Steve Jobs: A Biography
Steve Jobs (1955-2011) co-founded Apple, led Pixar, and created products that changed how billions of people live.
Early Life
Born in San Francisco, adopted by Paul and Clara Jobs. His biological father was Syrian; he never developed a relationship with him.
- Father taught him craftsmanship and attention to detail
- Dropped out of Reed College but audited classes (including calligraphy)
- Traveled to India seeking spiritual enlightenment
- Experimented with LSD (called it "one of the most important things" he did)
Apple's Founding (1976)
With Steve Wozniak, Jobs started Apple in his parents' garage. Wozniak was the engineer; Jobs was the visionary and salesman.
Apple II (1977): One of the first successful mass-market personal computers.
Macintosh (1984): Introduced graphical user interface to mainstream computing. The famous "1984" Super Bowl ad announced it.
Exile (1985-1997)
- Founded NeXT (advanced workstations)
- Bought Pixar from George Lucas
- Pixar's Toy Story (1995) revolutionized animation
Return and Renaissance (1997-2011)
Apple, near bankruptcy, bought NeXT and Jobs returned as CEO.
iMac (1998): Saved Apple with bold design.
iPod (2001): Transformed the music industry.
iPhone (2007): Perhaps the most influential product of the 21st century.
iPad (2010): Created the tablet market.
Apple became the world's most valuable company.
The Person
- Reality distortion field (convincing people impossible things were possible)
- Perfectionism to the point of cruelty
- "A-player" mentality — only the best were acceptable
But he inspired fanatical loyalty and extraordinary work.
Death
Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2003. Died October 5, 2011, at age 56.
"Stay hungry. Stay foolish."
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