Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.
Posted by Jim | October 6, 2011 | 1 Comment
Three lessons from Steve Jobs
With yesterday’s passing of Apple CEO Steve Jobs, many stories of his wonderful life have been making their way around the internet. One clip that I found particularly meaningful was his commencement address at Stanford University from 2005. While directed to some of the brightest young scholars in the country, it is nonetheless inspiring to all. Particularly to those with an entrepreneurial spirit.
Follow your curiosity and intuition
The irony of a college dropout giving a commencement address (at Stanford, no less) was not lost on Jobs. But it was only after dropping out that Jobs began auditing those classes that actually interested him. He noted specifically a calligraphy course, where he first explored the basics of typography and design. Such concepts would go on to play an important role in many of Apple’s most influential products, and the culture of the company itself.
Embrace the freedom of uncertainty
Anyone who lost their job during the economic downturn can appreciate Jobs’ feelings of failure after being ousted from Apple in 1985. “I’d been rejected, but I was still in love,” he noted. Free from the pressures of success and the routine of the only career he’d ever known, Jobs entered one of the most creatively significant periods of his life. His work with NeXT and Pixar pushed the boundaries of the computer and film industries, respectively, and his influence there is still felt today.
Don’t waste your time living someone else’s life
Especially poignant this week, Jobs shared the story of his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer. “You’ll be dead soon,” he bluntly told the new grads. Faced with his own mortality, he reminds us how little time we truly have to make a difference. So little time, in fact, that it’s imperative to do what you love, and “don’t settle.” Spending time taking a path just because it’s easier, or expected of you, is the ultimate waste.
Rest in peace, Steve. Your innovative mind will truly be missed.
What are your favorite Steve Jobs memories?
Photo by: paulcole
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October 24th, 2011 @ 2:48 pm
Steve Jobs may he rest in peace!
Jeff
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