“Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose,” Mr. Jobs said in a commencement speech at Stanford University in June 2005, almost a year after he was diagnosed with cancer. This now famous quote is likely to have a profound affect on millions of Jobs’ followers and aspiring entrepreneurs. Steve Jobs died, last Wednesday, October, 5th at the age of 56.
It is always a bit surreal to hear the news that a popular icon, someone you admire, who significantly contributes in one way or another to the way we live, has died. The deaths of Princess Diana and Michael Jackson both come to mind. But, even as iconic as they were, their work did not leave the stamp on modern everyday life and the future the way Steve Jobs’ did. He once said he wanted to leave a dent in the universe and most will agree, he did. First with the idea that everyone should have a computer on their desk and the Macintosh. Then through Pixar Studios. And again at Apple. Known as easy going through his high school years, his obsession to share his vision for the direction of technology drove him to perfection. It is that personality trait that he is now best known for.
The big question now is what will become of Apple, Inc. In a letter from Apple CEO, Tim Cook to apple employees after Steve stepped down in August, he declares, “I want you to be confident that Apple is not going to change. I cherish and celebrate Apple’s unique principles and values. Steve built a company and culture that is unlike any other in the world and we are going to stay true to that – it is in our DNA. We are going to continue to make the best products in the world that delight our customers and make our employees incredibly proud of what they do.” It is hard to imagine Apple continuing with the same innovation and enthusiasm as it did under the helm of Jobs. Only time will tell.
But, Steve Jobs did not leave without offering at least one last gift to his ever faithful following. This week iPhone 4s is released, and, it appears with an unprecedented frenzy to get one on the first day. Blogs are reporting that the lines will start 24 – 36 hours before the release. All pre-orders have been sold out and the Apple Stores will only carry a limited supply of the new iPhone.
