ESSAY
2. How
to Live Before You Die
by Steve
Jobs
Summary
"How to Live
Before You Die" is not an essay but rather a commencement speech delivered
by Steve Jobs, the co-founder and former CEO of Apple Inc., at Stanford
University in 2005. In this powerful speech, Jobs shares his life experiences
and imparts valuable life lessons to the graduating students, emphasizing the
importance of pursuing one's passions and making the most of the limited time
we have on Earth.
Jobs begins by
recounting how dropping out of college, particularly his calligraphy class,
seemed like a meaningless decision at the time. However, he later realized that
this experience played a pivotal role in shaping the typography and design of
the first Macintosh computer. This taught him the significance of
"connecting the dots" in life, understanding that seemingly unrelated
experiences can often come together to create a meaningful path.
The first lesson
Jobs imparts to the graduates is to follow their hearts and intuition. He shares
how he was fired from Apple, the very company he co-founded, but he did not
lose faith in his vision. Instead, he started two new ventures, NeXT and Pixar,
and found success. Eventually, Apple acquired NeXT, leading to his return to
the company. This period of adversity taught him to trust in his instincts and
stay true to his vision, even in the face of setbacks.
Jobs' second
lesson revolves around not settling for mediocrity and living someone else's
life. He urges the graduates not to be trapped by dogma or other people's
opinions but to have the courage to follow their hearts and intuition. He
shares a quote that profoundly impacted him: "Your time is limited, don't
waste it living someone else's life."
The third story in
Jobs' speech is about death. He reveals that he was diagnosed with pancreatic
cancer, a life-threatening illness. Faced with his own mortality, he
experienced a profound realization that death is life's ultimate change agent.
Jobs advocates embracing the awareness of death as a means to spur urgency and
focus in life. This experience reinforced his determination to make every
moment count and to pursue what truly mattered to him.
In conclusion,
Jobs encourages the graduates to find their passion and purpose and to pursue
it with dedication and courage. He reminds them that their time on Earth is
limited and that they should not waste it living someone else's life or
conforming to societal expectations. Instead, they should follow their hearts,
trust in their instincts, and never settle for mediocrity. Jobs' speech serves
as a powerful reminder to live life to the fullest, embrace uncertainties, and
make a meaningful impact on the world. His profound insights continue to
inspire countless individuals to this day, encouraging them to strive for
greatness and never shy away from their true calling.
Understanding
the text
Answer
the following questions.
a.
What is the story about Steve Jobs’ birth?
Steve Jobs' early
life began with a unique and touching story of adoption. Born to a single
student, his biological mother made the difficult decision to put him up for
adoption. Her wish was for her baby to be raised by an educated family.
Initially, a lawyer's family expressed interest in adopting Steve, but their
plans changed, and they wanted to adopt a girl instead. It was then that fate
intervened, and Steve was adopted by a mechanic named Paul Jobs and his wife,
Clara Jobs. They welcomed him into their family with open arms and made a
heartfelt promise to ensure his future success. Paul and Clara vowed to provide
Steve with the opportunity to attend college and pursue higher education.
This act of love
and commitment from his adoptive parents would prove to be pivotal in shaping
Steve Jobs' life journey. Their support laid the foundation for the visionary
entrepreneur he would become, ultimately co-founding Apple Inc. and
revolutionizing the world of technology. The story of his adoption highlights
the impact that love, care, and encouragement can have in nurturing the potential
of a child, regardless of their background or circumstances.
b.
What does he mean when he says, “you can’t connect the dots looking forward;
you can only connect them looking backwards”?
When the speaker
says, "you can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect
them looking backwards," he means that we cannot fully comprehend the
significance and interconnectedness of events in our lives while we are
experiencing them or looking into the future. It is only in hindsight, when we
reflect on our past experiences, that we can recognize how each moment,
decision, and experience has led us to where we are today. Life is filled with
uncertainties, and we cannot predict the exact outcomes of our actions or
events that will shape our future. However, as we look back on our journey, we
can start to see the patterns and connections between events that have shaped
our path. We begin to understand how certain choices and experiences have
influenced the subsequent events and decisions in our lives.
The idea behind
this statement is that our past plays a crucial role in shaping our present and
future. Our experiences, both positive and negative, provide valuable lessons
and insights that guide us forward. By connecting the dots of our past, we gain
a better understanding of the decisions we have made and the reasons behind our
current circumstances. This reflection can empower us to make more informed
choices as we move ahead, appreciating the value of our life's journey and the
significance of each step taken.
c.
What happened when Steve Jobs turned 30?
When Steve Jobs
turned 30, he was already a well-known entrepreneur and the co-founder of Apple
Inc. However, around this time, he faced a significant setback in his career.
The board of directors at Apple decided to remove Jobs from his position as the
head of the Macintosh division, the project he had been working on. This event
was a major blow to Jobs' confidence and left him feeling devastated. He found
himself at a crossroads in his life, unsure of what to do next. However,
instead of giving up, Jobs used this experience as a turning point to reassess
his life and goals.
He eventually
started a new venture called NeXT Inc., where he continued to pursue his
passion for creating innovative technology. Later, he also co-founded Pixar
Animation Studios, which revolutionized the world of animated films. These
endeavors ultimately paved the way for his eventual return to Apple and the
creation of some of the most iconic products in the history of technology.
Turning 30 became a critical juncture in Jobs' life, leading him to greater
achievements and leaving an indelible mark on the world.
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?
Indeed, Steve Jobs
strongly advocates the notion that loving what you do is a fundamental
ingredient for achieving greatness in any endeavor. He believes that true
passion for one's work is the driving force behind exceptional performance and
innovation. According to Jobs, when you love what you do, it becomes easier to
stay committed, dedicated, and persistent even in the face of challenges and
setbacks. In his own life, Jobs demonstrated this principle through his
unwavering devotion to his work at Apple and other ventures. His passion for
creating revolutionary products and pushing the boundaries of technology was a
driving force behind the company's success.
Jobs' philosophy
echoes the sentiment that when individuals have a deep passion for their work,
they are more likely to invest time and effort in honing their skills and
pursuing excellence. Such passion and dedication fuel creativity, resilience,
and a sense of purpose, leading to breakthroughs and ultimately contributing to
personal and professional achievements. In essence, Steve Jobs' belief in the
importance of loving what you do serves as a powerful reminder that true
greatness is often born out of genuine passion, dedication, and a relentless
pursuit of excellence in one's chosen field. Yes, I agree with his views
because our love for our work can lead to success.
e.
Is death really life’s greatest invention?
Steve Jobs'
reflection on death as life's greatest invention highlights the profound
inevitability of mortality. While nobody desires to die, death is a universal
truth that all humans share. It is a life-altering and thought-provoking
concept that forces us to confront our mortality and the fleeting nature of
existence. By acknowledging the reality of death, we are compelled to embrace
the preciousness of life and make the most of our time on Earth. The awareness
of our mortality can serve as a catalyst for personal growth, pushing us to
live with purpose and meaning. It reminds us to cherish our relationships,
pursue our passions, and leave a positive impact on the world.
In accepting the
inevitability of death, we are encouraged to let go of trivial concerns and
focus on what truly matters. Embracing our mortality can lead to a deeper
appreciation of life and a greater sense of urgency to accomplish our goals and
dreams. Ultimately, Steve Jobs' contemplation on death serves as a reminder
that life is finite, and how we choose to live it is a reflection of our
understanding and acceptance of this profound reality. By confronting the
concept of death, we are challenged to make each moment count and to live a
life that leaves a lasting legacy.
Reference
to the context
a.
Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow:
“We have an
unexpected baby boy; do you want him?” They said: “Of course.”
i. Who was the baby boy?
Steve
Jobs was the baby boy.
ii. What does ‘do you want him?’ mean?
It
is a question related to the adoption of Steve Jobs to his parents Paul and
Clara Jobs, who were on the waiting list to adopt the baby.
iii. Who does ‘they’ refer to?
'They'
refer to Mr. Paul Jobs and Mrs. Clara Jobs.
b.
Explain the following lines:
i.
“You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever.”
In his speech at
Stanford University, Steve Jobs imparts valuable advice, urging listeners to
believe and trust in certain crucial aspects of life. He emphasizes that having
faith in these elements is instrumental in achieving success and excellence. While
the exact aspects Jobs referred to are not specified in the given text, it can
be inferred that he might be referring to themes discussed earlier in his
speech, such as following one's heart and intuition, connecting the dots in
life, and embracing the inevitability of death. These are all concepts he
personally experienced and shared in his journey as an entrepreneur.
By encouraging
individuals to have confidence in these aspects, Jobs inspires them to take
risks, make bold decisions, and pursue their passions wholeheartedly. Believing
in oneself, one's instincts, and the intrinsic value of life can be
transformative, enabling individuals to unlock their potential and achieve
greatness in their endeavors. Overall, Jobs' advice serves as a motivational
reminder that self-belief and trust in life's journey are vital components in
the pursuit of success and personal fulfillment. By embracing these elements,
individuals can navigate life's challenges with courage and resilience, leading
them on a path to excellence and making a meaningful impact on the world.
ii.
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”
In this statement,
Steve Jobs emphasizes the significance of time and its swift passage. He urges
people to recognize the limited nature of time and to refrain from wasting it
on living someone else's life. Instead, he encourages making the most of every
moment to shape a meaningful future. Time is precious and does not wait for
anyone, so Jobs implores individuals to seize opportunities and move forward
purposefully without procrastination or distractions. By valuing time and using
it wisely, one can chart a path towards personal growth, fulfillment, and
success.
c.
What does he mean by “don’t settle”?
When Steve Jobs
says "don't settle," he is advising people not to compromise on their
aspirations and settle for less than what truly fulfills them. He encourages
individuals to keep searching for opportunities and tasks that resonate with
their passions and bring them genuine happiness. Jobs advocates for persistence
in finding the right path, rather than settling for something that does not
align with one's true calling. By staying committed to the pursuit of fulfilling
and meaningful work, individuals increase their chances of finding tasks that
truly satisfy them and lead to a more gratifying and purposeful life.
d.
Which style of speech is used by the speaker to persuade the audience?
In his speech, the
speaker adopts a personal and informal style of expression, employing narrative
storytelling to persuade the audience effectively. By sharing real-life
experiences and anecdotes, the speaker aims to connect with the listeners on a
deeper level, evoking emotions and empathy. This approach makes the message
more relatable and engaging, allowing the audience to draw lessons and
inspiration from the speaker's own journey. The use of a narrative style
creates a sense of authenticity and sincerity, enhancing the speaker's ability
to motivate and inspire the audience to take action and embrace the central
message of the speech.
e.
It is not easy to motivate others. How do you think Steve Jobs’ speech is so
inspiring?
Steve Jobs's
speech is undeniably inspiring, particularly due to his skill in weaving
life-related stories that resonate with the audience. By sharing personal
anecdotes from his own life, Jobs connects with people on a profound level,
motivating them to persevere in the face of challenges. His speech encompasses
relatable aspects of ordinary life, making it inclusive and relatable to people
from diverse backgrounds. The message encourages individuals to pursue progress
and excellence, regardless of their family background, instilling a sense of
hope and belief in their own potential. Overall, Jobs's speech serves as a
powerful reminder that anyone can achieve greatness with determination and
passion, making it a timeless source of inspiration for countless people.
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?
Indeed, Steve Jobs
masterfully employed the technique of personal storytelling in his speech to
inspire and motivate his audience. By sharing his own life experiences,
including the difficulties and struggles he faced, Jobs offered the audience a
glimpse into the reality of a successful life. This personal touch made his
speech relatable and impactful, as people could connect with his journey and draw
valuable lessons from it. Jobs' positive impact on the audience lies in his
ability to instill hope and determination, showing that even the most
successful individuals face challenges and obstacles. His speech gave the
audience a sense of empowerment, encouraging them to persevere and pursue their
own aspirations, no matter the difficulties they encounter along the way.
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?
Embracing a
mindset of thinking and acting differently can indeed lead to success and
personal growth. It requires a shift in one's thought patterns and a
willingness to explore new ideas and approaches. Conforming to conventional
thinking may not always lead to progress, and to effect meaningful change, we
must break free from the limitations of traditional thought.
However, thinking
differently comes with its challenges. Throughout history, many visionaries and
inventors faced ridicule and rejection from society because their ideas were
considered unconventional or radical. Being different can sometimes isolate
individuals from the majority, as society may be resistant to change. Yet, it
is through such courage and uniqueness that groundbreaking innovations and
advancements emerge.
Innovators and
change-makers are often labeled as "crazy" or "out of
touch" by those who fear disruption to the status quo. However, it is
precisely these mavericks who have contributed to humanity's progress, pushing
boundaries and reshaping the world. They challenge the norms and inspire others
to question the established order.
Thinking
differently is essential for societal development. By challenging existing
beliefs and practices, new solutions to complex problems can be discovered.
This form of creative thinking has led to technological breakthroughs, medical
advancements, and social reforms. It is through divergent thinking that the
world can continue to evolve and address pressing challenges.
To foster a
culture of innovation and growth, we must encourage and celebrate individuals
who think differently. Embracing diversity of thought can lead to greater
insights and collective progress. It is essential for individuals and
communities to break away from rigid thinking patterns and open themselves to
fresh perspectives.
In conclusion,
thinking and acting differently can be a powerful catalyst for change and
personal success. Despite the challenges that come with deviating from the
norm, it is through this courage and determination that transformative ideas
emerge. Embracing diverse thought and valuing innovative thinkers will propel
society forward and pave the way for a brighter future.
b.
What does the slogan “Stay hungry; stay foolish” mean to you?
The slogan
"Stay hungry; stay foolish" was famously delivered by Steve Jobs in
his 2005 commencement speech at Stanford University. It encapsulates a powerful
message about the importance of curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to
embrace the unknown.
"Stay
hungry" urges individuals to remain ambitious and driven, always seeking
to expand their knowledge and experiences. It encourages a mindset of
continuous learning and self-improvement. By staying hungry for knowledge,
opportunities, and growth, individuals can unlock their full potential and
achieve greater heights in their personal and professional lives.
"Stay
foolish" calls for a willingness to take risks and think outside the box.
It reminds us not to be afraid of failure or judgment, and to be open to
exploring unconventional paths. By embracing foolishness, Jobs meant being
unafraid to challenge norms and push the boundaries of what is possible. It is
often through experimentation, even if it seems foolish at first, that
groundbreaking innovations and discoveries are made.
Together, these
words inspire individuals to be bold and adventurous in pursuing their dreams.
They encourage people to break free from the shackles of complacency and
conventional thinking. Staying hungry and foolish means being proactive in
seeking new opportunities, stepping out of comfort zones, and refusing to
settle for mediocrity.
In a rapidly
changing world, staying hungry and foolish becomes increasingly relevant.
Technology, business landscapes, and societal norms are constantly evolving,
and those who remain curious and adaptable have a distinct advantage.
Innovation and progress often come from individuals who dare to challenge the
status quo and approach problems with fresh perspectives.
The philosophy of
"Stay hungry; stay foolish" can be applied to various aspects of
life. It can inspire students to pursue their passions and explore diverse
fields of study. It can motivate entrepreneurs to take bold risks in their ventures
and embrace failure as a learning opportunity. It can also empower
professionals to seek continuous growth and reinvent themselves in their
careers.
In conclusion,
"Stay hungry; stay foolish" serves as a powerful mantra for embracing
a life of curiosity, courage, and continuous improvement. By staying hungry for
knowledge and experiences and staying foolish in the pursuit of innovation,
individuals can lead fulfilling lives and make a positive impact on the world.
It reminds us that the journey of life is about exploring, learning, and
embracing the uncertainty with enthusiasm and optimism.
c.
What does it mean to be a visionary? What makes Steve Jobs different from a
fortune teller?
Being visionary
means having the ability to see beyond the present and envision a positive
future. Steve Jobs exemplified this trait throughout his career, and it played
a crucial role in his success as a tech visionary. Unlike a fortune teller who
makes speculative predictions, Jobs' vision was grounded in a deep
understanding of technology and human needs.
One of the key
aspects that set Jobs apart from a fortune teller was his deep curiosity. He
had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and was always exploring new ideas and
concepts. This curiosity allowed him to stay ahead of the curve and anticipate
emerging trends in the tech industry.
Intuition was
another powerful tool in Jobs' visionary toolkit. He had a remarkable ability
to trust his gut feelings and make decisions based on instinct. This allowed
him to take bold risks and pursue ventures that others might have deemed too
risky.
Moreover, Jobs was
known for thinking differently and challenging conventional norms. His
willingness to embrace unconventional ideas and approaches allowed him to
create products that revolutionized the tech industry, such as the iPhone and
the iPad.
However, Jobs'
journey to becoming a visionary was not without its share of difficulties and
struggles. He faced numerous setbacks and failures, including being ousted from
Apple, the company he co-founded. Yet, he remained resilient and used these
challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
His past
experiences also played a significant role in shaping his vision. Jobs had a
diverse background, having dropped out of college, traveled extensively, and
experimented with different interests. These experiences broadened his
perspective and allowed him to connect seemingly unrelated dots to come up with
groundbreaking ideas.
Furthermore, Jobs
had an unshakable belief in his own destiny and the potential for positive
change. This unwavering faith in himself and his vision provided the confidence
needed to overcome obstacles and inspire his team to reach for the stars.
In conclusion,
Steve Jobs' ability to be visionary was a culmination of various factors: his
curiosity, intuition, willingness to think differently, resilience, diverse
experiences, and unshakeable belief in his own destiny. His positive vision for
the future set him apart from fortune tellers, as it was based on a deep
understanding of technology and human nature. Jobs' visionary approach allowed
him to revolutionize the tech industry and leave a lasting impact on the world.
His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of having a clear and
positive vision for the future and the determination to bring that vision to
life.
Best of
Luck
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