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 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 inspirational, personal
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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