On Wednesday, the world lost one of its most influential people to have ever lived: Steve Jobs [10].
Jobs battled pancreatic cancer since mid-2004 and was forced to take several medical leaves from his position as CEO of Apple to deal with his health. Throughout his arduous battle with cancer, Jobs maintained his charm, demeanor and style that elevated Apple to the status of an innovator, not just a technology developer.
Not everyone has used an Apple device, but the world has been revolutionized because of its ideas and products. Ever since I received my first iPod [11], I’ve had full control over my music and it has become an essential piece of my daily life. If the iPod wasn’t enough, the iPhone [12] has changed how I live and share information with other people.
Creating new technology and products people use everyday was what Jobs did and loved. Although some of his management techniques weren't loved by all, you cannot undermine the accomplishments Apple achieved with Jobs as its leader. It was Jobs' relentlessness that allowed him to be innovative and revolutionary.
Steve Jobs as CEO of Apple will be missed, but what he stood for as a human will be remembered forever. During his 2005 commencement speech at Stanford University, Jobs talked about his views on life and death.
"When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like, 'If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you'll most certainly be right.' It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?'"
Even while struggling with cancer, Jobs found the strength to lead others through actions and words that will stand the test of time.
At the same commencement address, Jobs said, "Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma -- which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. 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 was not a philosopher, he was just a person who loved to change the world and live for himself.
I have not always agreed with the business moves Apple has made in the past several years, but I will always remember Steve Jobs for what he lived by. When you need inspiration for following a dream or idea, just imagine what Jobs would do. Everyone can be an innovator. Apple was started in a garage by two people. It is now one of the most innovative and powerful organizations in the world.
Life is too short to second guess yourself. When you have dreams and desires, go after them. If Jobs had waited to unleash his ideas, the world could be a very different place. Even if you despise who Jobs was, you have to appreciate his ideas and thinking.
He was once quoted saying, “I want to put a ding in the universe.” Steve, you sure did make that ding, and now it is everyone else who needs to make theirs.
Thank you, Steve. 1955-2011.
