I want to start by saying that I am not another big Apple Mac geek lover and fanboy of Steve Jobs. I’ve never owned a Mac and don’t plan to anytime soon. I only recently succumbed to the Apple brainwashing marketing machine and got an iPhone which I love but I still have many gripes and complaints about its design and function. So you see, I’m not writing this with any hidden bias or agenda for or against Apple or Steve Jobs.
I just wanted to write about Steve Jobs and his legacy that will include his beloved Apple. I know he’s not on his deathbed, at least we are all hoping that is not the case! He has stepped down from daily operations of Apple to attend to his health until June. Our prayers are with him.
Anyway, I’ve always been a Bill Gates and Microsoft supporter which meant harboring some level or disdain and skepticism towards Jobs and his Mac minions. Over the years, it got exhausting putting up with the non-stop criticism and arrogance from Apple lovers and even Steve himself. All the while Microsoft kept growing in numbers and popularity.
Karma?
Then Steve got his comeuppance at age 30 when he got fired from the very company he started! His own creation got rid of him. How odd was that? Talk about eating humble pie. The man he hired ultimately lead to his demise at Apple as the board members voted to get rid of its once revered leader. Well, all of the PC nerds rejoiced and laughed and everyone thought that was the end of the evil genius and his legendary temper. How wrong we all were!
Rising from the Ashes like the Phoenix
My view and opinion of Steve Jobs changed once I witnessed what he accomplished after his most public and humiliating experience. He went on to start NextStep which Apple later purchased and ultimately became part of the modern Mac OS. That also meant he returned as the captain of the ship.
The other impression thing that he achieved involved Pixar Studios and the groundbreaking animated films he helped launch. He stood by their side for over five long years because he knew in his heart that they were onto something big. His instincts have always been ultra keen.
The Mobile Revolution
As if all that weren’t enough, he then unleashes the iphone and starts a new mobile web revolution that continues today as others try to compete. Once again the genius sees the future and makes it happen today. All of these achievements have totally changed my mind about this man who also seems to have mellowed with time. Perhaps it had something to do with his firing, perhaps it was his near death experience with cancer more than five years ago, perhaps just life experiences but more than likely all of the above.
Here is an excellent video I highly recommend. Steve Jobs giving his commencement speech at Stanford a few years ago. He discusses his highs and lows in life and provides excellent words of wisdom.
Another must see is the movie “Pirates of Silicon Valley” which was an entertaining look at the rivalry between Steve Jobs and Bill Gates and the history of computers. Here’s a previous post and the entire movie you can watch online.
Finally, here’s a post I did on the fabulous documentary called “Triumph of the Nerds” from 1996 that covers the early history of computers. It is truly a must see for anyone interested in the true birth of modern computers and technology. You can watch the entire movie online too.
Summation
No matter where you stand when it comes to computers, whether you love the Mac, Windows or even Linux (why?!!), everyone must respect and be ever grateful for everything Steve Jobs has done not only for technology but for mankind as well. The world will forever be a better place because of his contributions. Let’s just hope we will hear him say “One more thing” again and again for many more years to come.