I don’t know why, but I was shocked when I heard about Steve Jobs’ death last night. I think my iPad alerted me five or six minutes after Apple released the announcement.
Nobody can put a death this significant in context the way that Steve Jobs did himself. His Commencement Address at Stanford University in 2005 is a monument to the man and how he thought:
“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.“
I didn’t agree with Steve politically or religiously, so what am I doing quoting him on the meaning of life?
Just like he has for most of my adult life, he saw the future and made the implications of it seem like a feature. I can figure out what to think about it for myself.
Kathleen and I were rooting for Steve to defy the odds that came with his diagnosis, and are truly saddened by his passing. We’ve always appreciated the creative way that he designed products and inspired people.
Our prayers are with Steve’s family and friends, that they will find peace and comfort, and one day know how many lives Steve’s work touched. May he rest in peace.