Summary of "Power, Purpose, and the American Presidency with Jared Cohen"
From "ReThinking with Adam Grant"
Released on February 17, 2025
In this enlightening episode of "ReThinking with Adam Grant," organizational psychologist Adam Grant engages in a profound conversation with Jared Cohen, a renowned historian and businessman. Cohen, known for his extensive research on American presidents, delves into the intricate dynamics of power, purpose, and legacy, exploring how seven distinct U.S. presidents navigated their lives after leaving the Oval Office. This discussion not only sheds light on the personal struggles and triumphs of these leaders but also offers universal insights applicable to anyone undergoing significant life transitions.
1. Introduction to Jared Cohen and His Work
Timestamp: [03:23]
Adam Grant introduces Jared Cohen, highlighting his impressive background as a Rhodes Scholar, former State Department official under Condoleezza Rice and Hillary Clinton, founder and CEO of Jigsaw at Google, and leader of global affairs and innovation at Goldman Sachs. Cohen’s latest work, "Life After Power," examines how seven American presidents managed their lives post-presidency, focusing on their quests for meaning, purpose, and enduring legacy.
Notable Quote:
"Presidents... were the most famous people in the world... these were the most visible figures that I remember." — Jared Cohen (05:00)
2. Cohen’s Obsession with the U.S. Presidency
Timestamp: [04:36]
Cohen shares the origins of his deep fascination with the American presidency, tracing it back to his childhood. An early encounter with a children's book about presidents sparked a lifelong interest, further fueled by witnessing pivotal moments like President George H.W. Bush announcing Desert Storm on television.
Notable Quote:
"The only thing that's consistent in my life is an unhealthy obsession with the US Presidency." — Jared Cohen (04:43)
3. The Challenges of Transitioning from Power
Timestamp: [05:56]
The conversation shifts to the profound challenges presidents face after leaving office. Cohen emphasizes that transitioning from the unparalleled power of the presidency to a more constrained existence often leads to struggles with purpose, legacy, and personal fulfillment.
Notable Quote:
"There's no more dramatic retirement or firing than leaving the presidency of the United States... living with a muzzle on your mouth." — Jared Cohen (05:56)
4. Case Studies of Seven Presidents
Timestamp: [07:22]
Cohen presents detailed analyses of seven presidents, each representing different archetypes in their post-presidential lives:
- Thomas Jefferson: Founded the University of Virginia, fulfilling his passion for education and the arts.
- John Quincy Adams: Transitioned into a powerful abolitionist leader in the House of Representatives despite personal despair and political setbacks.
- Grover Cleveland: Successfully returned to the presidency after his initial term, exemplifying resilience.
- William Howard Taft: Realized his dream of becoming Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, finding fulfillment in the judiciary.
- Herbert Hoover: Engaged in humanitarian efforts post-presidency, despite the overshadowing challenges of the Great Depression.
- Jimmy Carter: Built infrastructure for his post-presidential activities, focusing on human rights and global issues.
- George W. Bush: An outlier who found solace in painting, inadvertently enhancing his legacy without proactive efforts.
Notable Quote:
"There's not a perfect monolithic blueprint or playbook for how to handle transitions in our lives." — Jared Cohen (08:20)
5. Power Dynamics and Personal Traits
Timestamp: [19:27]
Grant and Cohen explore the psychological impact of power, referencing theories that suggest power amplifies existing traits rather than corrupting individuals. They discuss whether losing power reveals true character or allows for personal growth, using historical examples from the featured presidents.
Notable Quote:
"The presidents who are able to break down the barriers and be authentic end up being the happiest." — Jared Cohen (37:32)
6. The Unique Case of George W. Bush
Timestamp: [26:53]
Cohen delves into the post-presidency of George W. Bush, highlighting his unconventional path compared to other presidents. Bush embraced painting as a means to cope with post-office life, finding continuous learning and a new form of expression without actively shaping his legacy. Interestingly, Bush’s reputation has improved over time, making him an outlier among his peers.
Notable Quote:
"Once the political chapter was over, he just completely moved on." — Jared Cohen (26:53)
7. Life Lessons and Broader Applications
Timestamp: [37:57]
Cohen shares broader lessons from his study of presidents, emphasizing the importance of planned transitions and detaching from past roles. He advocates for building meaningful pursuits beyond positions of power, suggesting that deliberate preparations can lead to greater personal happiness and fulfillment.
Notable Quote:
"The people you have around you, the relationships, the family, the hobbies, the intellectual interests... transcend whether you're a president or a parent." — Jared Cohen (41:25)
8. Reflections on Legacy and Purpose
Timestamp: [33:48]
The discussion touches on how individuals can reevaluate their pursuits for legacy and purpose. Cohen underscores that meaningful contributions and purposeful activities are vital for a fulfilling life after holding significant power, drawing parallels between presidential transitions and everyday life changes.
Notable Quote:
"Towards the end of life, you want to have something purposeful that keeps you going." — Jared Cohen (33:48)
Conclusion
Timestamp: [43:15]
The episode concludes with reflections on the universal quest for purpose and the psychological journey of transitioning from power to personal fulfillment. Cohen’s insights offer valuable lessons not only for leaders but for anyone facing significant life changes, emphasizing the importance of intentionality, resilience, and authentic pursuit of passion.
Final Notable Quote:
"Human beings are complicated in only a certain number of ways... whether you're a president or a parent or a CEO, the prescriptions for navigating life transcend specific roles." — Jared Cohen (41:25)
This episode provides a deep dive into the personal lives of American presidents, revealing timeless truths about power, identity, and the enduring human spirit. Jared Cohen's research offers a compelling framework for understanding how individuals can navigate life's transitions with grace and purpose, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in personal development and leadership.