Who was Steve Jobs?
Do you remember when an iPhone became the best gift? Steve Jobs not only revolutionized the world of high-tech but also our everyday lives. After his death, a wave of overwhelming love emerged, which made him somewhat overexposed to some. But in reality, Jobs was indeed a cool guy, despite his quirks. See for yourself.
Steven Paul Jobs was born on February 24, 1955, in San Francisco. From a young age, he was interested in electronics and engineering. In high school, he met Steve Wozniak, with whom he later founded Apple. After a brief stint at Reed College in Portland, Jobs dropped out to focus on his passion for creating computers.
Jobs didn't just create Apple — he changed the world by introducing devices that have become an integral part of our daily lives. We'll tell you who Steve Jobs was, his path to success, and the legacy he left behind.
What did Steve Jobs achieve?
Steve Jobs is one of the most famous and controversial figures of our time. Some revere him as a genius and initiator of the digital revolution, while others criticize him for creating media addiction and leading a rather peculiar lifestyle. Opinions about Jobs vary, but almost everyone can find something to thank him for.
Let's explore why Steve Jobs truly deserves a place in history books and why he is so beloved.
Because he was just like everyone else
Contrary to the belief of his fervent fans, Jobs wasn't born wearing a superhero cape. He wasn't a man of great means or super useful ambitions. His interaction with technology started with repairing air conditioners and assembling prank call devices. He was passionate about things that were largely useless to society around him: video games, calligraphy, hippie vagabonding, spiritual quests, using friends, and other not-so-productive pursuits. Yet, he managed to turn even these into something useful.
His experience shows that weaknesses aren't inherently bad and that anyone can achieve something regardless of their past. It also illustrates that one person's ideas can sometimes be cooler than the developments of hundreds in corporations.
Because there are no more boundaries
First and foremost a dreamer and designer, Steve Jobs revolutionized visual design and user-friendliness of devices. Before him, people only thought about functionality — questions of aesthetics and comfort were far from consideration.
Taking care of such things in the tech world was even considered improper. Various fonts, case options, colorful design elements, beautiful icons, touch screens, intuitive controls — all of this began to develop thanks to Jobs.
Even though he needed to collaborate with respectable corporations, Jobs's image never tolerated changes. He always remained himself — a barefoot, often unwashed hippie-Buddhist.
Steve Jobs toppled the image of a genius millionaire in a suit and polished shoes: a turtleneck, jeans, and sneakers, it turns out, are also quite suitable for a corporate leader.American Butler
What did Steve Jobs create?
Mice and Touchpads
What is now an essential part of any computer might not have existed. Fortunately, in the Jobs's garage, they figured out how to adapt the computer mouse for widespread use, and later, the touchpad for laptops. This gave a big boost to the development of graphic tablets and programs.
iPhone, Apple Computers, and "Tunes"
Of course, all these are products of collective labor, but it was Steve Jobs's ideas that sparked their development. Let's answer all the gadget naysayers, especially those against Apple devices, why this is important:
- 01.Apple's products spurred global competition, pushing software and device developers to progress. With Apple's market entry and their regular presentations, other companies had to develop faster and more efficiently, which stimulates science, the economy, and even the humanities.
- 02.Apple's products make the world more convenient. No matter what people say about total control and corrupting the youth, Apple devices truly make the world around us more convenient. At a minimum, you always have excellent maps, a camera, access to millions of information resources and documents, a means of communication, a media player, and many other useful functions in a really stylish and pleasant package.
- 03.Media libraries like iTunes have become vital promotion tools. Art has become simpler, more mobile, and more accessible. All without piracy.
Many developments existed before Jobs, but they were mere theories or timid attempts at realization. Only one person managed to pull all the "what ifs" from the underground into mass production.
Pixar
Steve Jobs once bought a small but promising division of Lucasfilm for a large sum — the studio itself found it unprofitable to maintain. It was a computer graphics department, which in the 70s was quite expensive and not particularly in demand. Later, this department turned into the most famous animation team after Walt Disney's brainchild — Pixar studio.
Initially, Pixar only dealt with graphics software, and animated clips were made solely for program presentations. The studio suffered losses for a long time, but Jobs persistently invested in it, believing that it would eventually pay off. In the end, the company's specialists found their niche and started film production. And then you know the rest: "Toy Story," "Monsters, Inc.," "WALL-E," "Ratatouille"...
Jobs's Image as a Role Model
Direct Communication
A director is no longer someone who watches the procession from the balcony, but a participant in events. It was Steve Jobs who started the tradition of public product presentations where the company's head is personally involved. Many copied his presentation style, it became the basis of numerous memes, and critics constantly pounced on his appearance, manner of speaking, and more.
But one thing is important — despite his genuinely high status and personal quirks, Steve Jobs never considered himself above his audience. The format of live conversation with the public immortalized Jobs's image as "one of us."
The Legacy Left Behind
Steve Jobs died on October 5, 2011, but his legacy continues to live on. He didn't just create products — he created the future. Jobs was known for his perfectionism and drive for innovation. He always said that technology should be simple and intuitive for the user. His approach to design and functionality has become the industry standard.
The creator of Apple left an indelible mark on the history of technology. His ideas and products continue to inspire new generations of engineers and entrepreneurs. In the world he helped create, we see his legacy in every device we use and every innovation that hits the market.
You can be an Android fan and shout that Apple is nonsense. You can revere the genius and consider the headquarters in Cupertino as a Mecca. You can say that after Jobs' death, his work went downhill. Or you can simply try to imagine the enormous journey this man undertook in just 56 years of life, the effort and investment it took to develop the small smartphone next to you, and how amazing it is that we witnessed it all during its rise. There's definitely a lot to love about Steve Jobs.
For those who want to see the famous ring-shaped Apple Park building from the inside, American Butler can help. We love organizing interesting tours across the USA and periodically share the most fascinating cultural insights about America.
Share