I had a different topic in mind for my semi-weekly post, but Steve Jobs’ passing pushed some buttons. Buttons intuitively designed with cool colors and shapes…
I should offer some context that I am what Jobs’ marketing department would call a Slow Adapter. I like the gadgets but take a loooooooong time to warm up to them. The only reason I have an iPod is because my husband bought me one. And the last time I synced it? OVER a year. I like it’s cool red color and shape and I admire what it does (and yes, it is a Pod not a Touch). It just takes me a while to want to own one or recognize why I might even need one.
And I am not a mac user. I find Apple product fanatics uncomfortable to be around. They seem a little too enthusiastic. Like the new convert going on and on…Okay,I get it, I’m happy for you, but could you tone it down a little?
So, why did I feel so emotional over his passing? I think because he seemed to embody something I admire and aspire to: A life well lived.
He had gifts and passions and he used them in gorgeous, world changing ways. I am humbled by the genius he not only possessed, but his discipline, energy and the plain hard work it took to put that genius into reality. And I liked how he always wore the black turtleneck and faded jeans. How he kept his private life private. How he appeared to love his products and company as much as he wanted the rest of us to love them.
I have no idea who he was as a person, husband, father or friend. And those are important. But as someone who believes we each possess precious, unique talents, I can appreciate that Steve Jobs brilliantly used his in technology and design– and possessed a vision for blending the two.
While it does feel at 56 he left too soon (What other incredible gizmos were still inside his brain?), I do think he had to have peace at having given so much so well. He seized his innate gifts and used them gloriously.
This is what prompted my strong emotions, because I want to do the same thing. And I’m not.
So, yes, Steve Jobs left a legacy of cool gadgets. But he left us an example too. Thank you, Mr. Jobs, for a job well done.