From Fruitarian to Buddhist: The Unconventional Life of Steve Jobs and What We Can Learn From It
Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, was one of the most influential figures in the technology industry. He was a visionary leader who revolutionized the way we use technology and brought us some of the most iconic products of our time. But Jobs’ impact goes beyond the products he created; his life and work are full of valuable lessons that can inspire us to be more innovative, creative, and successful in our own lives. In this article, we will explore some lesser-known facts about Steve Jobs and five takeaways from his life that can help us improve our own approach to work, creativity, and problem-solving.
Five Takeaways
- Persistence and resilience
Despite being fired from Apple in 1985, Jobs never lost his drive to innovate and create. He went on to found NeXT, a computer company, and Pixar Animation Studios, which would go on to produce some of the most successful animated films of all time. Jobs’ persistence and resilience in the face of adversity is a valuable lesson for anyone pursuing a career in a highly competitive field.
2. Focus on design
Jobs was known for his keen eye for design and his belief that aesthetics were just as important as functionality. He believed that the design of a product should be intuitive, beautiful, and easy to use. This philosophy is evident in many of Apple’s products, which are known for their sleek and minimalist design. It’s a reminder that attention to detail and a focus on the user experience can set you apart in any industry.
3. Embrace failure
Jobs believed that failure was an essential part of the creative process. He was not afraid to take risks and try new things, even if they might not work out. He believed that failure was an opportunity to learn and grow, and that it was important to embrace failure in order to achieve success. This lesson is particularly relevant in the fast-paced world of technology, where innovation often requires taking risks and trying new things.
4. Customer focus
Jobs believed that the key to success was to focus on the customer and their needs. He believed that Apple’s products should be designed with the customer in mind, and that the company should strive to provide the best possible user experience. This customer-focused approach helped Apple to build a loyal following of customers who were passionate about the company’s products. It’s a reminder that in any industry, success often hinges on understanding and meeting the needs of your customers.
5. Innovation and creativity
Jobs was a creative genius who was always looking for ways to push the boundaries of what was possible. He was not content with simply improving upon existing technology; he wanted to create products that would change the world. This drive for innovation led to many of Apple’s most successful products, such as the iPod, iPhone, and iPad. It’s a reminder that true innovation requires a willingness to think outside the box and challenge conventional wisdom.
Lesser-known facts
Now, let’s take a look at some lesser-known facts about Steve Jobs that provide further insight into his life and work:
- Jobs was adopted
Steve Jobs was born to an unwed couple, Joanne Schieble and Abdulfattah Jandali, who put him up for adoption. He was adopted by Paul and Clara Jobs, who raised him as their own. Jobs later credited his adoptive parents with instilling in him a love of learning and a drive to succeed.
2. Jobs was a college dropout
Jobs attended Reed College in Oregon but dropped out after just one semester. He later audited classes in calligraphy, which he credited with inspiring the typography and design of Apple products.
3. Jobs was a fruitarian
Jobs was a follower of the fruitarian diet, which involved eating only fruits, nuts and seeds. He believed that this diet would cleanse his body and improve his overall health.
4. Jobs was a Buddhist
Jobs was drawn to Buddhism and studied the religion throughout his life. He believed that it helped him to focus and find inner peace, and he often incorporated Buddhist teachings into his management style.
5. Jobs was known for his unconventional management style
Jobs was notorious for his demanding and sometimes harsh management style. He was known to be highly critical of his employees and was not afraid to push them to their limits. However, he also inspired loyalty and dedication from his team, who respected his vision and leadership.
Steve Jobs’ life and work provide valuable lessons that can inspire us to be more innovative, creative, and successful in our own lives. His persistence, focus on design, embrace of failure, customer focus, and drive for innovation are all qualities that we can strive to emulate. And his lesser-known facts show us that behind the iconic figure was a complex and fascinating individual who drew inspiration from a variety of sources. By studying the life and work of Steve Jobs, we can gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the fast-paced and ever-changing world of technology.
