Tuesday, 8 July 2025

Class 11 Essays 2nd Essay How to Live Before You Die Steve Jobs

 2nd Essay

How to Live Before You Die

                                                                    Steve Jobs

"How to Live Before You Die" is a famous commencement address delivered by Steve Jobs at Stanford University in 2005. In this speech, Jobs shares his personal experiences, life lessons, and insights into pursuing passion, creativity, and meaning in life.

Essayist (Steve Jobs)

Steve Jobs (1955–2011) was the co-founder of Apple Inc. and one of the most influential figures in technology and business. Known for his innovation and visionary leadership, Jobs played a key role in shaping the personal computer, mobile phone, and consumer electronics industries. His approach to design, technology, and business was deeply rooted in creativity, simplicity, and a commitment to excellence. In his commencement speech, Jobs reflected on the highs and lows of his career, offering advice not just about professional success but about living a meaningful and purposeful life.

Themes

1.  The Importance of Following Your Passion: Jobs emphasizes the significance of doing what you love, even if it leads to unconventional or risky paths. He shares how his early love for calligraphy led to design elements in Apple's products, showing that the things you are passionate about, even those that don’t seem practical at first, can shape your future in unexpected ways.

2.  Embracing Failure and Overcoming Obstacles: Jobs discusses how setbacks—like being ousted from Apple, the company he co-founded—can lead to personal growth and new opportunities. He encourages graduates to not fear failure, but to embrace it as part of the journey toward achieving meaningful success.

3.  The Impermanence of Life and the Need to Live Fully: A recurring theme in Jobs’ speech is the awareness of life’s fragility. He speaks about the importance of realizing that life is finite, which serves as a motivating factor to make bold decisions and live authentically. The phrase "Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life" reflects his belief that embracing life’s impermanence can lead to living more fully and purposefully.

4. Connecting the Dots in Retrospect: Jobs reflects on how, looking back, the seemingly unrelated events in his life made sense in hindsight, even though they weren’t clear at the time. He encourages people to trust that the dots will connect in the future, even if you can’t see the full picture now. This theme encourages faith in the process of life and the importance of patience.

5. The Power of Intuition and Creativity: Jobs stresses the value of trusting one’s intuition and creative impulses. He believes that many of the breakthroughs and successes in his life, including at Apple, came from not following conventional paths but instead relying on innovation, intuition, and creativity.

Summary in short

In his speech, Steve Jobs shares three life stories to teach important lessons. First, he talks about dropping out of college and how following his interests, like calligraphy, later helped in designing Apple products. He tells students to trust their passions, even if the path is unclear.

Second, he tells how he was fired from Apple, but this failure led him to create new companies like Pixar and later return to Apple. He says setbacks can lead to growth and success.

Third, he reflects on life and death after being diagnosed with cancer. He reminds students to live each day fully and follow their hearts.

In the end, Jobs encourages them to be true to themselves and not live according to others’ expectations. His message is to live with passion, courage, and purpose.

Summary in detail

In his 2005 commencement address at Stanford University, Steve Jobs shares three key stories from his life, each conveying valuable lessons on living with purpose and passion. The first story discusses his time at Reed College, where he dropped out of formal education but continued to audit classes that interested him, such as calligraphy. Although this decision seemed impractical at the time, Jobs later realized that these classes influenced the design of Apple’s products, especially their focus on beautiful typography and user-friendly interfaces. He encourages the graduates to trust their instincts and pursue what excites them, even if the path seems uncertain, as these experiences can shape their future in unexpected ways.

The second story focuses on Jobs’ rise, fall, and return to Apple. After founding the company and leading it to success, he was unexpectedly fired from Apple, the very company he had created. This painful experience, however, led to a period of self-reflection and creativity. Jobs used this time to start new ventures, including Pixar, and eventually returned to Apple. He reflects on how failure, though difficult, can often lead to personal growth and new opportunities. He urges the graduates to embrace setbacks, as they may pave the way for success in the future, and to stay resilient in the face of adversity.

The third story centers on Jobs’ realization of life’s impermanence, which became even clearer after his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer. He reflects on the powerful reminder that death is inevitable and how it influences the choices we make in life. Jobs advises the graduates to live each day as if it were their last, emphasizing the importance of living authentically and staying true to one’s passions. He explains that being aware of life’s limited nature helps focus on what truly matters and prevents wasting time on things that don’t align with personal values.

In his concluding message, Jobs urges the graduates to live boldly and not to conform to the expectations of others. He famously says, “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” Jobs encourages the audience to follow their hearts and intuition, as doing so leads to the most fulfilling and meaningful life. Through these personal anecdotes, Jobs offers a powerful message about the importance of creativity, perseverance, and staying true to oneself in order to live fully before life comes to an end.

 

Understanding the text

Answer the following questions.

a. What is the story about Steve Jobs’ birth?

Steve Jobs was born on February 24, 1955, in San Francisco, California. His biological parents were Joanne Schieble and Abdulfattah Jandali, a graduate student couple who were not married at the time.

Steve Jobs was given birth by an unwed college graduate student. She decided to put her baby for adoption during her pregnancy. She wanted her baby to be adopted by an educated family. Initially, a lawyer’s family was ready to adopted Steve Jobs. But when he was born the lawyer’s family insisted to adopt him as they had changed their minds to adopt a girl. Later a mechanic named Paul Jobs, and his wife, Clara Jobs adopted him with a promise that one day they would sent him in college to study.

b. What does he mean when he says, “you can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards”?

When Steve Jobs said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards,” he meant that the events and decisions in life often seem random or uncertain at the moment, but their significance becomes clear later on. He believed that even experiences that don't seem useful at first can play a vital role in shaping the future. Jobs shared how dropping out of college and taking a calligraphy class seemed like an unrelated decision, but years later, it influenced the design of the first Macintosh computer. His message was that while you can't predict how everything will fit together, trusting your intuition and pursuing what feels right can lead to unexpected and meaningful outcomes. Looking back, the “dots” align, revealing how each step contributed to the bigger picture.

c. What happened when Steve Jobs turned 30?

When Steve Jobs turned 30, he was fired from Apple, the company he co-founded. In 1985, Apple’s board sided with CEO John Sculley, whom Jobs had hired, during a power struggle between the two. Jobs was removed from his position leading the Macintosh division, effectively forcing him out of the company.

d. Jobs contends that you need to love to do what you do in order to be great at it. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

I agree with Steve Jobs' belief that loving what you do is essential to achieving greatness. Passion fuels persistence, creativity, and resilience—qualities that are crucial when facing challenges or setbacks. When you genuinely enjoy your work, you're more likely to put in the extra effort, think innovatively, and continuously improve. This intrinsic motivation often leads to breakthroughs and long-term success.

On the other hand, if you're not passionate about your work, it can feel draining and uninspiring, making it harder to push through difficult times. Jobs' own journey, from creating Apple in his garage to revolutionizing technology, reflects how his love for design, innovation, and pushing boundaries helped him achieve remarkable success. Passion turns work into something meaningful, driving people to excel and make a lasting impact.

e. Is death really life’s greatest invention?

Steve Jobs famously referred to death as "life’s greatest invention" in his 2005 Stanford commencement speech. His point was that death is what gives life its urgency and meaning. Without the inevitability of death, we might lack the drive to pursue our passions, take risks, or make meaningful choices. Jobs emphasized how awareness of mortality pushes us to prioritize what truly matters and to avoid being trapped by the fear of failure or the opinions of others.

From this perspective, death can be seen as a motivating force, encouraging us to live fully and creatively, knowing that time is limited. It serves as a reminder to focus on what is truly important and to leave a lasting legacy. In this way, death, though a tragic and difficult reality, is also an integral part of what makes life precious and worth living.

Reference to the context

c. What does he mean by “don’t settle”?

When Steve Jobs says, “Don’t settle,” he is urging people to pursue their highest potential and not to accept mediocrity or compromise in their work, passions, or life choices. Jobs believed that settling for something less than what you truly want or deserve leads to dissatisfaction and limits growth. In his own life, he was known for pushing boundaries, constantly striving for perfection, and refusing to accept anything that didn’t align with his vision. He encouraged others to trust their instincts, to hold out for what excites them, and to never settle for something that doesn’t fully resonate with their aspirations. This mindset, he argued, is essential for achieving greatness and fulfillment, as it pushes individuals to continue evolving and challenging themselves.

d. Which style of speech is used by the speaker to persuade the audience?

In his 2005 Stanford commencement speech, Steve Jobs uses a blend of inspirationalpersonal storytelling, and rhetorical speech styles to persuade the audience. He inspires his listeners by urging them to follow their passions, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and take risks in order to achieve greatness. Through personal anecdotes, such as his decision to drop out of college and his experience of being fired from Apple, Jobs connects emotionally with the audience, demonstrating how setbacks can lead to success. He also employs rhetorical techniques, like asking thought-provoking questions and using direct appeals, to provoke introspection and encourage the audience to take action. This combination of styles makes his message relatable, engaging, and powerful, motivating the audience to live boldly and pursue what truly matters.

e. It is not easy to motivate others. How do you think Steve Jobs’ speech is so inspiring?

Steve Jobs' speech is inspiring because it blends vulnerability, authenticity, and a clear, motivating message. He doesn’t just tell the audience what to do; he shares his own life experiences, including struggles and failures, which makes his message relatable. Jobs speaks from a place of genuine passion and conviction, which creates an emotional connection with the audience. His personal stories, such as being fired from Apple and his reflections on death, demonstrate resilience and the importance of embracing challenges. He also frames life as a limited opportunity, urging listeners to seize it fully by following their passions and taking risks. The combination of humility, authenticity, and powerful lessons about life’s fleeting nature gives his speech a sense of urgency and inspires others to think differently, live boldly, and never settle for less than their best.

f. Why do you think Steve Jobs used the personal narrative story telling technique in his speech? What influence does it have on the audiences?

Steve Jobs used the personal narrative storytelling technique in his speech to create a deep emotional connection with the audience and make his message more relatable and impactful. By sharing stories from his own life, such as dropping out of college, being fired from Apple, and his reflections on death, Jobs humanizes himself, moving beyond his status as a tech mogul. This vulnerability allows the audience to see that even someone as successful as Jobs faced hardships and uncertainty, making his advice feel more authentic and achievable.

The influence on the audience is significant because storytelling engages listeners on an emotional level, making the message memorable. Personal stories illustrate key ideas in a concrete and tangible way, allowing the audience to reflect on their own lives and challenges. Jobs' storytelling inspires people to see setbacks as opportunities for growth, to trust their instincts, and to not be afraid of failure. It reinforces the idea that success isn’t just about external achievements but about staying true to oneself and navigating life’s uncertainties with passion and resilience.

Reference beyond the text

a. One of Steve Jobs mottos was: ‘Think differently’. Can this make a person succeed in life? What challenges are there in thinking differently?

Steve Jobs' motto, "Think differently," can certainly contribute to success, especially in creative fields or industries that require innovation and problem-solving. By thinking differently, individuals are encouraged to break free from conventional approaches, explore new ideas, and challenge the status quo. This mindset can lead to groundbreaking innovations, as it did with Apple’s revolutionary products. When a person thinks differently, they are more likely to see opportunities that others miss, take risks, and develop unique solutions to problems.

However, thinking differently also presents challenges. First, society and institutions often favor conformity, which can make nontraditional ideas hard to accept. People who think differently may face resistance, criticism, or isolation from others who prefer established methods. Additionally, it can be difficult to balance creativity with practicality, as unconventional ideas may not always be feasible or well-received in the short term. Failure is another challenge, as thinking differently can lead to mistakes or missteps that are not immediately understood or appreciated. Despite these challenges, the ability to think differently can ultimately lead to great success, as it opens the door to innovation and personal growth.

b. What does the slogan “Stay hungry; stay foolish” mean to you?

The slogan “Stay hungry; stay foolish” embodies the idea of remaining curious, ambitious, and open to new experiences, while not allowing success or complacency to hinder growth. “Stay hungry” refers to maintaining a constant desire for learning, improvement, and pursuing new goals, even when you’ve achieved some level of success. It suggests not resting on your laurels but constantly striving for more, pushing boundaries, and seeking out new opportunities.

“Stay foolish” encourages a mindset of risk-taking and not being afraid to make mistakes or look unconventional. It means staying open to unconventional ideas, even when they seem bold, unorthodox, or unrealistic. Embracing a “foolish” mentality means being willing to take chances, experiment, and not be bound by fear of failure or judgment from others.

Together, the slogan conveys the importance of maintaining a sense of wonder and ambition, while embracing the uncertainty and learning that comes with being willing to step outside the norm. It inspires individuals to stay passionate, adventurous, and resilient in their pursuit of personal and professional growth.

c. What does it mean to be a visionary? What makes Steve Jobs different from a fortune teller?

To be a visionary means having the ability to see beyond the present and imagine a future that doesn’t yet exist. Visionaries are often able to anticipate trends, identify opportunities, and envision solutions that others cannot see. They have a clear sense of direction and purpose, and they use their foresight to create or innovate, often leading change in their fields. A visionary is driven by a deep understanding of what could be, and they take the necessary steps to bring that vision to life.

Steve Jobs was a visionary because he didn’t just predict technological advancements; he created them. His foresight led to innovations like the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook, which transformed entire industries. Jobs didn’t merely predict what people wanted; he shaped what they would desire by designing products that combined functionality, simplicity, and elegance in ways no one had imagined before.

What makes Steve Jobs different from a fortune teller is that a fortune teller might claim to foresee the future in a passive, speculative way—predicting what might happen based on mystical or random insights. Jobs, on the other hand, actively shaped the future through his work, creativity, and leadership. He didn’t rely on predictions or guesses but on innovation, hard work, and a deep understanding of technology and human needs. His vision was not about seeing a future from the outside; it was about creating a new reality.

 

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