Walter Isaacson On Writing Biographies
Walter Isaacson has written biographies of some of history’s most influential people including Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs, Benjamin Franklin and Leonardo DaVinci. Isaacson draws on his experience as a journalist and countless hours of observation and interviews to write compelling and insightful biographies. Isaacson spoke with Lex Fridman about his recent biography of Elon Musk. Towards the end of the two hour interview, Fridman asked Isaacson for tips on writing and interviewing. Here’s a few tips Isaacson keeps in mind while writing and interviewing.
On writing:
“Let me tell you a story.”
Isaacson keeps this phrase in mind while writing as a reminder to share stories instead of his own opinions. Sharing stories illustrates his subject’s habits, behaviors and thought process and allows the reader to form their own opinions.
“All things in good time.”
Keep the story chronological. A chronological narrative shows how a person grows from one experience to the next, leading to imaginative and creative breakthroughs such as Einstein’s Theory of Relativity or Steve Job’s vision for the iPhone.
“Being honest is being objective.”
To remain objective, Isaacson keeps in mind that he is writing for the reader, not the subject. He isn’t afraid to publish stories which may upset the subject.
On interviewing:
“People love to talk.”
You just need to listen. Once people start talking though it’s important to keep it on the record and cite your sources.
“You can never go wrong by staying silent.”
When a subject hasn’t adequately answered a question, don’t interject or rephrase questions. Isaacson remains silent and allows them more time to answer.
“Don’t have an agenda.”
From his days as a reporter Isaacson learned that it’s important to not have an agenda when speaking with someone. Being honest and curious will allow your subject to relax and be more comfortable with you. Asking simple, sincere questions and listening to the answer is more important than trying to get your own points across.
Isaacson interviewed 150 people for his biography on Elon Musk. Drawing on “door knocking” experiences as a journalist Isaacson says that being curious, asking simple questions and really listening to your subjects is the best way to get them to open up. Combining these interviews with observations and conversations with Musk, Isaacson set out to write a chronological narrative which presents the businessman honestly, letting the reader form their own opinions. Isaacson hopes his work shows how unique life experiences fueled imaginative and innovative thinking by influential people who changed the world.
