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Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, left his mark on the world of technology almost 15 years ago. But he was also a great thinker, whose inspirational quotes still resonate today. Here’s a famous one he uttered in 2005
Steve Jobs was a visionary who revolutionised the new technology sector, notably by creating the iPod, the iMac and the iPhone. Of course, he also had his dark side, and no one can deny that – documentaries and books have focused on this. But during his lifetime, the man never missed an opportunity to speak in public, particularly to young people, who are often in need of role models.
In 2005, Steve Jobs took to the stage at Stanford University to deliver a speech that was to become a benchmark. And it wasn’t about product design or his marketing vision: that day, he wanted above all to talk about life and the sometimes mysterious path we must take to move forward.
Steve Jobs and connecting the dots, a powerful metaphor
That statement may be 20 years old, but it’s still incredibly relevant today, at a time when it can be complicated to find your way with confidence.
What does this quote from Steve Jobs mean? It’s quite simple: it’s essential to have confidence in yourself and your convictions, even when the direction you’re taking seems unclear. The Apple co-founder encouraged his audience to follow their intuition, to persevere despite uncertainties and to believe that each experience contributes to a coherent whole. With this mindset, even failures become strengths.
It was during his Stanford speech in 2005 that Steve Jobs made another famous statement: “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life”.
A statement that makes more sense than ever today
One of the reasons why Steve Jobs’ message is so relevant today is that so many people today have no idea what tomorrow will bring. And not just students: with the rapid development of AI and chatbots, which seem to have the capacity to replace many jobs in the future, many people have to face the facts: it’s impossible to master everything.
Having faith in the future when it seems very unclear is clearly a strength, but it is essential to believe in yourself if you are to make the most of it. That’s how the dots can be connected and how, looking back, it all becomes coherent. All in all, it’s sound advice that Steve Jobs gave to Stanford students in 2005, and even if he’s no longer around to see the fruits of his speech, there’s still time to apply his advice.
