stories from history. Joseph didn't war stories from history. Joseph didn't war stories from history. Joseph didn't take well to formal instruction, but he take well to formal instruction, but he take well to formal instruction, but he did love the pleasures of reading. did love the pleasures of reading. did love the pleasures of reading. Their house was filled with books. Their house was filled with books. Their house was filled with books. Joseph favored works of history and Joseph favored works of history and Joseph favored works of history and biography. biography. biography. And sure while later, his father's going And sure while later, his father's going And sure while later, his father's going to die and this plunges the family into to die and this plunges the family into to die and this plunges the family into poverty. Only 47 years old and at the poverty. Only 47 years old and at the poverty. Only 47 years old and at the peak of his business success, he had peak of his business success, he had peak of his business success, he had contracted tuberculosis. Joseph contracted tuberculosis. Joseph contracted tuberculosis. Joseph understood more fully the extent of the understood more fully the extent of the understood more fully the extent of the calamity. He had been nine, listen to calamity. He had been nine, listen to calamity. He had been nine, listen to what he had experienced when he was a what he had experienced when he was a what he had experienced when he was a kid. He had been nine when his older kid. He had been nine when his older kid. He had been nine when his older brother died, 10 when his younger brother died, 10 when his younger brother died, 10 when his younger brothers and sister died, 11 when his brothers and sister died, 11 when his brothers and sister died, 11 when his father died, and 13 at the death of his father died, and 13 at the death of his father died, and 13 at the death of his last sister. last sister. last sister. The deaths of his family led to an The deaths of his family led to an The deaths of his family led to an obsession with his health that would obsession with his health that would obsession with his health that would remain with him until the end of his remain with him until the end of his remain with him until the end of his life. Every ailment, no matter how life. Every ailment, no matter how life. Every ailment, no matter how small, was accompanied by an underlying small, was accompanied by an underlying small, was accompanied by an underlying fear that he was dying. fear that he was dying. fear that he was dying. His father's death created a financial His father's death created a financial His father's death created a financial nightmare. It was only a matter of time nightmare. It was only a matter of time nightmare. It was only a matter of time before the enterprise went bankrupt. before the enterprise went bankrupt. before the enterprise went bankrupt. Within 6 months, their property was Within 6 months, their property was Within 6 months, their property was seized by authorities for failure to pay seized by authorities for failure to pay seized by authorities for failure to pay taxes. The family limped along. taxes. The family limped along. taxes. The family limped along. Years later, Pulitzer conveyed the toll Years later, Pulitzer conveyed the toll Years later, Pulitzer conveyed the toll from the deaths. He described himself as from the deaths. He described himself as from the deaths. He described himself as a poor orphan who had never even enjoyed a poor orphan who had never even enjoyed a poor orphan who had never even enjoyed as much of a luxury as a father. as much of a luxury as a father. as much of a luxury as a father. And so, at 17 years old, Pulitzer And so, at 17 years old, Pulitzer And so, at 17 years old, Pulitzer escapes to America, and this is how. His escapes to America, and this is how. His escapes to America, and this is how. His only path forward is to risk his life only path forward is to risk his life only path forward is to risk his life fighting in American Civil War. Events fighting in American Civil War. Events fighting in American Civil War. Events in the United States presented him with in the United States presented him with in the United States presented him with another opportunity. The American Civil another opportunity. The American Civil another opportunity. The American Civil War was in its third year. Soldiers were War was in its third year. Soldiers were War was in its third year. Soldiers were dying at a rate of 13,000 a month and dying at a rate of 13,000 a month and dying at a rate of 13,000 a month and the government had instituted a draft to the government had instituted a draft to the government had instituted a draft to meet the insatiable demand for more men. meet the insatiable demand for more men. meet the insatiable demand for more men. To meet the quota To meet the quota To meet the quota a group of wealthy Bostonians looked a group of wealthy Bostonians looked a group of wealthy Bostonians looked eastward for able bodies. They wagered eastward for able bodies. They wagered eastward for able bodies. They wagered that there were thousands of young men that there were thousands of young men that there were thousands of young men in Europe who would join American in Europe who would join American in Europe who would join American military provided their passage could be military provided their passage could be military provided their passage could be paid. This scheme became Pulitzer's paid. This scheme became Pulitzer's paid. This scheme became Pulitzer's escape route. And then there's just a escape route. And then there's just a escape route. And then there's just a great description of Pulitzer at this great description of Pulitzer at this great description of Pulitzer at this point in his life. Pulitzer had no point in his life. Pulitzer had no point in his life. Pulitzer had no money, so his options were limited. It money, so his options were limited. It money, so his options were limited. It was not military life that Pulitzer was not military life that Pulitzer was not military life that Pulitzer sought, but the escape that it offered. sought, but the escape that it offered. sought, but the escape that it offered. So, the deal is we will pay to get you So, the deal is we will pay to get you So, the deal is we will pay to get you to America, you'll fight for us, if you to America, you'll fight for us, if you to America, you'll fight for us, if you survive, we'll give you a little money survive, we'll give you a little money survive, we'll give you a little money after the war ends. after the war ends. after the war ends. So, this is Pulitzer's life at 18. He's So, this is Pulitzer's life at 18. He's So, this is Pulitzer's life at 18. He's alone in a strange new land. He doesn't alone in a strange new land. He doesn't alone in a strange new land. He doesn't speak the language. He has no money. At speak the language. He has no money. At speak the language. He has no money. At the end of the war, they pay him the end of the war, they pay him the end of the war, they pay him $135.35. And so, he's uh released into American And so, he's uh released into American society and is looking for a job at the society and is looking for a job at the society and is looking for a job at the same time that thousands of soldiers are same time that thousands of soldiers are same time that thousands of soldiers are doing the same exact thing. doing the same exact thing. doing the same exact thing. So, there's record high unemployment at So, there's record high unemployment at So, there's record high unemployment at this point. And so, he goes to New York. this point. And so, he goes to New York. this point. And so, he goes to New York. He looks for work during the day and at He looks for work during the day and at He looks for work during the day and at night he has to sleep on the streets. night he has to sleep on the streets. night he has to sleep on the streets. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> And so, we see some of his innate >> And so, we see some of his innate >> And so, we see some of his innate intelligence at this point because he's intelligence at this point because he's intelligence at this point because he's like, "Well, everybody's in New York like, "Well, everybody's in New York like, "Well, everybody's in New York doing the exact same thing I'm trying to doing the exact same thing I'm trying to doing the exact same thing I'm trying to do. I should find a different city to go do. I should find a different city to go do. I should find a different city to go to." And because he speaks German and he to." And because he speaks German and he to." And because he speaks German and he knows there's a large German population knows there's a large German population knows there's a large German population in St. Louis, he decides to go there. in St. Louis, he decides to go there. in St. Louis, he decides to go there. And so, as you can imagine, he will take And so, as you can imagine, he will take And so, as you can imagine, he will take any possible job he can get. One of the any possible job he can get. One of the any possible job he can get. One of the first jobs he gets is to take care of a first jobs he gets is to take care of a first jobs he gets is to take care of a bunch of mules. And he has a hilarious bunch of mules. And he has a hilarious bunch of mules. And he has a hilarious way to describe this later in life. He way to describe this later in life. He way to describe this later in life. He says, "Never in my life did I have a says, "Never in my life did I have a says, "Never in my life did I have a more trying task. The man who has not more trying task. The man who has not more trying task. The man who has not cared for 16 mules does not know what cared for 16 mules does not know what cared for 16 mules does not know what work and trouble are." work and trouble are." work and trouble are." And over the next few years, he takes And over the next few years, he takes And over the next few years, he takes any possible job he can get. He'll do a any possible job he can get. He'll do a any possible job he can get. He'll do a lot of physical labor. He'll work on a lot of physical labor. He'll work on a lot of physical labor. He'll work on a riverboat. He'll get a bunch of jobs in riverboat. He'll get a bunch of jobs in riverboat. He'll get a bunch of jobs in construction. And he even tried working construction. And he even tried working construction. And he even tried working as a waiter. And again, this goes back as a waiter. And again, this goes back as a waiter. And again, this goes back to something that reappears throughout to something that reappears throughout to something that reappears throughout the the his life story. He's got a fiery the the his life story. He's got a fiery the the his life story. He's got a fiery temper. On multiple occasions, he gets temper. On multiple occasions, he gets temper. On multiple occasions, he gets into arguments. Once he's a newspaper into arguments. Once he's a newspaper into arguments. Once he's a newspaper publisher and literally draws a gun and publisher and literally draws a gun and publisher and literally draws a gun and shoots at people. There are multiple shoots at people. There are multiple shoots at people. There are multiple fistfights in this book as a result of fistfights in this book as a result of fistfights in this book as a result of the stuff that's published in his the stuff that's published in his the stuff that's published in his newspaper. But we're half a decade newspaper. But we're half a decade newspaper. But we're half a decade before the first time he tries to shoot before the first time he tries to shoot before the first time he tries to shoot somebody and he's a waiter and so it somebody and he's a waiter and so it somebody and he's a waiter and so it says, "When a beefsteak, having been says, "When a beefsteak, having been says, "When a beefsteak, having been rejected in a rather impo- This is how rejected in a rather impo- This is how rejected in a rather impo- This is how Harris writing. When a beefsteak, having Harris writing. When a beefsteak, having Harris writing. When a beefsteak, having been rejected in a rather impolite been rejected in a rather impolite been rejected in a rather impolite manner, found itself after an exchange manner, found itself after an exchange manner, found itself after an exchange of words that quickly developed into of words that quickly developed into of words that quickly developed into personal affronts, dropped onto the head personal affronts, dropped onto the head personal affronts, dropped onto the head of the guest rather than onto his plate, of the guest rather than onto his plate, of the guest rather than onto his plate, thereby bringing an end thereby bringing an end thereby bringing an end thereby bringing an abrupt end to his thereby bringing an abrupt end to his thereby bringing an abrupt end to his time as a waiter." time as a waiter." time as a waiter." And then Pulitzer has this intense drive And then Pulitzer has this intense drive And then Pulitzer has this intense drive for self-improvement and a voracious for self-improvement and a voracious for self-improvement and a voracious appetite for information that'll help appetite for information that'll help appetite for information that'll help him in his life. And so one of the best him in his life. And so one of the best him in his life. And so one of the best things he does is he's able to save a things he does is he's able to save a things he does is he's able to save a little bit of money. He's working all little bit of money. He's working all little bit of money. He's working all these jobs. And he takes some of the these jobs. And he takes some of the these jobs. And he takes some of the little bit of money that he has and little bit of money that he has and little bit of money that he has and joins these subscription libraries that joins these subscription libraries that joins these subscription libraries that are very popular in America at the time. are very popular in America at the time. are very popular in America at the time. And anytime he's not working, he And anytime he's not working, he And anytime he's not working, he essentially just spends his entire time. essentially just spends his entire time. essentially just spends his entire time. I think there's like 27,000 books in I think there's like 27,000 books in I think there's like 27,000 books in this library. And so here's a this library. And so here's a this library. And so here's a description of this. "The library held a description of this. "The library held a description of this. "The library held a large collection of books, carried large collection of books, carried large collection of books, carried newspapers from all over the country, newspapers from all over the country, newspapers from all over the country, and was open each day of the week from and was open each day of the week from and was open each day of the week from the morning until late at night. the morning until late at night. the morning until late at night. Pulitzer spent every free moment he had Pulitzer spent every free moment he had Pulitzer spent every free moment he had there, often bringing a pair of apples there, often bringing a pair of apples there, often bringing a pair of apples for sustenance, so as to not waste a for sustenance, so as to not waste a for sustenance, so as to not waste a moment leaving the library for a meal." moment leaving the library for a meal." moment leaving the library for a meal." And so something you see in the life and And so something you see in the life and And so something you see in the life and the career of Pulitzer is like he's the career of Pulitzer is like he's the career of Pulitzer is like he's always whatever his task is in front of always whatever his task is in front of always whatever his task is in front of him, he takes it very, very seriously. him, he takes it very, very seriously. him, he takes it very, very seriously. He's trying to do the best job possible. He's trying to do the best job possible. He's trying to do the best job possible. I think he's a great example of this I think he's a great example of this I think he's a great example of this idea that Charlie Munger repeat that he idea that Charlie Munger repeat that he idea that Charlie Munger repeat that he calls Carlyle's prescription. So the calls Carlyle's prescription. So the calls Carlyle's prescription. So the idea is essentially you put almost all idea is essentially you put almost all idea is essentially you put almost all of your attention on the job directly in of your attention on the job directly in of your attention on the job directly in in of you and you don't waste your in of you and you don't waste your in of you and you don't waste your energy staring at these vague future energy staring at these vague future energy staring at these vague future possibilities. So, the direct quote from possibilities. So, the direct quote from possibilities. So, the direct quote from Munger is 98% of our attention was Munger is 98% of our attention was Munger is 98% of our attention was devoted to the task at hand. And he devoted to the task at hand. And he devoted to the task at hand. And he said, "The job a man is to do is to do said, "The job a man is to do is to do said, "The job a man is to do is to do the job at hand, not look at what lies the job at hand, not look at what lies the job at hand, not look at what lies dimly in the distance." And so, he's dimly in the distance." And so, he's dimly in the distance." And so, he's going Pulitzer goes to this German Aid going Pulitzer goes to this German Aid going Pulitzer goes to this German Aid Society and they're helping a lot of Society and they're helping a lot of Society and they're helping a lot of these German immigrants find jobs. And these German immigrants find jobs. And these German immigrants find jobs. And the president of this German Immigration the president of this German Immigration the president of this German Immigration Aid Society also owned a newspaper. Aid Society also owned a newspaper. Aid Society also owned a newspaper. And so, he observed how hard-working and And so, he observed how hard-working and And so, he observed how hard-working and industrious Joseph Pulitzer was. And industrious Joseph Pulitzer was. And industrious Joseph Pulitzer was. And this is how Pulitzer is going to get his this is how Pulitzer is going to get his this is how Pulitzer is going to get his start in the newspaper industry. It start in the newspaper industry. It start in the newspaper industry. It says, "Pulitzer learned about a job says, "Pulitzer learned about a job says, "Pulitzer learned about a job opening at the Westliche Post." Keep in opening at the Westliche Post." Keep in opening at the Westliche Post." Keep in mind, these are German names, last mind, these are German names, last mind, these are German names, last names, newspaper names. There's no way names, newspaper names. There's no way names, newspaper names. There's no way I'm pronouncing them correctly. So, this I'm pronouncing them correctly. So, this I'm pronouncing them correctly. So, this German newspaper is owned by two of the German newspaper is owned by two of the German newspaper is owned by two of the city's most eminent Germans. Both of city's most eminent Germans. Both of city's most eminent Germans. Both of these are going to be mentors of Joseph these are going to be mentors of Joseph these are going to be mentors of Joseph Pulitzer. And they're looking for a Pulitzer. And they're looking for a Pulitzer. And they're looking for a reporter. And so, it says, "For reporter. And so, it says, "For reporter. And so, it says, "For Pulitzer, the timing was fortunate. Not Pulitzer, the timing was fortunate. Not Pulitzer, the timing was fortunate. Not only did Pulitzer know Pretorious, but only did Pulitzer know Pretorious, but only did Pulitzer know Pretorious, but in recent months, the elder man, as in recent months, the elder man, as in recent months, the elder man, as president of the German Immigration Aid president of the German Immigration Aid president of the German Immigration Aid Society, had observed his diligence." Society, had observed his diligence." Society, had observed his diligence." So, Joseph is offered the job. "I could So, Joseph is offered the job. "I could So, Joseph is offered the job. "I could not believe it," Pulitzer recalled. "I, not believe it," Pulitzer recalled. "I, not believe it," Pulitzer recalled. "I, the unknown, the luckless, almost a boy the unknown, the luckless, almost a boy the unknown, the luckless, almost a boy of the streets, selected for such a of the streets, selected for such a of the streets, selected for such a responsibility. It all seemed like a responsibility. It all seemed like a responsibility. It all seemed like a dream." And so, they're taking a risk on dream." And so, they're taking a risk on dream." And so, they're taking a risk on this young kid that has no experience, this young kid that has no experience, this young kid that has no experience, but they think he's a hard worker and but they think he's a hard worker and but they think he's a hard worker and they immediately realize they even they immediately realize they even they immediately realize they even underestimated how hard he works. So, it underestimated how hard he works. So, it underestimated how hard he works. So, it says, "It took them no took no time to says, "It took them no took no time to says, "It took them no took no time to confirm that they had made the right confirm that they had made the right confirm that they had made the right decision in taking a chance on the decision in taking a chance on the decision in taking a chance on the 20-year-old. What he lacked in 20-year-old. What he lacked in 20-year-old. What he lacked in experience, he more than made up for experience, he more than made up for experience, he more than made up for with raw, resolute effort." Again, at 20 with raw, resolute effort." Again, at 20 with raw, resolute effort." Again, at 20 years old, he's going to have this until years old, he's going to have this until years old, he's going to have this until he dies. He essentially had one love in he dies. He essentially had one love in he dies. He essentially had one love in his life, and that was his work. His his life, and that was his work. His his life, and that was his work. His time for work, and this is how they're time for work, and this is how they're time for work, and this is how they're describing him, again, at 20. His time describing him, again, at 20. His time describing him, again, at 20. His time for work seemed to be all the time. "I for work seemed to be all the time. "I for work seemed to be all the time. "I never called on him at any hour that he never called on him at any hour that he never called on him at any hour that he did not immediately respond. For a did not immediately respond. For a did not immediately respond. For a beginner, he was exasperatingly beginner, he was exasperatingly beginner, he was exasperatingly inquisitive." This is such a wild inquisitive." This is such a wild inquisitive." This is such a wild sentence that's coming next. sentence that's coming next. sentence that's coming next. He worked so hard that the people around He worked so hard that the people around He worked so hard that the people around him were annoyed at how hard he worked. him were annoyed at how hard he worked. him were annoyed at how hard he worked. He was so industrious that he became a He was so industrious that he became a He was so industrious that he became a positive annoyance to others who felt positive annoyance to others who felt positive annoyance to others who felt less inclined to work. less inclined to work. less inclined to work. Pulitzer was unwilling to put forward Pulitzer was unwilling to put forward Pulitzer was unwilling to put forward anything but his best effort. And real anything but his best effort. And real anything but his best effort. And real quick before we get back into the story, quick before we get back into the story, quick before we get back into the story, I want to tell you about the presenting I want to tell you about the presenting I want to tell you about the presenting sponsor of this podcast, Ramp. One of sponsor of this podcast, Ramp. One of sponsor of this podcast, Ramp. One of the main themes in the history of the main themes in the history of the main themes in the history of entrepreneurship is constantly attacking entrepreneurship is constantly attacking entrepreneurship is constantly attacking and questioning your costs. As you'll and questioning your costs. As you'll and questioning your costs. As you'll see in this episode, when Pulitzer is see in this episode, when Pulitzer is see in this episode, when Pulitzer is running his newspapers, he demanded running his newspapers, he demanded running his newspapers, he demanded detailed reports of his company's detailed reports of his company's detailed reports of his company's expenses every day, and he did this expenses every day, and he did this expenses every day, and he did this decade after decade. And Ramp helps many decade after decade. And Ramp helps many decade after decade. 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And again, it goes back to this fact And again, it goes back to this fact And again, it goes back to this fact that he had an innate intelligence, he that he had an innate intelligence, he that he had an innate intelligence, he had a lot of drive, he spends all his had a lot of drive, he spends all his had a lot of drive, he spends all his time when he's not working, he's time when he's not working, he's time when he's not working, he's reading. And so, this reminded me a lot reading. And so, this reminded me a lot reading. And so, this reminded me a lot of if you read biographies of Ben of if you read biographies of Ben of if you read biographies of Ben Franklin. When older, more successful Franklin. When older, more successful Franklin. When older, more successful people met a young Ben Franklin, they people met a young Ben Franklin, they people met a young Ben Franklin, they were incredibly impressed with the were incredibly impressed with the were incredibly impressed with the conversations they could have with conversations they could have with conversations they could have with Franklin and with the way his mind Franklin and with the way his mind Franklin and with the way his mind worked. And the exact same story is worked. And the exact same story is worked. And the exact same story is happening in Joseph Pulitzer's life. And happening in Joseph Pulitzer's life. And happening in Joseph Pulitzer's life. And again, I would say that he almost again, I would say that he almost again, I would say that he almost immediately discovered that, "Oh, this immediately discovered that, "Oh, this immediately discovered that, "Oh, this is my calling. This is the trade I'm is my calling. This is the trade I'm is my calling. This is the trade I'm going to do until I die. The world into going to do until I die. The world into going to do until I die. The world into which Pulitzer peeked seemed to be one which Pulitzer peeked seemed to be one which Pulitzer peeked seemed to be one with limitless possibilities. To be a with limitless possibilities. To be a with limitless possibilities. To be a newspaper editor was to be more than newspaper editor was to be more than newspaper editor was to be more than report on the world. It was to shape it. report on the world. It was to shape it. report on the world. It was to shape it. It was not long before all the visitors It was not long before all the visitors It was not long before all the visitors again to the newspaper took an interest again to the newspaper took an interest again to the newspaper took an interest in Pulitzer. in Pulitzer. in Pulitzer. That young fellow possesses great That young fellow possesses great That young fellow possesses great dialectical ability. I know it for I dialectical ability. I know it for I dialectical ability. I know it for I have felt it. That is a description of have felt it. That is a description of have felt it. That is a description of an older, more successful person talking an older, more successful person talking an older, more successful person talking about what it is like to speak to Joseph about what it is like to speak to Joseph about what it is like to speak to Joseph Pulitzer, to have a conversation with Pulitzer, to have a conversation with Pulitzer, to have a conversation with Joseph Pulitzer at this point in Joseph Joseph Pulitzer at this point in Joseph Joseph Pulitzer at this point in Joseph Pulitzer's life. The amount of times Pulitzer's life. The amount of times Pulitzer's life. The amount of times over the next four decades that he lives over the next four decades that he lives over the next four decades that he lives or people talk about his intense or people talk about his intense or people talk about his intense personality, his conversational skills, personality, his conversational skills, personality, his conversational skills, the quick wit of his mind, the energy the quick wit of his mind, the energy the quick wit of his mind, the energy you feel when you're in his presence. you feel when you're in his presence. you feel when you're in his presence. He's a very formidable individual. And He's a very formidable individual. And He's a very formidable individual. And so now Joseph gets to work hand-in-hand so now Joseph gets to work hand-in-hand so now Joseph gets to work hand-in-hand with two very successful, much older with two very successful, much older with two very successful, much older people, and he is studying them just people, and he is studying them just people, and he is studying them just like he studied his other newspapers, like he studied his other newspapers, like he studied his other newspapers, just like he studied his other books in just like he studied his other books in just like he studied his other books in the library. Says, "None of this was the library. Says, "None of this was the library. Says, "None of this was lost on Pulitzer, who had now spent two lost on Pulitzer, who had now spent two lost on Pulitzer, who had now spent two years working at the paper." He's years working at the paper." He's years working at the paper." He's describing his mentor here. "He was my describing his mentor here. "He was my describing his mentor here. "He was my chief. We often traveled together, yet chief. We often traveled together, yet chief. We often traveled together, yet in all that time I never saw him pass an in all that time I never saw him pass an in all that time I never saw him pass an idle moment, either in the office or on idle moment, either in the office or on idle moment, either in the office or on the road or anywhere else." Pulitzer's the road or anywhere else." Pulitzer's the road or anywhere else." Pulitzer's ambition did not go unnoticed. There ambition did not go unnoticed. There ambition did not go unnoticed. There never seemed to be any doubt in his mind never seemed to be any doubt in his mind never seemed to be any doubt in his mind that he would succeed in something. that he would succeed in something. that he would succeed in something. And so here's a description of Joseph And so here's a description of Joseph And so here's a description of Joseph Pulitzer as a young reporter. He Pulitzer as a young reporter. He Pulitzer as a young reporter. He wandered around St. Louis at all hours wandered around St. Louis at all hours wandered around St. Louis at all hours visiting schools and public visiting schools and public visiting schools and public institutions, attending public meetings institutions, attending public meetings institutions, attending public meetings and ward meetings, knocking on doors of and ward meetings, knocking on doors of and ward meetings, knocking on doors of lawyers and politicians, and opening lawyers and politicians, and opening lawyers and politicians, and opening those doors that didn't yield to a those doors that didn't yield to a those doors that didn't yield to a knock. His thirst for news was knock. His thirst for news was knock. His thirst for news was unquenchable. unquenchable. unquenchable. In addition to writing an endless stream In addition to writing an endless stream In addition to writing an endless stream of local news, Pulitzer wrote pithy, of local news, Pulitzer wrote pithy, of local news, Pulitzer wrote pithy, stories on St. Louis politics in an stories on St. Louis politics in an stories on St. Louis politics in an irritable style that stood out from his irritable style that stood out from his irritable style that stood out from his competitors. It was not an uncommon competitors. It was not an uncommon competitors. It was not an uncommon thing for him to use language in a thing for him to use language in a thing for him to use language in a heated controversy or dispute that went heated controversy or dispute that went heated controversy or dispute that went far beyond the limit. Again, this is far beyond the limit. Again, this is far beyond the limit. Again, this is People are saying that he's got this People are saying that he's got this People are saying that he's got this hot, fiery temper. I would describe his hot, fiery temper. I would describe his hot, fiery temper. I would describe his personality as aggressive, personality as aggressive, personality as aggressive, argumentative, very hot-tempered. And argumentative, very hot-tempered. And argumentative, very hot-tempered. And this is just a great sentence and a this is just a great sentence and a this is just a great sentence and a warning warning warning to what he's likely to encounter later to what he's likely to encounter later to what he's likely to encounter later in life from an older, wiser person. He in life from an older, wiser person. He in life from an older, wiser person. He says, "In fact, I cautioned him that he says, "In fact, I cautioned him that he says, "In fact, I cautioned him that he must become more conservative and must become more conservative and must become more conservative and forbearing for fear that he might forbearing for fear that he might forbearing for fear that he might someday meet a person like himself, and someday meet a person like himself, and someday meet a person like himself, and then there would be trouble." then there would be trouble." then there would be trouble." It's also important to note, think about It's also important to note, think about It's also important to note, think about the subtitle for this book. It says, "A the subtitle for this book. It says, "A the subtitle for this book. It says, "A Life in Politics, Print, and Power." So, Life in Politics, Print, and Power." So, Life in Politics, Print, and Power." So, at this time, politics and journalism, at this time, politics and journalism, at this time, politics and journalism, they were two sides of the same coin. they were two sides of the same coin. they were two sides of the same coin. So, out of work politicians would become So, out of work politicians would become So, out of work politicians would become newspaper editors, and then newspaper newspaper editors, and then newspaper newspaper editors, and then newspaper editors would become elected editors would become elected editors would become elected politicians. There was no such thing as politicians. There was no such thing as politicians. There was no such thing as an objective newspaper this time. And in an objective newspaper this time. And in an objective newspaper this time. And in fact, many times in the names of the fact, many times in the names of the fact, many times in the names of the paper, it would talk about the political paper, it would talk about the political paper, it would talk about the political party they had allegiance to. And so, party they had allegiance to. And so, party they had allegiance to. And so, even though he's in his early 20s, he's even though he's in his early 20s, he's even though he's in his early 20s, he's actually nominated by other people to actually nominated by other people to actually nominated by other people to become a congressman. He winds up become a congressman. He winds up become a congressman. He winds up running against the novice, and then running against the novice, and then running against the novice, and then using his paper as a tool to help using his paper as a tool to help using his paper as a tool to help himself get elected. And if you think of himself get elected. And if you think of himself get elected. And if you think of everything that has occurred in everything that has occurred in everything that has occurred in Pulitzer's life in the last 5 years, I Pulitzer's life in the last 5 years, I Pulitzer's life in the last 5 years, I think this sentence is a great think this sentence is a great think this sentence is a great description that we're not dealing with description that we're not dealing with description that we're not dealing with a normal person here. In only 5 years, a normal person here. In only 5 years, a normal person here. In only 5 years, he had grown from a bounty hunting he had grown from a bounty hunting he had grown from a bounty hunting Hungarian teenager to an American Hungarian teenager to an American Hungarian teenager to an American lawmaker. And again, he saw no reason lawmaker. And again, he saw no reason lawmaker. And again, he saw no reason why he couldn't do both jobs at the why he couldn't do both jobs at the why he couldn't do both jobs at the exact same time. And assuming his new exact same time. And assuming his new exact same time. And assuming his new post, Pulitzer did not give up his old post, Pulitzer did not give up his old post, Pulitzer did not give up his old one as a reporter. In his singular one as a reporter. In his singular one as a reporter. In his singular position as both a legislator and a position as both a legislator and a position as both a legislator and a journalist, he used his reporting to journalist, he used his reporting to journalist, he used his reporting to advance his political work. In advance his political work. In advance his political work. In Pulitzer's eyes, the lobbyists Pulitzer's eyes, the lobbyists Pulitzer's eyes, the lobbyists descending on the capital were an army descending on the capital were an army descending on the capital were an army of darkness, and so he was he's very of darkness, and so he was he's very of darkness, and so he was he's very anti but at least publicly very anti but at least publicly very anti but at least publicly very anti-corruption. I would describe him as anti-corruption. I would describe him as anti-corruption. I would describe him as a moralist. He's constantly criticizing a moralist. He's constantly criticizing a moralist. He's constantly criticizing other the behavior of other people, and other the behavior of other people, and other the behavior of other people, and in many cases, especially later in life, in many cases, especially later in life, in many cases, especially later in life, he will publicly criticize a certain he will publicly criticize a certain he will publicly criticize a certain behavior and then engage in that exact behavior and then engage in that exact behavior and then engage in that exact same behavior privately. same behavior privately. same behavior privately. Which I think a lot of people who are Which I think a lot of people who are Which I think a lot of people who are obsessed with the behavior of other obsessed with the behavior of other obsessed with the behavior of other humans do this exact same thing, by the humans do this exact same thing, by the humans do this exact same thing, by the way. way. way. And so, Pulitzer was not shy about And so, Pulitzer was not shy about And so, Pulitzer was not shy about attacking lobbyists and talking about attacking lobbyists and talking about attacking lobbyists and talking about how corrupt they are. The problem with how corrupt they are. The problem with how corrupt they are. The problem with that is he runs into people that he that is he runs into people that he that is he runs into people that he attacks in his newspaper attacks in his newspaper attacks in his newspaper in person, and it almost always ends in in person, and it almost always ends in in person, and it almost always ends in violence. There are multiple people violence. There are multiple people violence. There are multiple people killed in this book because they wrote a killed in this book because they wrote a killed in this book because they wrote a story or a book or published something story or a book or published something story or a book or published something about another human, and then that about another human, and then that about another human, and then that person shows to respond in violence. And person shows to respond in violence. And person shows to respond in violence. And so, in this case, Pulitzer's attacking a so, in this case, Pulitzer's attacking a so, in this case, Pulitzer's attacking a lobbyist calling him a liar. lobbyist calling him a liar. lobbyist calling him a liar. The liar in turn calls Pulitzer a liar. The liar in turn calls Pulitzer a liar. The liar in turn calls Pulitzer a liar. They meet in a bar, and then this is They meet in a bar, and then this is They meet in a bar, and then this is what happens. This is Pulitzer speaking what happens. This is Pulitzer speaking what happens. This is Pulitzer speaking now. "Mr. Augustine, just one word, and now. "Mr. Augustine, just one word, and now. "Mr. Augustine, just one word, and I hope that it'll be the last word that I hope that it'll be the last word that I hope that it'll be the last word that I ever speak to you. I would like to I ever speak to you. I would like to I ever speak to you. I would like to explain to you that I'm no longer explain to you that I'm no longer explain to you that I'm no longer inclined to associate with you. And I inclined to associate with you. And I inclined to associate with you. And I also do not wish that you speak to me also do not wish that you speak to me also do not wish that you speak to me again. Should you, however, persist in again. Should you, however, persist in again. Should you, however, persist in insulting me, you will, despite your insulting me, you will, despite your insulting me, you will, despite your great physical advantage, find that you great physical advantage, find that you great physical advantage, find that you have come to the wrong man." So, this have come to the wrong man." So, this have come to the wrong man." So, this guy's a giant. I think they said he was guy's a giant. I think they said he was guy's a giant. I think they said he was like 300 lb or something like that. And like 300 lb or something like that. And like 300 lb or something like that. And so, Augustine's response to this is, "I so, Augustine's response to this is, "I so, Augustine's response to this is, "I want to tell you in clear and want to tell you in clear and want to tell you in clear and understandable English that you are a understandable English that you are a understandable English that you are a damn liar." And at that point, words damn liar." And at that point, words damn liar." And at that point, words ceased. Augustine moved towards ceased. Augustine moved towards ceased. Augustine moved towards Pulitzer. Pulitzer retreated. When Pulitzer. Pulitzer retreated. When Pulitzer. Pulitzer retreated. When Pulitzer had completed about 10 to 12 Pulitzer had completed about 10 to 12 Pulitzer had completed about 10 to 12 paces of his retreat, Augustine had paces of his retreat, Augustine had paces of his retreat, Augustine had raised his fist. Pulitzer withdrew a raised his fist. Pulitzer withdrew a raised his fist. Pulitzer withdrew a pistol and fired. Incredibly, he missed pistol and fired. Incredibly, he missed pistol and fired. Incredibly, he missed his massive target. his massive target. his massive target. Pulitzer then pulled the trigger again, Pulitzer then pulled the trigger again, Pulitzer then pulled the trigger again, but the barrel of the gun was deflected but the barrel of the gun was deflected but the barrel of the gun was deflected downward, and the bullet only grazed downward, and the bullet only grazed downward, and the bullet only grazed Augustine in the leg. The wound in his Augustine in the leg. The wound in his Augustine in the leg. The wound in his leg enraged Augustine, who charged leg enraged Augustine, who charged leg enraged Augustine, who charged Pulitzer like a bull. And then this is Pulitzer like a bull. And then this is Pulitzer like a bull. And then this is Augustine's description of what happened Augustine's description of what happened Augustine's description of what happened next. "I mashed his head against the next. "I mashed his head against the next. "I mashed his head against the wall and tried to get the pistol out of wall and tried to get the pistol out of wall and tried to get the pistol out of his hand." his hand." his hand." And so, Pulitzer is going to be indicted And so, Pulitzer is going to be indicted And so, Pulitzer is going to be indicted for felonious assault. There's a trial. for felonious assault. There's a trial. for felonious assault. There's a trial. He's saying that Augustine had brass He's saying that Augustine had brass He's saying that Augustine had brass knuckles in his hand, and he was just knuckles in his hand, and he was just knuckles in his hand, and he was just defending himself. He gets off with a defending himself. He gets off with a defending himself. He gets off with a small fine. But, what's very interesting small fine. But, what's very interesting small fine. But, what's very interesting is Pulitzer's innate understanding of is Pulitzer's innate understanding of is Pulitzer's innate understanding of media even at this point. He's just a media even at this point. He's just a media even at this point. He's just a few years into his media career. And so, few years into his media career. And so, few years into his media career. And so, when he wants to get attention on when he wants to get attention on when he wants to get attention on something, every single day he will something, every single day he will something, every single day he will bring it back up in the newspaper. And bring it back up in the newspaper. And bring it back up in the newspaper. And in some cases, when he's attacking an in some cases, when he's attacking an in some cases, when he's attacking an issue or a politician, there's times issue or a politician, there's times issue or a politician, there's times where he does something like 112 where he does something like 112 where he does something like 112 straight stories. straight stories. straight stories. And what he knows is if he wants to get And what he knows is if he wants to get And what he knows is if he wants to get attention, he has to keep putting pieces attention, he has to keep putting pieces attention, he has to keep putting pieces of media out, and then those pieces of of media out, and then those pieces of of media out, and then those pieces of media will be commented on the readers media will be commented on the readers media will be commented on the readers of the newspaper. And you know he knows of the newspaper. And you know he knows of the newspaper. And you know he knows this at this point because when he this at this point because when he this at this point because when he doesn't want attention on something, he doesn't want attention on something, he doesn't want attention on something, he does this. Pulitzer knew he had little does this. Pulitzer knew he had little does this. Pulitzer knew he had little to gain by mentioning the shooting since to gain by mentioning the shooting since to gain by mentioning the shooting since that would give his critics another that would give his critics another that would give his critics another opportunity to comment on it. So, when opportunity to comment on it. So, when opportunity to comment on it. So, when he wants something to go away, he he wants something to go away, he he wants something to go away, he doesn't try to explain, rebut, debate. doesn't try to explain, rebut, debate. doesn't try to explain, rebut, debate. He meets it with silence knowing that He meets it with silence knowing that He meets it with silence knowing that the public's attention will move forward the public's attention will move forward the public's attention will move forward quickly. quickly. quickly. Now, another important thing to point Now, another important thing to point Now, another important thing to point out is the hypocrisy that you see out is the hypocrisy that you see out is the hypocrisy that you see throughout his life story. throughout his life story. throughout his life story. Where what he publicly says and his Where what he publicly says and his Where what he publicly says and his private behavior in many cases do not private behavior in many cases do not private behavior in many cases do not match up. So, he says over and over match up. So, he says over and over match up. So, he says over and over again in his writing that he's against again in his writing that he's against again in his writing that he's against corruption. But then a few years later, corruption. But then a few years later, corruption. But then a few years later, he accepts a high-paying job from a he accepts a high-paying job from a he accepts a high-paying job from a political ally. political ally. political ally. So, he's going to get a seat on the St. So, he's going to get a seat on the St. So, he's going to get a seat on the St. Louis Police Commission. It requires Louis Police Commission. It requires Louis Police Commission. It requires very few hours of work and it pays a very few hours of work and it pays a very few hours of work and it pays a thousand dollars a year. Why is that thousand dollars a year. Why is that thousand dollars a year. Why is that important? So, for a few hours of work a important? So, for a few hours of work a important? So, for a few hours of work a year, he's going to get paid nearly year, he's going to get paid nearly year, he's going to get paid nearly twice the amount of money that the twice the amount of money that the twice the amount of money that the average skilled worker would earn in a average skilled worker would earn in a average skilled worker would earn in a year working six days a week. So, at year working six days a week. So, at year working six days a week. So, at this point in history, if you're the this point in history, if you're the this point in history, if you're the average skilled worker earns less than average skilled worker earns less than average skilled worker earns less than six hundred dollars a year working six six hundred dollars a year working six six hundred dollars a year working six days a week. days a week. days a week. And we see this later on in his life, And we see this later on in his life, And we see this later on in his life, too, because he's very pro-union in his too, because he's very pro-union in his too, because he's very pro-union in his paper, but when he has the most paper, but when he has the most paper, but when he has the most successful newspaper in the world and successful newspaper in the world and successful newspaper in the world and his own employees try to unionize, he's his own employees try to unionize, he's his own employees try to unionize, he's against it then. against it then. against it then. And so then I want to get to the And so then I want to get to the And so then I want to get to the beginning of his media empire. So, he's beginning of his media empire. So, he's beginning of his media empire. So, he's still working for the newspaper says still working for the newspaper says still working for the newspaper says some of the proprietors of the Westliche some of the proprietors of the Westliche some of the proprietors of the Westliche Post became nervous and wanted to Post became nervous and wanted to Post became nervous and wanted to retire. They approached Pulitzer to see retire. They approached Pulitzer to see retire. They approached Pulitzer to see if he would like to buy into the paper. if he would like to buy into the paper. if he would like to buy into the paper. Pulitzer was the most valuable member of Pulitzer was the most valuable member of Pulitzer was the most valuable member of their staff and he had toiled for them their staff and he had toiled for them their staff and he had toiled for them for five years. for five years. for five years. This is now Joseph describing this. They This is now Joseph describing this. They This is now Joseph describing this. They thought I was necessary to the paper. thought I was necessary to the paper. thought I was necessary to the paper. They probably would have done the same They probably would have done the same They probably would have done the same thing to any other man who worked 16 thing to any other man who worked 16 thing to any other man who worked 16 hours a day as I did for them. hours a day as I did for them. hours a day as I did for them. Thus, seven years after reading his Thus, seven years after reading his Thus, seven years after reading his first copy of this paper in hopes of first copy of this paper in hopes of first copy of this paper in hopes of finding employment in St. Louis, finding employment in St. Louis, finding employment in St. Louis, Pulitzer was an American newspaper Pulitzer was an American newspaper Pulitzer was an American newspaper publisher. He is 25 years old. publisher. He is 25 years old. publisher. He is 25 years old. It cost him about $5,000 to buy into the It cost him about $5,000 to buy into the It cost him about $5,000 to buy into the paper. He doesn't have that money, so he paper. He doesn't have that money, so he paper. He doesn't have that money, so he goes into debt. Buying into this goes into debt. Buying into this goes into debt. Buying into this newspaper was one of the best decisions newspaper was one of the best decisions newspaper was one of the best decisions he ever makes because of the following he ever makes because of the following he ever makes because of the following year he actually has a falling out with year he actually has a falling out with year he actually has a falling out with his two mentors. It says the editorial his two mentors. It says the editorial his two mentors. It says the editorial office had grown too small for all three office had grown too small for all three office had grown too small for all three men and so they offered to buy him out. men and so they offered to buy him out. men and so they offered to buy him out. And so it says the price they proposed And so it says the price they proposed And so it says the price they proposed was commensurate with the desire to be was commensurate with the desire to be was commensurate with the desire to be free of him. Pulitzer walked away with free of him. Pulitzer walked away with free of him. Pulitzer walked away with about $30,000, about $30,000, about $30,000, six times his original investment. That six times his original investment. That six times his original investment. That is six times in one year. And so think is six times in one year. And so think is six times in one year. And so think about what just happened. He works for about what just happened. He works for about what just happened. He works for the newspaper for five years. He is by the newspaper for five years. He is by the newspaper for five years. He is by far their most valuable asset. He far their most valuable asset. He far their most valuable asset. He borrows $5,000 to buy into the paper. A borrows $5,000 to buy into the paper. A borrows $5,000 to buy into the paper. A year later he has a falling out. They year later he has a falling out. They year later he has a falling out. They then buy him out for six times that then buy him out for six times that then buy him out for six times that amount, so that's $30,000. $30,000 at amount, so that's $30,000. $30,000 at amount, so that's $30,000. $30,000 at this point in history when the average this point in history when the average this point in history when the average skilled worker makes $600 a year. That skilled worker makes $600 a year. That skilled worker makes $600 a year. That means in 12 months he made the means in 12 months he made the means in 12 months he made the equivalent of half of a century worth of equivalent of half of a century worth of equivalent of half of a century worth of wages for a skilled worker. wages for a skilled worker. wages for a skilled worker. And then almost immediately he does And then almost immediately he does And then almost immediately he does another clever move. So it says Pulitzer another clever move. So it says Pulitzer another clever move. So it says Pulitzer spotted a journalistic business spotted a journalistic business spotted a journalistic business opportunity. The collapse of the banking opportunity. The collapse of the banking opportunity. The collapse of the banking firm Jay Cooke and Company started a firm Jay Cooke and Company started a firm Jay Cooke and Company started a severe national depression. Among the severe national depression. Among the severe national depression. Among the victims of the economic downturn was a victims of the economic downturn was a victims of the economic downturn was a small German language newspaper in St. small German language newspaper in St. small German language newspaper in St. Louis. The paper was put on the auction Louis. The paper was put on the auction Louis. The paper was put on the auction block. block. block. Pulitzer saw value where others didn't. Pulitzer saw value where others didn't. Pulitzer saw value where others didn't. He won the auction paying a modest sum He won the auction paying a modest sum He won the auction paying a modest sum and announced that it was his intention and announced that it was his intention and announced that it was his intention to start a German evening paper. That to start a German evening paper. That to start a German evening paper. That was a lie by the way. This was a smoke was a lie by the way. This was a smoke was a lie by the way. This was a smoke screen. The newspaper he bought had far screen. The newspaper he bought had far screen. The newspaper he bought had far too few subscribers to make it viable as too few subscribers to make it viable as too few subscribers to make it viable as a business. What the corporation owned a business. What the corporation owned a business. What the corporation owned was what caught Pulitzer's attention. was what caught Pulitzer's attention. was what caught Pulitzer's attention. This German newspaper was a member of This German newspaper was a member of This German newspaper was a member of the AP, the Associated Press. Because the AP, the Associated Press. Because the AP, the Associated Press. Because the AP restricted its news items to its the AP restricted its news items to its the AP restricted its news items to its members, a membership in AP was a members, a membership in AP was a members, a membership in AP was a valuable asset. Those that were not valuable asset. Those that were not valuable asset. Those that were not members were excluded from a vast source members were excluded from a vast source members were excluded from a vast source of national and international news. of national and international news. of national and international news. Membership in AP gave a newspaper a Membership in AP gave a newspaper a Membership in AP gave a newspaper a tremendous competitive advantage. In St. tremendous competitive advantage. In St. tremendous competitive advantage. In St. Louis, all the major German newspapers Louis, all the major German newspapers Louis, all the major German newspapers were members of the AP except the St. were members of the AP except the St. were members of the AP except the St. Louis Globe. Louis Globe. Louis Globe. And so he goes to the owners of the St. And so he goes to the owners of the St. And so he goes to the owners of the St. Louis Globe with this proposal. Louis Globe with this proposal. Louis Globe with this proposal. If they bought the entire corporation, If they bought the entire corporation, If they bought the entire corporation, they would gain membership in AP. they would gain membership in AP. they would gain membership in AP. They agree in less than 48 hours after They agree in less than 48 hours after They agree in less than 48 hours after he buys this small, useless, German he buys this small, useless, German he buys this small, useless, German language newspaper at auction, he makes language newspaper at auction, he makes language newspaper at auction, he makes about $20,000. about $20,000. about $20,000. So now he's got about $50,000 in savings So now he's got about $50,000 in savings So now he's got about $50,000 in savings and time to figure out what he's going and time to figure out what he's going and time to figure out what he's going to do next. And interestingly enough, to do next. And interestingly enough, to do next. And interestingly enough, this next like 5-year period of his life this next like 5-year period of his life this next like 5-year period of his life is one of the most pressing cuz he's got is one of the most pressing cuz he's got is one of the most pressing cuz he's got a lot of money, but he has no purpose. a lot of money, but he has no purpose. a lot of money, but he has no purpose. He has no job. And so the first his He has no job. And so the first his He has no job. And so the first his first idea again speaks to this like first idea again speaks to this like first idea again speaks to this like unlimited ambition that he had from a unlimited ambition that he had from a unlimited ambition that he had from a very young age is he wanted to buy a very young age is he wanted to buy a very young age is he wanted to buy a newspaper in New York. He's going to be newspaper in New York. He's going to be newspaper in New York. He's going to be unsuccessful doing so for quite a while. unsuccessful doing so for quite a while. unsuccessful doing so for quite a while. He's actually has to start by buying a He's actually has to start by buying a He's actually has to start by buying a newspaper in St. Louis, which he's going newspaper in St. Louis, which he's going newspaper in St. Louis, which he's going to do in a few years from now. But I to do in a few years from now. But I to do in a few years from now. But I want to point out that he's studying want to point out that he's studying want to point out that he's studying every single thing that's going on in every single thing that's going on in every single thing that's going on in this industry. He's reading every single this industry. He's reading every single this industry. He's reading every single newspaper. He's seeing all the different newspaper. He's seeing all the different newspaper. He's seeing all the different approaches. And so one of the ones that approaches. And so one of the ones that approaches. And so one of the ones that he studied the most was the New York he studied the most was the New York he studied the most was the New York Sun. The New York Sun is very different Sun. The New York Sun is very different Sun. The New York Sun is very different from the newspapers that Pulitzer worked from the newspapers that Pulitzer worked from the newspapers that Pulitzer worked at, which was really heavily focused on at, which was really heavily focused on at, which was really heavily focused on politics. The Sun took a different politics. The Sun took a different politics. The Sun took a different position. It said instead of reporting position. It said instead of reporting position. It said instead of reporting on international and national events of on international and national events of on international and national events of limited interest to the masses, it limited interest to the masses, it limited interest to the masses, it focused on city news, violence being its focused on city news, violence being its focused on city news, violence being its favorite topic. favorite topic. favorite topic. And presented this news in a highly And presented this news in a highly And presented this news in a highly readable, though sometimes flippant readable, though sometimes flippant readable, though sometimes flippant style. In comparison with the stodgy style. In comparison with the stodgy style. In comparison with the stodgy journals favored by the city elite, the journals favored by the city elite, the journals favored by the city elite, the Sun was a blast of fresh air. It was Sun was a blast of fresh air. It was Sun was a blast of fresh air. It was compact, always four pages long, and as compact, always four pages long, and as compact, always four pages long, and as the nation's first penny newspaper, it the nation's first penny newspaper, it the nation's first penny newspaper, it was cheap. The Sun would sell more than was cheap. The Sun would sell more than was cheap. The Sun would sell more than 100,000 copies every day. It was an 100,000 copies every day. It was an 100,000 copies every day. It was an irresistible feast of information that irresistible feast of information that irresistible feast of information that won wide attention in an era of won wide attention in an era of won wide attention in an era of generally dull journalism. And this is generally dull journalism. And this is generally dull journalism. And this is what Joseph Pulitzer said about the Sun. what Joseph Pulitzer said about the Sun. what Joseph Pulitzer said about the Sun. I read the Sun regularly. It is the most I read the Sun regularly. It is the most I read the Sun regularly. It is the most entertaining and without exception the entertaining and without exception the entertaining and without exception the best newspaper in the world. best newspaper in the world. best newspaper in the world. And so as he's looking for newspapers to And so as he's looking for newspapers to And so as he's looking for newspapers to buy, he has a reason to be so confident. buy, he has a reason to be so confident. buy, he has a reason to be so confident. He has an edge here and he knows it. And He has an edge here and he knows it. And He has an edge here and he knows it. And the edge is that he actually could do the edge is that he actually could do the edge is that he actually could do every single job inside the newspaper. every single job inside the newspaper. every single job inside the newspaper. He came from inside. So he says, "Those He came from inside. So he says, "Those He came from inside. So he says, "Those who own newspapers scarcely ever make who own newspapers scarcely ever make who own newspapers scarcely ever make them. The persons who do own them are them. The persons who do own them are them. The persons who do own them are scarcely fit to write the smallest and scarcely fit to write the smallest and scarcely fit to write the smallest and most unimportant part of the paper." most unimportant part of the paper." most unimportant part of the paper." When I got to this part, I thought of When I got to this part, I thought of When I got to this part, I thought of James J. Hill. So James I found James J. James J. Hill. So James I found James J. James J. Hill. So James I found James J. Hill because Charlie Munger listed him Hill because Charlie Munger listed him Hill because Charlie Munger listed him in the book Poor Charlie's Almanack as in the book Poor Charlie's Almanack as in the book Poor Charlie's Almanack as one of his what he thought was one of one of his what he thought was one of one of his what he thought was one of the best business operators of all time. the best business operators of all time. the best business operators of all time. James J. Hill is the only person in James J. Hill is the only person in James J. Hill is the only person in American history to found a railroad and American history to found a railroad and American history to found a railroad and not go bankrupt. And he said the same not go bankrupt. And he said the same not go bankrupt. And he said the same thing about his edge when building thing about his edge when building thing about his edge when building railroads as Pulitzer is talking about railroads as Pulitzer is talking about railroads as Pulitzer is talking about his edge when buying and building his edge when buying and building his edge when buying and building newspapers. And so let me read you this newspapers. And so let me read you this newspapers. And so let me read you this note about James J. Hill's advantage. note about James J. Hill's advantage. note about James J. Hill's advantage. It's the exact same thing that's going It's the exact same thing that's going It's the exact same thing that's going on here. James J. Hill's advantage was on here. James J. Hill's advantage was on here. James J. Hill's advantage was that he understood the railroad as an that he understood the railroad as an that he understood the railroad as an business, not as a financial instrument. business, not as a financial instrument. business, not as a financial instrument. Most of his competitors came from Most of his competitors came from Most of his competitors came from finance or speculation. They were often finance or speculation. They were often finance or speculation. They were often trying to build railroads to capture trying to build railroads to capture trying to build railroads to capture land grants, sell bonds, manipulate land grants, sell bonds, manipulate land grants, sell bonds, manipulate stock, or reorganize bankrupt systems. stock, or reorganize bankrupt systems. stock, or reorganize bankrupt systems. Hill came from freight, warehousing, and Hill came from freight, warehousing, and Hill came from freight, warehousing, and transportation logistics. So when he transportation logistics. So when he transportation logistics. So when he finally got control of a railroad, he finally got control of a railroad, he finally got control of a railroad, he understood the customer, the cargo, the understood the customer, the cargo, the understood the customer, the cargo, the routes, the costs, the bottlenecks, and routes, the costs, the bottlenecks, and routes, the costs, the bottlenecks, and the economics from the inside. the economics from the inside. the economics from the inside. Hill had a priceless advantage because Hill had a priceless advantage because Hill had a priceless advantage because he came from inside the world of he came from inside the world of he came from inside the world of freighting and transportation, while freighting and transportation, while freighting and transportation, while most 19th century rail titans came from most 19th century rail titans came from most 19th century rail titans came from the outside world of finance. the outside world of finance. the outside world of finance. But newspapers worth buying rarely But newspapers worth buying rarely But newspapers worth buying rarely appear at regular intervals. So he's appear at regular intervals. So he's appear at regular intervals. So he's essentially like wandering in a essentially like wandering in a essentially like wandering in a professional desert. He says at this professional desert. He says at this professional desert. He says at this point he was professionally rudderless. point he was professionally rudderless. point he was professionally rudderless. So he says, "After years that had So he says, "After years that had So he says, "After years that had promised success in journalism and promised success in journalism and promised success in journalism and politics, Pulitzer entered a barren politics, Pulitzer entered a barren politics, Pulitzer entered a barren stretch." Compounding his aimlessness, stretch." Compounding his aimlessness, stretch." Compounding his aimlessness, he was 28 years old. He had no he was 28 years old. He had no he was 28 years old. He had no definitive profession. A sense of definitive profession. A sense of definitive profession. A sense of failure hung over him. And so at this failure hung over him. And so at this failure hung over him. And so at this point in his life he's telling a friend, point in his life he's telling a friend, point in his life he's telling a friend, "I am almost tired of this life. I am "I am almost tired of this life. I am "I am almost tired of this life. I am aimless, homeless, and loveless." aimless, homeless, and loveless." aimless, homeless, and loveless." He also has no wife and family, which he He also has no wife and family, which he He also has no wife and family, which he wanted as well. wanted as well. wanted as well. And so he winds up meeting a woman. He's And so he winds up meeting a woman. He's And so he winds up meeting a woman. He's eventually going to marry her, but I eventually going to marry her, but I eventually going to marry her, but I thought it was very interesting how he thought it was very interesting how he thought it was very interesting how he kind of warns her and is honest with her kind of warns her and is honest with her kind of warns her and is honest with her up front about the fact that he is just up front about the fact that he is just up front about the fact that he is just unbelievably dedicated to this pursuit, unbelievably dedicated to this pursuit, unbelievably dedicated to this pursuit, his professional pursuits. It says his professional pursuits. It says his professional pursuits. It says Pulitzer was driven by speculative Pulitzer was driven by speculative Pulitzer was driven by speculative impulses. Up until now, his life had impulses. Up until now, his life had impulses. Up until now, his life had unfolded as an undirected but singular unfolded as an undirected but singular unfolded as an undirected but singular pursuit of his own goals with no care pursuit of his own goals with no care pursuit of his own goals with no care for others. And on the evening of their for others. And on the evening of their for others. And on the evening of their wedding, he's working like mad, and this wedding, he's working like mad, and this wedding, he's working like mad, and this is what he says to her. "It is an is what he says to her. "It is an is what he says to her. "It is an important opportunity. This is perhaps a important opportunity. This is perhaps a important opportunity. This is perhaps a fortune, and you ought not to expect me fortune, and you ought not to expect me fortune, and you ought not to expect me to neglect it. I must have business to to neglect it. I must have business to to neglect it. I must have business to occupy my mind and heart." She realized occupy my mind and heart." She realized occupy my mind and heart." She realized her husband's attention would never be her husband's attention would never be her husband's attention would never be hers alone, even on their honeymoon. His hers alone, even on their honeymoon. His hers alone, even on their honeymoon. His mind would constantly churn with mind would constantly churn with mind would constantly churn with political and business schemes. political and business schemes. political and business schemes. And so finally Pulitzer hears about a And so finally Pulitzer hears about a And so finally Pulitzer hears about a paper that's going to be auctioned off. paper that's going to be auctioned off. paper that's going to be auctioned off. It was called the Dispatch. It's a It was called the Dispatch. It's a It was called the Dispatch. It's a struggling evening paper in St. Louis struggling evening paper in St. Louis struggling evening paper in St. Louis that is going to be auctioned off at that is going to be auctioned off at that is going to be auctioned off at bankruptcy sale. And then Pulitzer does bankruptcy sale. And then Pulitzer does bankruptcy sale. And then Pulitzer does something very clever. He hires somebody something very clever. He hires somebody something very clever. He hires somebody else to do his bidding. Remember last else to do his bidding. Remember last else to do his bidding. Remember last time he bought a paper at an auction in time he bought a paper at an auction in time he bought a paper at an auction in St. Louis, he was able to flip that St. Louis, he was able to flip that St. Louis, he was able to flip that paper for a $20,000 profit in 48 hours. paper for a $20,000 profit in 48 hours. paper for a $20,000 profit in 48 hours. And so this is why he hired what he And so this is why he hired what he And so this is why he hired what he called a Trojan horse. Pulitzer knew called a Trojan horse. Pulitzer knew called a Trojan horse. Pulitzer knew that if he were to openly join the that if he were to openly join the that if he were to openly join the bidding, others would assume that he had bidding, others would assume that he had bidding, others would assume that he had seen in that paper something of value seen in that paper something of value seen in that paper something of value that had escaped everybody else's that had escaped everybody else's that had escaped everybody else's attention, and then the price would attention, and then the price would attention, and then the price would soar. So Pulitzer is able to get a soar. So Pulitzer is able to get a soar. So Pulitzer is able to get a newspaper for only $2,500. The problem newspaper for only $2,500. The problem newspaper for only $2,500. The problem is not the $2,500, it's the fact that is not the $2,500, it's the fact that is not the $2,500, it's the fact that this newspaper is losing so much money. this newspaper is losing so much money. this newspaper is losing so much money. And so Pulitzer does the math. He And so Pulitzer does the math. He And so Pulitzer does the math. He figures out how much money he has left, figures out how much money he has left, figures out how much money he has left, how much the paper's losing every week, how much the paper's losing every week, how much the paper's losing every week, and he says if he can't turn it around, and he says if he can't turn it around, and he says if he can't turn it around, he's going to run out of cash in 17 he's going to run out of cash in 17 he's going to run out of cash in 17 weeks. weeks. weeks. And so immediately he does something And so immediately he does something And so immediately he does something really smart. There's three evening really smart. There's three evening really smart. There's three evening papers in St. Louis, and immediately he papers in St. Louis, and immediately he papers in St. Louis, and immediately he convinces one of the other papers to convinces one of the other papers to convinces one of the other papers to merge with him. merge with him. merge with him. So it says his business acumen drove So it says his business acumen drove So it says his business acumen drove him, although he was at times an him, although he was at times an him, although he was at times an innovator in journalism, that was not innovator in journalism, that was not innovator in journalism, that was not his strength. Rather, he possessed his strength. Rather, he possessed his strength. Rather, he possessed remarkable foresight and an uncanny remarkable foresight and an uncanny remarkable foresight and an uncanny ability to recognize value where others ability to recognize value where others ability to recognize value where others didn't. He was willing to take risks didn't. He was willing to take risks didn't. He was willing to take risks based on his insights when others based on his insights when others based on his insights when others remained timid. So the other paper is remained timid. So the other paper is remained timid. So the other paper is called the post and is run by this guy called the post and is run by this guy called the post and is run by this guy named Dillon. Dillon agreed to merge his named Dillon. Dillon agreed to merge his named Dillon. Dillon agreed to merge his paper with Pulitzer's. A merger made paper with Pulitzer's. A merger made paper with Pulitzer's. A merger made good sense. Pulitzer and Dillon shared good sense. Pulitzer and Dillon shared good sense. Pulitzer and Dillon shared essentially the same political views. essentially the same political views. essentially the same political views. For Dillon, the merger would prevent a For Dillon, the merger would prevent a For Dillon, the merger would prevent a potentially disastrous circulation potentially disastrous circulation potentially disastrous circulation fight. For Pulitzer, it would bring fight. For Pulitzer, it would bring fight. For Pulitzer, it would bring readers and most important time. readers and most important time. readers and most important time. And yet Pulitzer's never going to do a And yet Pulitzer's never going to do a And yet Pulitzer's never going to do a deal that he does not benefit more than deal that he does not benefit more than deal that he does not benefit more than the other party. And somebody that's a the other party. And somebody that's a the other party. And somebody that's a mentor to Dillon, who knows Pulitzer, mentor to Dillon, who knows Pulitzer, mentor to Dillon, who knows Pulitzer, warns Dillon about this. Anyone who knew warns Dillon about this. Anyone who knew warns Dillon about this. Anyone who knew Pulitzer knew that power was something Pulitzer knew that power was something Pulitzer knew that power was something he did not share. McCullagh foresaw he did not share. McCullagh foresaw he did not share. McCullagh foresaw trouble for his protege Dillon. To trouble for his protege Dillon. To trouble for his protege Dillon. To succeed, Dillon would have to tone down, succeed, Dillon would have to tone down, succeed, Dillon would have to tone down, quote, the crude products of Pulitzer's quote, the crude products of Pulitzer's quote, the crude products of Pulitzer's fiery and untamed brain. fiery and untamed brain. fiery and untamed brain. And so Dillon is not going to last long. And so Dillon is not going to last long. And so Dillon is not going to last long. Eventually Pulitzer buys him out, and we Eventually Pulitzer buys him out, and we Eventually Pulitzer buys him out, and we see why Pulitzer can't share power. Very see why Pulitzer can't share power. Very see why Pulitzer can't share power. Very few people can match his work ethic. He few people can match his work ethic. He few people can match his work ethic. He is by default all in. Despite the is by default all in. Despite the is by default all in. Despite the paper's progress towards financial paper's progress towards financial paper's progress towards financial stability, Pulitzer did not relax or let stability, Pulitzer did not relax or let stability, Pulitzer did not relax or let up. He practically lived in the office, up. He practically lived in the office, up. He practically lived in the office, staying late into the night. I would staying late into the night. I would staying late into the night. I would pass by on my way home between 11:00 and pass by on my way home between 11:00 and pass by on my way home between 11:00 and 12:00 at night, and he was always there. 12:00 at night, and he was always there. 12:00 at night, and he was always there. No matter how late he worked, Pulitzer No matter how late he worked, Pulitzer No matter how late he worked, Pulitzer always arrived at the office in the always arrived at the office in the always arrived at the office in the early morning to examine the paper's early morning to examine the paper's early morning to examine the paper's vital signs. He demanded precise vital signs. He demanded precise vital signs. He demanded precise information, and these are the questions information, and these are the questions information, and these are the questions that he would ask every single day and that he would ask every single day and that he would ask every single day and that he would demand answers for. that he would demand answers for. that he would demand answers for. Exactly how many copies were printed the Exactly how many copies were printed the Exactly how many copies were printed the day before? How many were sold? How many day before? How many were sold? How many day before? How many were sold? How many were returned? How many lines of were returned? How many lines of were returned? How many lines of advertising had run in that issue? How advertising had run in that issue? How advertising had run in that issue? How many lines of advertising ran last week? many lines of advertising ran last week? many lines of advertising ran last week? How many lines of advertising ran since How many lines of advertising ran since How many lines of advertising ran since the beginning of the year? the beginning of the year? the beginning of the year? How much money was spent on the staff? How much money was spent on the staff? How much money was spent on the staff? How much money do we spend on paper? How How much money do we spend on paper? How How much money do we spend on paper? How much money do we spend on telegraphs? much money do we spend on telegraphs? much money do we spend on telegraphs? How much money do we bring in? His How much money do we bring in? His How much money do we bring in? His thirst for details was insatiable. In thirst for details was insatiable. In thirst for details was insatiable. In these first days of running the Post these first days of running the Post these first days of running the Post Dispatch, which is the name of his St. Dispatch, which is the name of his St. Dispatch, which is the name of his St. Louis paper, feeling the sharp anxiety Louis paper, feeling the sharp anxiety Louis paper, feeling the sharp anxiety of potential failure, Pulitzer learned of potential failure, Pulitzer learned of potential failure, Pulitzer learned to ask questions that provided him with to ask questions that provided him with to ask questions that provided him with the most realistic take on the financial the most realistic take on the financial the most realistic take on the financial health of his paper. He honed his health of his paper. He honed his health of his paper. He honed his questioning down to a precise mix of questioning down to a precise mix of questioning down to a precise mix of queries yielding a statistical portrait queries yielding a statistical portrait queries yielding a statistical portrait that revealed in a single glance where that revealed in a single glance where that revealed in a single glance where things stood. things stood. things stood. Until the end of his life, and no matter Until the end of his life, and no matter Until the end of his life, and no matter how far he wandered from the office, or how far he wandered from the office, or how far he wandered from the office, or how much he delegated to others, which how much he delegated to others, which how much he delegated to others, which was not a lot, by the way, he would was not a lot, by the way, he would was not a lot, by the way, he would never give up this habit. And real never give up this habit. And real never give up this habit. 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In that book, he writes, "The single most powerful pattern I have single most powerful pattern I have single most powerful pattern I have noticed is that successful people find noticed is that successful people find noticed is that successful people find value in unexpected places, and they do value in unexpected places, and they do value in unexpected places, and they do this by thinking about business from this by thinking about business from this by thinking about business from first principles instead of formulas." first principles instead of formulas." first principles instead of formulas." 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And then when they talk about the And then when they talk about the And then when they talk about the breakup of the partnership, I think breakup of the partnership, I think breakup of the partnership, I think there was a great description of why there was a great description of why there was a great description of why this didn't work out, and really tells this didn't work out, and really tells this didn't work out, and really tells us a lot about Joseph Pulitzer and who us a lot about Joseph Pulitzer and who us a lot about Joseph Pulitzer and who he was. To say they attributed the he was. To say they attributed the he was. To say they attributed the breakup to, quote, "incompatibility of breakup to, quote, "incompatibility of breakup to, quote, "incompatibility of temper superinduced temper superinduced temper superinduced by an excess of talent." The truth of by an excess of talent." The truth of by an excess of talent." The truth of the matter was that one did not work the matter was that one did not work the matter was that one did not work with Pulitzer. For him, surely, against with Pulitzer. For him, surely, against with Pulitzer. For him, surely, against him often, but not with him. And then him often, but not with him. And then him often, but not with him. And then again, goes back to he just had an again, goes back to he just had an again, goes back to he just had an excessive confidence in his own excessive confidence in his own excessive confidence in his own judgment. He thought he knew a lot about judgment. He thought he knew a lot about judgment. He thought he knew a lot about the industry, maybe more about the the industry, maybe more about the the industry, maybe more about the industry than anybody else. And so he's industry than anybody else. And so he's industry than anybody else. And so he's willing to make bets that other people willing to make bets that other people willing to make bets that other people simply were not. And at the time, people simply were not. And at the time, people simply were not. And at the time, people were like, "Here's a waste of time were like, "Here's a waste of time were like, "Here's a waste of time trying to do an evening newspaper. All trying to do an evening newspaper. All trying to do an evening newspaper. All the money is made in the morning, dummy. the money is made in the morning, dummy. the money is made in the morning, dummy. What are you doing?" Pulitzer saw that What are you doing?" Pulitzer saw that What are you doing?" Pulitzer saw that that was going to change, and he made a that was going to change, and he made a that was going to change, and he made a big bet. The flagging fortunes of the big bet. The flagging fortunes of the big bet. The flagging fortunes of the three evening papers discouraged other three evening papers discouraged other three evening papers discouraged other people from venturing into the business. people from venturing into the business. people from venturing into the business. Pulitzer, however, was undeterred. He Pulitzer, however, was undeterred. He Pulitzer, however, was undeterred. He was convinced that evening papers had a was convinced that evening papers had a was convinced that evening papers had a great future. He was right. The advent great future. He was right. The advent great future. He was right. The advent of the telegraph and faster printing of the telegraph and faster printing of the telegraph and faster printing presses made it possible to publish an presses made it possible to publish an presses made it possible to publish an afternoon newspaper with news as fresh afternoon newspaper with news as fresh afternoon newspaper with news as fresh as that day, making morning papers look as that day, making morning papers look as that day, making morning papers look as if they were publishing yesterday as if they were publishing yesterday as if they were publishing yesterday news, which they were. news, which they were. news, which they were. Furthermore, gaslight and then electric Furthermore, gaslight and then electric Furthermore, gaslight and then electric light also made the newspaper an light also made the newspaper an light also made the newspaper an important evening pastime. In a few important evening pastime. In a few important evening pastime. In a few years, evening newspapers would outsell years, evening newspapers would outsell years, evening newspapers would outsell morning ones. morning ones. morning ones. And another important part of And another important part of And another important part of differentiation that Pulitzer understood differentiation that Pulitzer understood differentiation that Pulitzer understood is that he was excessively is that he was excessively is that he was excessively self-promotional. And he realized that self-promotional. And he realized that self-promotional. And he realized that if he promoted his newspaper inside of if he promoted his newspaper inside of if he promoted his newspaper inside of his newspaper, that it would lead to his newspaper, that it would lead to his newspaper, that it would lead to larger circulation and more readers. larger circulation and more readers. larger circulation and more readers. Pulitzer was convinced that news Pulitzer was convinced that news Pulitzer was convinced that news reporting could be combined with reporting could be combined with reporting could be combined with promotion, and he pushed his staff to do promotion, and he pushed his staff to do promotion, and he pushed his staff to do both. A typical headline would both. A typical headline would both. A typical headline would invariably include a subhead that says, invariably include a subhead that says, invariably include a subhead that says, "Another exposure by the Post and "Another exposure by the Post and "Another exposure by the Post and Dispatch." Pulitzer's goal was to Dispatch." Pulitzer's goal was to Dispatch." Pulitzer's goal was to publish everyday at least one article so publish everyday at least one article so publish everyday at least one article so intriguing, so unusual, and so intriguing, so unusual, and so intriguing, so unusual, and so provocative that it would cause people provocative that it would cause people provocative that it would cause people to talk about it at the dinner table. to talk about it at the dinner table. to talk about it at the dinner table. And then it goes back to this idea that And then it goes back to this idea that And then it goes back to this idea that one of the edges he had is he knew the one of the edges he had is he knew the one of the edges he had is he knew the business from A to Z. He could do every business from A to Z. He could do every business from A to Z. He could do every single job. He did the job. He owned the single job. He did the job. He owned the single job. He did the job. He owned the paper, but also was a reporter, would paper, but also was a reporter, would paper, but also was a reporter, would write editorials. So it says, "After write editorials. So it says, "After write editorials. So it says, "After concluding his business duties, Pulitzer concluding his business duties, Pulitzer concluding his business duties, Pulitzer would then return to the editorial work. would then return to the editorial work. would then return to the editorial work. He worked side by side with the He worked side by side with the He worked side by side with the reporters and editors just as if he was reporters and editors just as if he was reporters and editors just as if he was one of them." And then I love this in a one of them." And then I love this in a one of them." And then I love this in a few sentences down. The people working few sentences down. The people working few sentences down. The people working for him describe him as intensely for him describe him as intensely for him describe him as intensely enthusiastic. enthusiastic. enthusiastic. He also understood that the best ad is a He also understood that the best ad is a He also understood that the best ad is a story, and that you should make an ad story, and that you should make an ad story, and that you should make an ad interesting to read just like you do a interesting to read just like you do a interesting to read just like you do a new story. Pulitzer also recognized that new story. Pulitzer also recognized that new story. Pulitzer also recognized that many people read the advertisements the many people read the advertisements the many people read the advertisements the way others read the articles. "It is our way others read the articles. "It is our way others read the articles. "It is our object to make the advertising columns object to make the advertising columns object to make the advertising columns of the Post-Dispatch not less varied and of the Post-Dispatch not less varied and of the Post-Dispatch not less varied and interesting than the news columns interesting than the news columns interesting than the news columns themselves." themselves." themselves." And then he's so good at his job that And then he's so good at his job that And then he's so good at his job that eventually he drives his one other eventually he drives his one other eventually he drives his one other competitor to bankruptcy, and then we competitor to bankruptcy, and then we competitor to bankruptcy, and then we see he does the exact same thing that he see he does the exact same thing that he see he does the exact same thing that he did when he bought the Dispatch to begin did when he bought the Dispatch to begin did when he bought the Dispatch to begin with. So this newspaper was called the with. So this newspaper was called the with. So this newspaper was called the Star. The owners of the Star decided to Star. The owners of the Star decided to Star. The owners of the Star decided to throw in the towel. It was now their throw in the towel. It was now their throw in the towel. It was now their turn on the auction block. The usual turn on the auction block. The usual turn on the auction block. The usual crowd gathered on the courthouse steps. crowd gathered on the courthouse steps. crowd gathered on the courthouse steps. Pulitzer joined in on the bidding, which Pulitzer joined in on the bidding, which Pulitzer joined in on the bidding, which started only $100 but rapidly devolved started only $100 but rapidly devolved started only $100 but rapidly devolved into a three-way match. When the bids into a three-way match. When the bids into a three-way match. When the bids reached the $700 range, Pulitzer dropped reached the $700 range, Pulitzer dropped reached the $700 range, Pulitzer dropped out and one of the remaining two men out and one of the remaining two men out and one of the remaining two men prevailed with a bid of $790. prevailed with a bid of $790. prevailed with a bid of $790. As when he had bought the Dispatch at As when he had bought the Dispatch at As when he had bought the Dispatch at auction, Pulitzer had fooled the crowd. auction, Pulitzer had fooled the crowd. auction, Pulitzer had fooled the crowd. The man who had placed the winning bid The man who had placed the winning bid The man who had placed the winning bid was working for him. The Evening Field was working for him. The Evening Field was working for him. The Evening Field now belongs solely to Pulitzer. And so now belongs solely to Pulitzer. And so now belongs solely to Pulitzer. And so there is a lot of benefits to owning a there is a lot of benefits to owning a there is a lot of benefits to owning a newspaper. It obviously shapes public newspaper. It obviously shapes public newspaper. It obviously shapes public opinion, it makes you rich, it makes you opinion, it makes you rich, it makes you opinion, it makes you rich, it makes you powerful, but at this time in history powerful, but at this time in history powerful, but at this time in history they were phenomenal businesses. they were phenomenal businesses. they were phenomenal businesses. Pulitzer's going to be one of the 20th Pulitzer's going to be one of the 20th Pulitzer's going to be one of the 20th richest people in America. And even this richest people in America. And even this richest people in America. And even this small newspaper in St. Louis, who he has small newspaper in St. Louis, who he has small newspaper in St. Louis, who he has no partners, he owns all of it, is no partners, he owns all of it, is no partners, he owns all of it, is generating even now, at the beginning of generating even now, at the beginning of generating even now, at the beginning of his career, is generating him an income his career, is generating him an income his career, is generating him an income of $88,000 a year. Put that into context of $88,000 a year. Put that into context of $88,000 a year. Put that into context at a time when the average skilled at a time when the average skilled at a time when the average skilled worker makes $600 a year. When he has worker makes $600 a year. When he has worker makes $600 a year. When he has the most successful newspaper in the the most successful newspaper in the the most successful newspaper in the world in New York, he'll make millions a world in New York, he'll make millions a world in New York, he'll make millions a year. And that's what I meant earlier, year. And that's what I meant earlier, year. And that's what I meant earlier, if you think about where he started. So if you think about where he started. So if you think about where he started. So he describes like the way he came to he describes like the way he came to he describes like the way he came to America. He's like, "When I came to the America. He's like, "When I came to the America. He's like, "When I came to the United States, I was friendless, I was United States, I was friendless, I was United States, I was friendless, I was homeless, I was tongueless, and I was a homeless, I was tongueless, and I was a homeless, I was tongueless, and I was a guideless." He didn't know anybody, guideless." He didn't know anybody, guideless." He didn't know anybody, didn't speak the language, didn't have didn't speak the language, didn't have didn't speak the language, didn't have any money, and lived on the streets. And any money, and lived on the streets. And any money, and lived on the streets. And in two decades becomes one of the in two decades becomes one of the in two decades becomes one of the wealthiest and most powerful people in wealthiest and most powerful people in wealthiest and most powerful people in the country. the country. the country. And so even before he gets to New York, And so even before he gets to New York, And so even before he gets to New York, his workforce tries to unionize, and his workforce tries to unionize, and his workforce tries to unionize, and this is what I meant earlier about the this is what I meant earlier about the this is what I meant earlier about the the hypocrisy, the difference between the hypocrisy, the difference between the hypocrisy, the difference between his pub- what he publicly pronounces and his pub- what he publicly pronounces and his pub- what he publicly pronounces and what he privately does. Pulitzer was what he privately does. Pulitzer was what he privately does. Pulitzer was sympathetic to the aims of the labor sympathetic to the aims of the labor sympathetic to the aims of the labor movement, but this was different from movement, but this was different from movement, but this was different from writing an editorial dictating the writing an editorial dictating the writing an editorial dictating the behavior of others. Pulitzer would not behavior of others. Pulitzer would not behavior of others. Pulitzer would not abide anything that challenged his rule abide anything that challenged his rule abide anything that challenged his rule within the paper. We have a rules for within the paper. We have a rules for within the paper. We have a rules for thee, not for me situation here, and thee, not for me situation here, and thee, not for me situation here, and this is what Pulitzer does. The printers this is what Pulitzer does. The printers this is what Pulitzer does. The printers were fired. were fired. were fired. The Post-Dispatch, Pulitzer declared, The Post-Dispatch, Pulitzer declared, The Post-Dispatch, Pulitzer declared, "declines to be told who it shall and "declines to be told who it shall and "declines to be told who it shall and shall not employ. It refuses to be shall not employ. It refuses to be shall not employ. It refuses to be instructed as to how to measure its instructed as to how to measure its instructed as to how to measure its type, feed its press, or be limited to type, feed its press, or be limited to type, feed its press, or be limited to the number of apprentices that it should the number of apprentices that it should the number of apprentices that it should take into the office. Simply put, take into the office. Simply put, take into the office. Simply put, Pulitzer was a Democrat in politics, but Pulitzer was a Democrat in politics, but Pulitzer was a Democrat in politics, but a despot in the office. And so, it was a despot in the office. And so, it was a despot in the office. And so, it was never Pulitzer's intent to stay in St. never Pulitzer's intent to stay in St. never Pulitzer's intent to stay in St. Louis. He knew that New York was the Louis. He knew that New York was the Louis. He knew that New York was the center of the world. It's the capital of center of the world. It's the capital of center of the world. It's the capital of the world. He wanted to compete on the the world. He wanted to compete on the the world. He wanted to compete on the biggest stage. He was just biting his biggest stage. He was just biting his biggest stage. He was just biting his time until he could buy a New York time until he could buy a New York time until he could buy a New York paper. Now, Jay Gould at this time, paper. Now, Jay Gould at this time, paper. Now, Jay Gould at this time, who's another robber baron, one of them who's another robber baron, one of them who's another robber baron, one of them multiple episodes on, and we'll do multiple episodes on, and we'll do multiple episodes on, and we'll do multiple episodes on in the future, multiple episodes on in the future, multiple episodes on in the future, accidentally owns a newspaper. Jay Gould accidentally owns a newspaper. Jay Gould accidentally owns a newspaper. Jay Gould had unintentionally acquired the paper had unintentionally acquired the paper had unintentionally acquired the paper when he purchased the assets of another when he purchased the assets of another when he purchased the assets of another corporation. And so, it says, Jay Gould corporation. And so, it says, Jay Gould corporation. And so, it says, Jay Gould decided to rid himself of the burdensome decided to rid himself of the burdensome decided to rid himself of the burdensome New York World, which is the name of the New York World, which is the name of the New York World, which is the name of the paper. An even greater sin in the eyes paper. An even greater sin in the eyes paper. An even greater sin in the eyes of a railroad industrial baron was that of a railroad industrial baron was that of a railroad industrial baron was that it had never made a dime since he it had never made a dime since he it had never made a dime since he acquired it 4 years earlier. "I never acquired it 4 years earlier. "I never acquired it 4 years earlier. "I never cared anything about the paper," Gould cared anything about the paper," Gould cared anything about the paper," Gould said. "The World had an anemic said. "The World had an anemic said. "The World had an anemic circulation of 15,000 and was losing circulation of 15,000 and was losing circulation of 15,000 and was losing money every week. And yet, it was still money every week. And yet, it was still money every week. And yet, it was still a very valuable asset, one that Pulitzer a very valuable asset, one that Pulitzer a very valuable asset, one that Pulitzer is going to go half a million dollars is going to go half a million dollars is going to go half a million dollars into debt to acquire." Signing the into debt to acquire." Signing the into debt to acquire." Signing the contract put Pulitzer nearly $500,000 in contract put Pulitzer nearly $500,000 in contract put Pulitzer nearly $500,000 in debt. Less than 5 years after spending debt. Less than 5 years after spending debt. Less than 5 years after spending his last few thousand dollars to buy the his last few thousand dollars to buy the his last few thousand dollars to buy the bankrupt Dispatch, he was betting he bankrupt Dispatch, he was betting he bankrupt Dispatch, he was betting he could repeat his success on a far could repeat his success on a far could repeat his success on a far grander scale. And the reason he was grander scale. And the reason he was grander scale. And the reason he was able to do this and to move to New York able to do this and to move to New York able to do this and to move to New York is because he realized he could manage is because he realized he could manage is because he realized he could manage his existing newspaper remotely. So, it his existing newspaper remotely. So, it his existing newspaper remotely. So, it says the Post-Dispatch practically ran says the Post-Dispatch practically ran says the Post-Dispatch practically ran itself. But to be sure that it remained itself. But to be sure that it remained itself. But to be sure that it remained on track, Pulitzer received daily on track, Pulitzer received daily on track, Pulitzer received daily pre-printed one-page reports that showed pre-printed one-page reports that showed pre-printed one-page reports that showed him at a glance all the essential him at a glance all the essential him at a glance all the essential information, such as circulation, information, such as circulation, information, such as circulation, advertising, expenses, and the times advertising, expenses, and the times advertising, expenses, and the times when the presses started and ended their when the presses started and ended their when the presses started and ended their runs. He was forever asking the men who runs. He was forever asking the men who runs. He was forever asking the men who managed the business side of his managed the business side of his managed the business side of his operations to be brief in responding to operations to be brief in responding to operations to be brief in responding to his ceaseless queries. In his words, he his ceaseless queries. In his words, he his ceaseless queries. In his words, he wanted the information in a nutshell. wanted the information in a nutshell. wanted the information in a nutshell. And so, now he's half a million dollars And so, now he's half a million dollars And so, now he's half a million dollars into debt, and he's talking to his wife. into debt, and he's talking to his wife. into debt, and he's talking to his wife. He says, he confessed his anxiety to He says, he confessed his anxiety to He says, he confessed his anxiety to Kate. 5 years being married to Joseph Kate. 5 years being married to Joseph Kate. 5 years being married to Joseph had convinced her that it was no use had convinced her that it was no use had convinced her that it was no use trying to restrain his ambition. He was trying to restrain his ambition. He was trying to restrain his ambition. He was driven by an insatiable need to be driven by an insatiable need to be driven by an insatiable need to be occupied, to have meaningful work, and occupied, to have meaningful work, and occupied, to have meaningful work, and to keep moving. to keep moving. to keep moving. He's also incredibly ruthless. So, a few He's also incredibly ruthless. So, a few He's also incredibly ruthless. So, a few years earlier, his younger brother had years earlier, his younger brother had years earlier, his younger brother had moved to New York, started a small moved to New York, started a small moved to New York, started a small paper. It's more like a tabloid, like paper. It's more like a tabloid, like paper. It's more like a tabloid, like gossip rag kind of thing. And as soon as gossip rag kind of thing. And as soon as gossip rag kind of thing. And as soon as he closes this deal with Jay Gould, he he closes this deal with Jay Gould, he he closes this deal with Jay Gould, he tries to do what he did in St. Louis, tries to do what he did in St. Louis, tries to do what he did in St. Louis, where he's like, "I'm going to convince where he's like, "I'm going to convince where he's like, "I'm going to convince another existing paper to merge with me, another existing paper to merge with me, another existing paper to merge with me, so I can immediately increase my so I can immediately increase my so I can immediately increase my circulation and buy myself more time." circulation and buy myself more time." circulation and buy myself more time." And so, it says, "Pulitzer proposed to And so, it says, "Pulitzer proposed to And so, it says, "Pulitzer proposed to his brother that they consolidate their his brother that they consolidate their his brother that they consolidate their papers into a new one to be called The papers into a new one to be called The papers into a new one to be called The World Journal. Albert's paper had three World Journal. Albert's paper had three World Journal. Albert's paper had three times the circulation of The World and times the circulation of The World and times the circulation of The World and was acquiring thousands of new was acquiring thousands of new was acquiring thousands of new subscribers each month. If Albert agreed subscribers each month. If Albert agreed subscribers each month. If Albert agreed to the merger, Joseph promised him a to the merger, Joseph promised him a to the merger, Joseph promised him a profit of no less than $100,000 a year. profit of no less than $100,000 a year. profit of no less than $100,000 a year. And he told his little brother, "You And he told his little brother, "You And he told his little brother, "You don't even need to come to the office at don't even need to come to the office at don't even need to come to the office at all. If you like, you can stay at home all. If you like, you can stay at home all. If you like, you can stay at home in bed all day long." In hoping to in bed all day long." In hoping to in bed all day long." In hoping to combine the papers, Joseph was following combine the papers, Joseph was following combine the papers, Joseph was following the game plan he had used in St. Louis. the game plan he had used in St. Louis. the game plan he had used in St. Louis. But, this situation was different. But, this situation was different. But, this situation was different. Albert was making money on his own, and Albert was making money on his own, and Albert was making money on his own, and lots of it. And his paper was not lots of it. And his paper was not lots of it. And his paper was not threatened by Joseph. He declined the threatened by Joseph. He declined the threatened by Joseph. He declined the invitation. invitation. invitation. So, Joseph responds, "Don't be so cocky So, Joseph responds, "Don't be so cocky So, Joseph responds, "Don't be so cocky sure of your success. It is the men sure of your success. It is the men sure of your success. It is the men you've got and who get the paper out you've got and who get the paper out you've got and who get the paper out every night that are making it what it every night that are making it what it every night that are making it what it is. What are you going to do if they're is. What are you going to do if they're is. What are you going to do if they're all gone?" Joseph says that to his all gone?" Joseph says that to his all gone?" Joseph says that to his brother in the morning, and by night brother in the morning, and by night brother in the morning, and by night time, this is what Albert says, "My time, this is what Albert says, "My time, this is what Albert says, "My whole staff, my three most valuable men whole staff, my three most valuable men whole staff, my three most valuable men had gone over to a rival newspaper. This had gone over to a rival newspaper. This had gone over to a rival newspaper. This was a blow that was intended to kill was a blow that was intended to kill was a blow that was intended to kill me," he said. Of course, that rival me," he said. Of course, that rival me," he said. Of course, that rival paper was The World. In a city teeming paper was The World. In a city teeming paper was The World. In a city teeming with editorial talent, Joseph had chosen with editorial talent, Joseph had chosen with editorial talent, Joseph had chosen to raid his brother's shop. And then I to raid his brother's shop. And then I to raid his brother's shop. And then I thought this was important to understand thought this was important to understand thought this was important to understand Joseph Pulitzer. Pulitzer made one Joseph Pulitzer. Pulitzer made one Joseph Pulitzer. Pulitzer made one alteration to the look of the paper that alteration to the look of the paper that alteration to the look of the paper that hinted at his ambitions. He dropped New hinted at his ambitions. He dropped New hinted at his ambitions. He dropped New York from the name. Now, the paper is York from the name. Now, the paper is York from the name. Now, the paper is just called The World. just called The World. just called The World. And again, he used a lot of the same And again, he used a lot of the same And again, he used a lot of the same ideas that he used in St. Louis in New ideas that he used in St. Louis in New ideas that he used in St. Louis in New York. Pulitzer took to reprinting all York. Pulitzer took to reprinting all York. Pulitzer took to reprinting all the press comments on The World's change the press comments on The World's change the press comments on The World's change in ownership. He took every occasion to in ownership. He took every occasion to in ownership. He took every occasion to blow his own horn and tell the public blow his own horn and tell the public blow his own horn and tell the public what a good newspaper he was making. what a good newspaper he was making. what a good newspaper he was making. However distasteful this might seem to However distasteful this might seem to However distasteful this might seem to others, it worked. He's also excessively others, it worked. He's also excessively others, it worked. He's also excessively hands-on. No detail was too small. He hands-on. No detail was too small. He hands-on. No detail was too small. He loved debating with his staff, usually loved debating with his staff, usually loved debating with his staff, usually provoking the arguments himself. provoking the arguments himself. provoking the arguments himself. He said, "It is by argument that I He said, "It is by argument that I He said, "It is by argument that I measure a man, his shortcomings, his measure a man, his shortcomings, his measure a man, his shortcomings, his possession or lack of logic, and above possession or lack of logic, and above possession or lack of logic, and above all, whether he has the courage of his all, whether he has the courage of his all, whether he has the courage of his convictions, for no man can long work convictions, for no man can long work convictions, for no man can long work for me with satisfaction to himself or for me with satisfaction to himself or for me with satisfaction to himself or myself unless he has courage." myself unless he has courage." myself unless he has courage." It wasn't long before the old-timers It wasn't long before the old-timers It wasn't long before the old-timers couldn't take it anymore and new faces, couldn't take it anymore and new faces, couldn't take it anymore and new faces, often younger, appeared. And these new, often younger, appeared. And these new, often younger, appeared. And these new, younger, more excited workers knew they younger, more excited workers knew they younger, more excited workers knew they were working for a formidable were working for a formidable were working for a formidable individual. There was a sense that individual. There was a sense that individual. There was a sense that Pulitzer was pushing the world forward. Pulitzer was pushing the world forward. Pulitzer was pushing the world forward. We in the office felt from the first We in the office felt from the first We in the office felt from the first that this remarkable personality, which that this remarkable personality, which that this remarkable personality, which had so impressed us upon its arrival had so impressed us upon its arrival had so impressed us upon its arrival inside the building, would soon make its inside the building, would soon make its inside the building, would soon make its impress felt on the greater cosmopolitan impress felt on the greater cosmopolitan impress felt on the greater cosmopolitan public of New York. public of New York. public of New York. And in time, the country. The world And in time, the country. The world And in time, the country. The world began on its path to becoming the most began on its path to becoming the most began on its path to becoming the most widely read newspaper in American widely read newspaper in American widely read newspaper in American history. history. history. Joseph would say that the headline was Joseph would say that the headline was Joseph would say that the headline was the lure and the copy was the hook. the lure and the copy was the hook. the lure and the copy was the hook. He admonished his staff to write in a He admonished his staff to write in a He admonished his staff to write in a buoyant style, comprising simple nouns, buoyant style, comprising simple nouns, buoyant style, comprising simple nouns, bright verbs, and short, punchy bright verbs, and short, punchy bright verbs, and short, punchy sentences. If there was a Pulitzer sentences. If there was a Pulitzer sentences. If there was a Pulitzer formula, it was a story written so formula, it was a story written so formula, it was a story written so simply that anyone could read it, and so simply that anyone could read it, and so simply that anyone could read it, and so colorfully that no one would forget it. colorfully that no one would forget it. colorfully that no one would forget it. Pulitzer was obsessed with details. I Pulitzer was obsessed with details. I Pulitzer was obsessed with details. I love this part. He says that vagueness love this part. He says that vagueness love this part. He says that vagueness was a sin. So, this is what he means by was a sin. So, this is what he means by was a sin. So, this is what he means by that. A tall man was not just referred that. A tall man was not just referred that. A tall man was not just referred to as a tall man. He was 6 ft 2 in tall. to as a tall man. He was 6 ft 2 in tall. to as a tall man. He was 6 ft 2 in tall. A beautiful woman wasn't referred to as A beautiful woman wasn't referred to as A beautiful woman wasn't referred to as a beautiful woman. A beautiful woman had a beautiful woman. A beautiful woman had a beautiful woman. A beautiful woman had auburn hair, hazel eyes, and demure lips auburn hair, hazel eyes, and demure lips auburn hair, hazel eyes, and demure lips that occasionally turned upward in a coy that occasionally turned upward in a coy that occasionally turned upward in a coy smile. Vagueness to Pulitzer was a sin. smile. Vagueness to Pulitzer was a sin. smile. Vagueness to Pulitzer was a sin. Pulitzer practically lived at the Pulitzer practically lived at the Pulitzer practically lived at the office. Kate and his children hardly office. Kate and his children hardly office. Kate and his children hardly ever saw him. ever saw him. ever saw him. When he was not writing or editing, When he was not writing or editing, When he was not writing or editing, Pulitzer studied all New York papers as Pulitzer studied all New York papers as Pulitzer studied all New York papers as well as more than a dozen British, well as more than a dozen British, well as more than a dozen British, German, and French ones. German, and French ones. German, and French ones. He demanded a great deal from his staff, He demanded a great deal from his staff, He demanded a great deal from his staff, but even more from himself. If the paper but even more from himself. If the paper but even more from himself. If the paper was dull, he would head home feeling was dull, he would head home feeling was dull, he would head home feeling sick. If it met his standard, he would sick. If it met his standard, he would sick. If it met his standard, he would be elated. be elated. be elated. And then it goes back to this And then it goes back to this And then it goes back to this reoccurring theme of this hypocrisy that reoccurring theme of this hypocrisy that reoccurring theme of this hypocrisy that he had. Pulitzer may have taunted the he had. Pulitzer may have taunted the he had. Pulitzer may have taunted the wealthy and attacked their political wealthy and attacked their political wealthy and attacked their political power and criticized their sense of power and criticized their sense of power and criticized their sense of entitlement, but he planned to be one of entitlement, but he planned to be one of entitlement, but he planned to be one of them. them. them. And again, this is remarkably how And again, this is remarkably how And again, this is remarkably how talented Pulitzer was. This is not St. talented Pulitzer was. This is not St. talented Pulitzer was. This is not St. Louis. He has a ton of competition and Louis. He has a ton of competition and Louis. He has a ton of competition and he has a very distinct perspective of he has a very distinct perspective of he has a very distinct perspective of how he's going to win in an era when the how he's going to win in an era when the how he's going to win in an era when the printed word ruled supreme and 1,028 printed word ruled supreme and 1,028 printed word ruled supreme and 1,028 newspapers competed for readers, content newspapers competed for readers, content newspapers competed for readers, content was the means of competition. The medium was the means of competition. The medium was the means of competition. The medium was not the message, the message was and was not the message, the message was and was not the message, the message was and this is where Pulitzer started. And this is where Pulitzer started. And this is where Pulitzer started. And Pulitzer does a really smart move here. Pulitzer does a really smart move here. Pulitzer does a really smart move here. He understands that you can't stand out He understands that you can't stand out He understands that you can't stand out by looking the same. So, at the time, by looking the same. So, at the time, by looking the same. So, at the time, the newspapers were all gray and they the newspapers were all gray and they the newspapers were all gray and they were all just full of text. Pulitzer were all just full of text. Pulitzer were all just full of text. Pulitzer finds a very gifted cartoonist, hires finds a very gifted cartoonist, hires finds a very gifted cartoonist, hires him to make pictures for the newspaper, him to make pictures for the newspaper, him to make pictures for the newspaper, and pays him more than twice the salary and pays him more than twice the salary and pays him more than twice the salary that he paid his reporters. So, it gives that he paid his reporters. So, it gives that he paid his reporters. So, it gives you an insight to how important images you an insight to how important images you an insight to how important images were to Pulitzer. And it says, "Pulitzer were to Pulitzer. And it says, "Pulitzer were to Pulitzer. And it says, "Pulitzer had wanted illustrations in the world had wanted illustrations in the world had wanted illustrations in the world since he bought the paper on newsstands since he bought the paper on newsstands since he bought the paper on newsstands and in the arms of newsboys, the gray, and in the arms of newsboys, the gray, and in the arms of newsboys, the gray, unbroken front pages of the city's unbroken front pages of the city's unbroken front pages of the city's newspapers were indistinguishable from newspapers were indistinguishable from newspapers were indistinguishable from each other. Pulitzer found every excuse each other. Pulitzer found every excuse each other. Pulitzer found every excuse possible to add illustrations to make possible to add illustrations to make possible to add illustrations to make his paper stand out. It also greatly his paper stand out. It also greatly his paper stand out. It also greatly increased his circulation because he at increased his circulation because he at increased his circulation because he at the time he says, "A great many people the time he says, "A great many people the time he says, "A great many people in the world were required to be in the world were required to be in the world were required to be educated through their eyes." Pulitzer educated through their eyes." Pulitzer educated through their eyes." Pulitzer was mindful that many of the readers he was mindful that many of the readers he was mindful that many of the readers he pursued were struggling to learn pursued were struggling to learn pursued were struggling to learn English. English. English. He also had a bunch of unusual ideas He also had a bunch of unusual ideas He also had a bunch of unusual ideas that his competitors not. He said that that his competitors not. He said that that his competitors not. He said that newspapers should make enemies newspapers should make enemies newspapers should make enemies constantly, that the more enemies we constantly, that the more enemies we constantly, that the more enemies we have, the better. And he says, "The most have, the better. And he says, "The most have, the better. And he says, "The most valuable and most successful paper will valuable and most successful paper will valuable and most successful paper will generally be that which has the most generally be that which has the most generally be that which has the most enemies." enemies." enemies." And then he was really good at doing two And then he was really good at doing two And then he was really good at doing two things simultaneously, which is getting things simultaneously, which is getting things simultaneously, which is getting attention attention attention that would then increase the circulation that would then increase the circulation that would then increase the circulation of his paper. So, at the time, which I of his paper. So, at the time, which I of his paper. So, at the time, which I didn't even know this, he's responsible didn't even know this, he's responsible didn't even know this, he's responsible for raising the money so the Statue of for raising the money so the Statue of for raising the money so the Statue of Liberty could be erected in New York. Liberty could be erected in New York. Liberty could be erected in New York. So, at the time the Statue of Liberty So, at the time the Statue of Liberty So, at the time the Statue of Liberty was becoming a major embarrassment was becoming a major embarrassment was becoming a major embarrassment because France paid for the statue because France paid for the statue because France paid for the statue itself, but the United States was itself, but the United States was itself, but the United States was supposed to be responsible for paying supposed to be responsible for paying supposed to be responsible for paying for the pedestal that the statue rest for the pedestal that the statue rest for the pedestal that the statue rest upon. And by the time Pulitzer gets upon. And by the time Pulitzer gets upon. And by the time Pulitzer gets involved, the fundraising had involved, the fundraising had involved, the fundraising had essentially died out. They were short by essentially died out. They were short by essentially died out. They were short by over $100,000. And so he does an early over $100,000. And so he does an early over $100,000. And so he does an early version of essentially mass version of essentially mass version of essentially mass crowdfunding. So he launches this crowdfunding. So he launches this crowdfunding. So he launches this nationwide campaign through his nationwide campaign through his nationwide campaign through his newspaper. And so the way he does this, newspaper. And so the way he does this, newspaper. And so the way he does this, he says, "Hey, if it doesn't matter if he says, "Hey, if it doesn't matter if he says, "Hey, if it doesn't matter if you give a penny, you give a penny, you give a penny, if you give two pennies to this, every if you give two pennies to this, every if you give two pennies to this, every single person that donates, I will print single person that donates, I will print single person that donates, I will print your name in my newspaper." your name in my newspaper." your name in my newspaper." Over 120,000 people donate, and in less Over 120,000 people donate, and in less Over 120,000 people donate, and in less than 5 months, Pulitzer raises all the than 5 months, Pulitzer raises all the than 5 months, Pulitzer raises all the money required. And the book says, "The money required. And the book says, "The money required. And the book says, "The public service also turned out to be public service also turned out to be public service also turned out to be good for business. The World's good for business. The World's good for business. The World's circulation soared." And so now he has circulation soared." And so now he has circulation soared." And so now he has the most successful newspaper in the the most successful newspaper in the the most successful newspaper in the world, and as a result of the success world, and as a result of the success world, and as a result of the success that he's enjoying, it starts to spawn that he's enjoying, it starts to spawn that he's enjoying, it starts to spawn imitators all throughout other cities. imitators all throughout other cities. imitators all throughout other cities. It says, "His formula worked even for a It says, "His formula worked even for a It says, "His formula worked even for a young dropout from Harvard." And so this young dropout from Harvard." And so this young dropout from Harvard." And so this is when you have this massive is when you have this massive is when you have this massive competition between the next Joseph competition between the next Joseph competition between the next Joseph Pulitzer, somebody that takes Joseph Pulitzer, somebody that takes Joseph Pulitzer, somebody that takes Joseph Pulitzer's ideas even further than Pulitzer's ideas even further than Pulitzer's ideas even further than Joseph Pulitzer himself did. That is Joseph Pulitzer himself did. That is Joseph Pulitzer himself did. That is William Randolph Hearst, who at the time William Randolph Hearst, who at the time William Randolph Hearst, who at the time in this story is only 24 years old. And in this story is only 24 years old. And in this story is only 24 years old. And his father's unbelievably wealthy and his father's unbelievably wealthy and his father's unbelievably wealthy and owns the San Francisco Examiner. He owns the San Francisco Examiner. He owns the San Francisco Examiner. He convinces his father to give the convinces his father to give the convinces his father to give the newspaper to him with the explicit goal newspaper to him with the explicit goal newspaper to him with the explicit goal of saying, "I'm going to set about of saying, "I'm going to set about of saying, "I'm going to set about transforming the Examiner into a West transforming the Examiner into a West transforming the Examiner into a West Coast version of Joseph Pulitzer's The Coast version of Joseph Pulitzer's The Coast version of Joseph Pulitzer's The World." World." World." For years, Hearst had read, studied, and For years, Hearst had read, studied, and For years, Hearst had read, studied, and cut out articles from The World. cut out articles from The World. cut out articles from The World. And so eventually, 3 years from now, And so eventually, 3 years from now, And so eventually, 3 years from now, William Randolph Hearst is actually William Randolph Hearst is actually William Randolph Hearst is actually going to use Pulitzer's ideas against going to use Pulitzer's ideas against going to use Pulitzer's ideas against him. And they engage in this decade-long him. And they engage in this decade-long him. And they engage in this decade-long fight and feud and circulation war in fight and feud and circulation war in fight and feud and circulation war in New York City. New York City. New York City. And so then again, we're reminded of And so then again, we're reminded of And so then again, we're reminded of this kind of hypocrisy he does. He this kind of hypocrisy he does. He this kind of hypocrisy he does. He attacks the rich and the wealthy and the attacks the rich and the wealthy and the attacks the rich and the wealthy and the powerful in the papers, and yet he powerful in the papers, and yet he powerful in the papers, and yet he deeply desires to be them. In private, deeply desires to be them. In private, deeply desires to be them. In private, he's doing business deals with them. It he's doing business deals with them. It he's doing business deals with them. It says, "Pulitzer did not object to says, "Pulitzer did not object to says, "Pulitzer did not object to wealth. In fact, he coveted it." wealth. In fact, he coveted it." wealth. In fact, he coveted it." However, the kind of wealth mattered. However, the kind of wealth mattered. However, the kind of wealth mattered. Inherited fortunes were a social evil, Inherited fortunes were a social evil, Inherited fortunes were a social evil, according to Pulitzer, but earned wealth according to Pulitzer, but earned wealth according to Pulitzer, but earned wealth was not. He was moved by quite strong was not. He was moved by quite strong was not. He was moved by quite strong hunger for wealth, luxury, and power. hunger for wealth, luxury, and power. hunger for wealth, luxury, and power. Pulitzer did not simply socialize with Pulitzer did not simply socialize with Pulitzer did not simply socialize with those he attacked in the pages of his those he attacked in the pages of his those he attacked in the pages of his newspaper. He also became their newspaper. He also became their newspaper. He also became their financial partner. financial partner. financial partner. And so, for the last decade and a half And so, for the last decade and a half And so, for the last decade and a half of his life, and at this point in the of his life, and at this point in the of his life, and at this point in the story, Pulitzer is in his early 40s, story, Pulitzer is in his early 40s, story, Pulitzer is in his early 40s, he's been pushing himself so hard. He he's been pushing himself so hard. He he's been pushing himself so hard. He has insomnia, he has indigestion, he has has insomnia, he has indigestion, he has has insomnia, he has indigestion, he has terrible anxiety, he has depression. terrible anxiety, he has depression. terrible anxiety, he has depression. He's also likely a hypochondriac, but he He's also likely a hypochondriac, but he He's also likely a hypochondriac, but he works so much that he had reached the works so much that he had reached the works so much that he had reached the limits of his physical and psychological limits of his physical and psychological limits of his physical and psychological endurance. And then, the most endurance. And then, the most endurance. And then, the most devastating thing happens to him. He is devastating thing happens to him. He is devastating thing happens to him. He is going to go blind at the apex of his going to go blind at the apex of his going to go blind at the apex of his power. He is in his early 40s. This is power. He is in his early 40s. This is power. He is in his early 40s. This is devastating because he would insist on devastating because he would insist on devastating because he would insist on reading every single line of copy before reading every single line of copy before reading every single line of copy before it was published. He says, "When I it was published. He says, "When I it was published. He says, "When I picked up the newspaper, I was picked up the newspaper, I was picked up the newspaper, I was astonished to find that I could hardly astonished to find that I could hardly astonished to find that I could hardly see the writing, let alone read it." see the writing, let alone read it." see the writing, let alone read it." It was as if a dark curtain had been It was as if a dark curtain had been It was as if a dark curtain had been pulled entirely across his right eye and pulled entirely across his right eye and pulled entirely across his right eye and partially across his left. Having long partially across his left. Having long partially across his left. Having long suffered from bad eyesight, frequently suffered from bad eyesight, frequently suffered from bad eyesight, frequently aggravated by reading late into the aggravated by reading late into the aggravated by reading late into the night under harsh gaslight, Pulitzer night under harsh gaslight, Pulitzer night under harsh gaslight, Pulitzer decided that it was simply a temporary decided that it was simply a temporary decided that it was simply a temporary affliction. But, by the next day, when affliction. But, by the next day, when affliction. But, by the next day, when it didn't improve, he goes to see the it didn't improve, he goes to see the it didn't improve, he goes to see the doctor. When the doctor peered into doctor. When the doctor peered into doctor. When the doctor peered into Pulitzer's eyes, it was clear in an Pulitzer's eyes, it was clear in an Pulitzer's eyes, it was clear in an instant what had gone wrong. The retina instant what had gone wrong. The retina instant what had gone wrong. The retina in the right eye had become detached, in the right eye had become detached, in the right eye had become detached, and the left retina was in danger of and the left retina was in danger of and the left retina was in danger of detaching. detaching. detaching. The prognosis was grim. In a great The prognosis was grim. In a great The prognosis was grim. In a great majority of cases, the natural course of majority of cases, the natural course of majority of cases, the natural course of the disease is slowly but surely the disease is slowly but surely the disease is slowly but surely progressive, leading finally to total progressive, leading finally to total progressive, leading finally to total blindness. Now, the crazy thing about blindness. Now, the crazy thing about blindness. Now, the crazy thing about the story is he's going to spend the the story is he's going to spend the the story is he's going to spend the last two decades of his life battling last two decades of his life battling last two decades of his life battling these serious health problems. He's these serious health problems. He's these serious health problems. He's going to go blind, he's going to be in going to go blind, he's going to be in going to go blind, he's going to be in chronic pain, he's going to suffer from chronic pain, he's going to suffer from chronic pain, he's going to suffer from insomnia, and then he develops this insomnia, and then he develops this insomnia, and then he develops this extreme sensitivity to noise. But, extreme sensitivity to noise. But, extreme sensitivity to noise. But, despite this, he remained actively despite this, he remained actively despite this, he remained actively involved in running his newspaper. And involved in running his newspaper. And involved in running his newspaper. And looking back on this point of his life, looking back on this point of his life, looking back on this point of his life, when he starts to go blind in his early when he starts to go blind in his early when he starts to go blind in his early 40s, as a much older man, this is what 40s, as a much older man, this is what 40s, as a much older man, this is what he says about this time. He says, "That he says about this time. He says, "That he says about this time. He says, "That was the beginning of the end." was the beginning of the end." was the beginning of the end." And this is the period of Pulitzer's And this is the period of Pulitzer's And this is the period of Pulitzer's life that was referenced at the very life that was referenced at the very life that was referenced at the very beginning of the book where he's like beginning of the book where he's like beginning of the book where he's like this Howard Hughes recluse for the last this Howard Hughes recluse for the last this Howard Hughes recluse for the last two decades of his life just essentially two decades of his life just essentially two decades of his life just essentially wandering the globe. He has no friends. wandering the globe. He has no friends. wandering the globe. He has no friends. Everybody around him is paid to spend Everybody around him is paid to spend Everybody around him is paid to spend time with him. And there's a great time with him. And there's a great time with him. And there's a great sentence that just just devastating. And sentence that just just devastating. And sentence that just just devastating. And so this sentence describes the torment so this sentence describes the torment so this sentence describes the torment that he experiences for 20 years. A that he experiences for 20 years. A that he experiences for 20 years. A giant intelligence eternally condemned giant intelligence eternally condemned giant intelligence eternally condemned to the darkest of dungeons. A caged to the darkest of dungeons. A caged to the darkest of dungeons. A caged eagle furiously belaboring the bars. eagle furiously belaboring the bars. eagle furiously belaboring the bars. So even though he never works in the So even though he never works in the So even though he never works in the office again, he's just wandering the office again, he's just wandering the office again, he's just wandering the earth. He's essentially running his earth. He's essentially running his earth. He's essentially running his business through all these hundreds, business through all these hundreds, business through all these hundreds, maybe thousands of telegrams that he's maybe thousands of telegrams that he's maybe thousands of telegrams that he's sending every week. And even though he sending every week. And even though he sending every week. And even though he can't see and he has to have all of them can't see and he has to have all of them can't see and he has to have all of them read aloud. So he has to dictate the read aloud. So he has to dictate the read aloud. So he has to dictate the telegrams obviously. And then the ones telegrams obviously. And then the ones telegrams obviously. And then the ones that he receives he somebody has to read that he receives he somebody has to read that he receives he somebody has to read aloud to them. He's able to keep all aloud to them. He's able to keep all aloud to them. He's able to keep all this information in his head. And this information in his head. And this information in his head. And there's a great paragraph that describes there's a great paragraph that describes there's a great paragraph that describes like a new hire for the world what they like a new hire for the world what they like a new hire for the world what they would experience. The new hires quickly would experience. The new hires quickly would experience. The new hires quickly learned that Pulitzer intended to manage learned that Pulitzer intended to manage learned that Pulitzer intended to manage them as if he were in the office rather them as if he were in the office rather them as if he were in the office rather than simply the source of telegrams than simply the source of telegrams than simply the source of telegrams piled thick on their desk. This is what piled thick on their desk. This is what piled thick on their desk. This is what he says. "Never fear of troubling me he says. "Never fear of troubling me he says. "Never fear of troubling me with any suggestion concerning either with any suggestion concerning either with any suggestion concerning either the welfare of the paper or your own. the welfare of the paper or your own. the welfare of the paper or your own. Nothing looking to the elevation and Nothing looking to the elevation and Nothing looking to the elevation and improvement of our paper is too small to improvement of our paper is too small to improvement of our paper is too small to mention." And then I just love this part mention." And then I just love this part mention." And then I just love this part because it just describes this drastic because it just describes this drastic because it just describes this drastic change in his fortunes and his life when change in his fortunes and his life when change in his fortunes and his life when he was younger and he was homeless he he was younger and he was homeless he he was younger and he was homeless he used to get kicked out of this hotel used to get kicked out of this hotel used to get kicked out of this hotel lobby. He would like sleep outside. 23 lobby. He would like sleep outside. 23 lobby. He would like sleep outside. 23 years later he bought the hotel. It says years later he bought the hotel. It says years later he bought the hotel. It says the former derelict getting kicked out the former derelict getting kicked out the former derelict getting kicked out of the lobby now owned the place. And of the lobby now owned the place. And of the lobby now owned the place. And because most of the last two decades of because most of the last two decades of because most of the last two decades of his life play out in writing in these his life play out in writing in these his life play out in writing in these telegrams, we have all this detail, telegrams, we have all this detail, telegrams, we have all this detail, maybe more detail than we want about maybe more detail than we want about maybe more detail than we want about this just dysfunctional relationship, this just dysfunctional relationship, this just dysfunctional relationship, family life he has. I think he's got six family life he has. I think he's got six family life he has. I think he's got six or seven kids. Unfortunately two of them or seven kids. Unfortunately two of them or seven kids. Unfortunately two of them pass away at rather young ages. Him and pass away at rather young ages. Him and pass away at rather young ages. Him and his wife stayed married for like 30 his wife stayed married for like 30 his wife stayed married for like 30 years, but they barely spent any time years, but they barely spent any time years, but they barely spent any time together. Joseph was working all the together. Joseph was working all the together. Joseph was working all the time. His wife spends a lot of time in time. His wife spends a lot of time in time. His wife spends a lot of time in society. She makes a lot of news about society. She makes a lot of news about society. She makes a lot of news about like consumption and buying jewelry and like consumption and buying jewelry and like consumption and buying jewelry and houses and stuff like this, but I did houses and stuff like this, but I did houses and stuff like this, but I did think there's a bunch of these newspaper think there's a bunch of these newspaper think there's a bunch of these newspaper reports that we have that are in the reports that we have that are in the reports that we have that are in the book, too, that I thought were very book, too, that I thought were very book, too, that I thought were very interesting cuz it just describes just interesting cuz it just describes just interesting cuz it just describes just how unique of a life trajectory that how unique of a life trajectory that how unique of a life trajectory that Joseph Pulitzer experienced. And so, Joseph Pulitzer experienced. And so, Joseph Pulitzer experienced. And so, she's basically getting criticized she's basically getting criticized she's basically getting criticized because she had some of the most because she had some of the most because she had some of the most expensive jewelry in the world. expensive jewelry in the world. expensive jewelry in the world. And one newspaper is actually defending And one newspaper is actually defending And one newspaper is actually defending her and as a result gives you and I her and as a result gives you and I her and as a result gives you and I insight into Joseph Pulitzer. Says, "30 insight into Joseph Pulitzer. Says, "30 insight into Joseph Pulitzer. Says, "30 years ago her husband was shoveling coal years ago her husband was shoveling coal years ago her husband was shoveling coal and driving drays, but his indomitable and driving drays, but his indomitable and driving drays, but his indomitable energy and active brain have placed him energy and active brain have placed him energy and active brain have placed him where he can afford to buy out half a where he can afford to buy out half a where he can afford to buy out half a dozen royal families." And then we're dozen royal families." And then we're dozen royal families." And then we're also privy to all these descriptions of also privy to all these descriptions of also privy to all these descriptions of what it's like. You lived most of your what it's like. You lived most of your what it's like. You lived most of your adult life with sight. He spent 8, 10, adult life with sight. He spent 8, 10, adult life with sight. He spent 8, 10, 12 hours a day reading. He loved it and 12 hours a day reading. He loved it and 12 hours a day reading. He loved it and he can no longer do this and he he can no longer do this and he he can no longer do this and he describes this. He says, "This describes this. He says, "This describes this. He says, "This represents more suffering than all the represents more suffering than all the represents more suffering than all the rest of my life brought me. 10 times as rest of my life brought me. 10 times as rest of my life brought me. 10 times as much. I honestly think 50 times as much much. I honestly think 50 times as much much. I honestly think 50 times as much to the point where I cannot even finish to the point where I cannot even finish to the point where I cannot even finish this sentence." this sentence." this sentence." And so, I would say for the last third And so, I would say for the last third And so, I would say for the last third of the book when you're just reading of the book when you're just reading of the book when you're just reading these stories about Pulitzer's descent these stories about Pulitzer's descent these stories about Pulitzer's descent into darkness and madness, you realize into darkness and madness, you realize into darkness and madness, you realize one of his greatest failures is his one of his greatest failures is his one of his greatest failures is his inability to ever enjoy his life. And so inability to ever enjoy his life. And so inability to ever enjoy his life. And so much so that his son, who is named after much so that his son, who is named after much so that his son, who is named after him, writes to his father, "One of the him, writes to his father, "One of the him, writes to his father, "One of the strange differences between us two is strange differences between us two is strange differences between us two is the fact that you have never come near the fact that you have never come near the fact that you have never come near learning how to enjoy life." And so, the learning how to enjoy life." And so, the learning how to enjoy life." And so, the book ends as a cautionary tale. Pulitzer book ends as a cautionary tale. Pulitzer book ends as a cautionary tale. Pulitzer was bereft of friends and the companions was bereft of friends and the companions was bereft of friends and the companions with whom he spent his days were paid to with whom he spent his days were paid to with whom he spent his days were paid to be with him. be with him. be with him. His most important connections to his His most important connections to his His most important connections to his beginnings in St. Louis were dead. He beginnings in St. Louis were dead. He beginnings in St. Louis were dead. He was estranged from his only living was estranged from his only living was estranged from his only living sibling, who was also his last tie to sibling, who was also his last tie to sibling, who was also his last tie to his childhood in Hungary. Joseph's his childhood in Hungary. Joseph's his childhood in Hungary. Joseph's children were a disappointment and his children were a disappointment and his children were a disappointment and his family provided no comfort, broken up as family provided no comfort, broken up as family provided no comfort, broken up as it was on two continents. His wife, it was on two continents. His wife, it was on two continents. His wife, Kate, remained willing at at times to Kate, remained willing at at times to Kate, remained willing at at times to fill the void, but Joseph had spurned fill the void, but Joseph had spurned fill the void, but Joseph had spurned her offers of companionship so her offers of companionship so her offers of companionship so frequently that she ceased to ask. frequently that she ceased to ask. frequently that she ceased to ask. Writing to Joseph, Kate marked the Writing to Joseph, Kate marked the Writing to Joseph, Kate marked the moment of their 25-year wedding moment of their 25-year wedding moment of their 25-year wedding anniversary. anniversary. anniversary. 25 years married, how strange it seems, 25 years married, how strange it seems, 25 years married, how strange it seems, she wrote. she wrote. she wrote. When we think that 100 years hence, not When we think that 100 years hence, not When we think that 100 years hence, not one of us now living will be alive to one of us now living will be alive to one of us now living will be alive to care or to know or to enjoy or to care or to know or to enjoy or to care or to know or to enjoy or to suffer, suffer, suffer, what does it all amount to? what does it all amount to? what does it all amount to? To a puff of smoke which makes a few To a puff of smoke which makes a few To a puff of smoke which makes a few rings and then disappears into nothings. rings and then disappears into nothings. rings and then disappears into nothings. And yet we make tragedies of our lives, And yet we make tragedies of our lives, And yet we make tragedies of our lives, most of us not even making them serious most of us not even making them serious most of us not even making them serious comedies.