What more could be said about Steve Jobs that hasn’t already been said before? He was a visionary. He was innovative. He was brilliant. He was a revolutionary leader. He was inspirational, and he lived his life taking bold steps with the perfect blend of passion and purpose. Many people will agree that Jobs changed the world, but a lot of those many will firmly say that this is clearly an understatement.
Jobs and Steve Wozniak created Apple in the garage of Jobs’ parents’ house out of the sheer enjoyment of building computers. In 1976, the two friends sold nearly 200 computers at $666.66, and this was during a time when personal computers had not been mass produced, and people were simply building these machines as a hobby. Apple quickly took advantage of this and realized that this was a great way to build upon their current projects. It didn’t take much time for Apple to build a reputation of having sleek and aesthetically pleasing product designs, thanks to Jobs’ constant drive for perfection.
In 1985, he lost a power struggle with Apple’s board of directors and resigned as CEO. During his hiatus from the company he co-founded, he started a relatively unsuccessful computer platform development company called NeXT and became CEO of Pixar Animation Studios. In 1997, Jobs returned to a struggling Apple as CEO after they decided to buyout NeXT. On the brink of bankruptcy, the return of Jobs was exactly what Apple needed and then some. Jobs’ return completely changed the world of technology, music, and communication with innovative products like the iPod, iTunes, iPhone, and iPad – not to mention, it catapulted Apple to the top of the business world. He stepped down as CEO in late August citing health problems but remained on the board, and Tim Cook, former Chief of Operations of Apple, took over.
Over the course of nearly 15 years of his return to Apple, Jobs created a cult-like following from his customers, and people loved his infectious personality during the presentations he gave in his black turtle-neck and jeans. However, beyond technology and innovation, Jobs lived life the way it was meant to be lived. He took risks with confidence, and he took pride in every failure and success he had along the way. During a commencement speech at Stanford University in 2005, Jobs stated:
“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever
encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost
everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment
or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what
is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I
know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are
already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”
Jobs was willing to take chances knowing that if he wanted to be successful, he would have to begin listening to his guts. His lessons of life inspired millions and will always continue to inspire infinitely more. Thank you Steve for all that you’ve done for this generation and future generations to come. You were truly one of the greatest minds that mankind has ever witnessed.
“Stay hungry. Stay foolish.” – Steve Jobs
