Steve Jobs passed away on Wednesday. He was only 56.
The fact that many of us read about his death on an Apple product that he created speaks volumes to his genius.
Jobs cited health reasons for stepping down as CEO in August and appointed Tim Cook in his place ““ his declining health was no secret. But his sudden death has taken the world by surprise.
Despite Apple’s global presence, its start was a humble one. In 1976, the company was born in Jobs’ family garage with an initial owner investment of only $1,300. Just five years later, the company’s net sales had jumped to $600 million, and with unprecedented quickness, Apple became a Fortune 500 company by 1983.
Over three decades old, the company has successfully defied the aging process, remaining sleek, chic and hip ““ a testament to Jobs’ quest for aesthetic perfection and his ability to attain it. The Picasso of technology, Jobs turned blah to beautiful.
And to those who dislike Apple products: How about Pixar? Jobs is responsible for the animation company that has supplied us with childhood movie staples like Toy Story, Finding Nemo and Monsters, Inc.
But to reduce Jobs’ impact to technological innovation is grossly insufficient.
He taught us that unconventional is trendy with his characteristic blue jeans ““ uncharacteristic corporate attire. He illustrates good is not good enough through his meticulous attention to detail.
And in what has become my favorite quote of his, he states in his 2005 commencement address at Stanford University, “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. … Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
Jobs’ legacy to our generation is the imperative lesson that success comes to those who are brave in the face of potential failure, to those who trust their instincts and hearts, to those who have faith in themselves.
Rather than mourn the loss of an innovator, we should aspire to emulate him.
In Jobs’ honor, I type this eulogy on my MacBook Pro while I charge my iPod and iPad in the next room. Mr. Jobs, you will forever be the Apple of my eye. iThankyou.
Email Lee at jlee@media.ucla.edu. Send general comments to
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