I came across this Wall Street Journal article by Johnny Ive today. I appreciated the warm sentiments Ive shared.
I have always thought of Steve Jobs as a man greatly misunderstood, perhaps inspired by the fact I myself am often misunderstood. I sometimes say or write in a deliberately provocative or brash way that will upset some people, even though my intent is to provoke thought or action rather than anger. That must have been true of Jobs.
I've read most books and articles about Steve Jobs, both old and and, and they largely cast him in a negative light. People like Ive who worked closely with Jobs, yet had a great relationship with him, clearly understood that brilliant man the best. I do not believe it was merely a matter of Jobs treating them better than everyone else. When you make demands of people, some are inspired to work harder and explore new ways of thinking while others feel hurt or even angered.
This is not to imply Steve Jobs was perfect. But how perfect are any of us? When we all too often point the finger of shame at others, we forget the 3 fingers pointed squarely back at ourselves. Apple in many ways IS Steve Jobs, even though it is a large corporation that has been run by others for many years. That's a good thing for all Apple fans. Jobs lives on in the very thing he so lovingly created. Thank you, Steve, for making that all so important dent in the universe!
I have always thought of Steve Jobs as a man greatly misunderstood, perhaps inspired by the fact I myself am often misunderstood. I sometimes say or write in a deliberately provocative or brash way that will upset some people, even though my intent is to provoke thought or action rather than anger. That must have been true of Jobs.
I've read most books and articles about Steve Jobs, both old and and, and they largely cast him in a negative light. People like Ive who worked closely with Jobs, yet had a great relationship with him, clearly understood that brilliant man the best. I do not believe it was merely a matter of Jobs treating them better than everyone else. When you make demands of people, some are inspired to work harder and explore new ways of thinking while others feel hurt or even angered.
This is not to imply Steve Jobs was perfect. But how perfect are any of us? When we all too often point the finger of shame at others, we forget the 3 fingers pointed squarely back at ourselves. Apple in many ways IS Steve Jobs, even though it is a large corporation that has been run by others for many years. That's a good thing for all Apple fans. Jobs lives on in the very thing he so lovingly created. Thank you, Steve, for making that all so important dent in the universe!
