As you've no doubt heard, Apple cofounder Steve Jobs passed away last night at the age of 56 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
The outpouring of tributes is no surprise-- Jobs was a visionary who changed the way we communicate in our daily lives. Without him, we wouldn't have the Mac personal computer, the iPod, iPhone or even Pixar. (Jobs was an early investor in the animation giant.) In fact, I'm hard-pressed to think of a more influential figure from the past 25 years besides maybe Oprah. I mean, more than half of the my Facebook and Twitter friends were glued to the Apple press conference this week like it was the G8 Summit. The fact that billions of people heard about the man's death via products and technologies that he created or helped to create speaks for itself.
Whether you're a Mac or a PC person, it's hard to deny the impact that Jobs had on the way we view both technology and the people who make the things we use. Suddenly, we could also be innovators; an equal part of the creative process thanks to his company's stylish and easy-to-use products. No longer strictly the domain of creepy dudes at Radio Shack, gadgets were something we could all get excited about. In today's world, everyone is a techie. Most of all, his belief that technology should be user-friendly above all else changed the way that we communicate and relate to the world around us.
In terms of cultural impact, Jobs' success helped to change the perception of computer geeks from antisocial shut-ins to sleek captains of industry with sharp glasses and stylish turtlenecks. He was one of the first superstar tech billionaires, paving the way for Google's Larry Page and Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg. Suddenly, the geeky guy in the back of class with his calculator and comic books wasn't an outcast-- he was the future.
By all accounts, Jobs was not the friendliest man. He was known to be a prickly perfectionist, a trait which clearly carried over to Apple's meticulously designed products. But few geniuses can also claim to be people persons. (They can't all be Jim Henson.) The cult of Steve Jobs--and of Apple itself-- is not without its critics. But ultimately, the man's work and innovations will be his real legacy.
As GuySpeak's resident Chic Geek, I salute you Steve Jobs. Though I'm a PC (I know, I know), I still love my iPod and couldn't live without Pixar. I admire the amazing, life-changing creations you've left behind, and thank you for proving that the quiet, geeky guy observing everyone from the corner just might be a visionary. Rest in peace.
I know Nick. He IS the definition of genius, and I've reaped the rewards for years. I'm a Mac, iPhone, iPod, Pixar girl. (I'm a designer, so both the function and aesthetics have always interested me from way back).
For years, I've been trying to convert PC'ers like a Mormon Missionary..."Once you go Mac, you never go back!" and though Steve's passing will no doubt have some jumping on the Apple (band) wagon, for the notoriety, and experience the intuitive interface, they will be new fans for life.
It's awesome to see so many friends and colleagues sharing their favorite Steve Jobs quotes.
Mine is:
“Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
What I take away from his passing is to be more courageous, in the face of fear and uncertainty. It will bring you more joy, strength and results. It's the least we can do in return for the inspiration he gave us through his tools and ideas.
Thanks for stepping outside of the dating stuff, and posting this.
I feel like I can relate to him in some way. No, I am not a technology guru. However, I do have chronic pancreatitis that can change to cancer easily. The pain is similar. Yet, he continued to follow his dreams and aspirations, which I try to do, despite my pain.
Thanks for this post!
I cant agree more Nick. A Brilliant man died yesterday. He changed the world with his innovative mind, and better yet, changed how everyone of us communicates.
He will be forever remembered.
I really loved this.