Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc., was a visionary whose relentless pursuit of innovation reshaped multiple industries. From personal computing to digital animation, music, phones, and beyond, his influence permeated various aspects of modern technology and culture.
At the time of his death in October 2011, Steve Jobs’ estimated net worth was approximately $10.2 billion. His wealth primarily stemmed from his holdings in Apple and The Walt Disney Company.
In a final email dated September 2, 2010, Steve Jobs took a deep dive into the way people are all connected and how our combined efforts shape the world. He sent this thoughtful message from his iPad, and it’s clear that his words carry wisdom that goes beyond just his own experiences.
From: Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs
To: Steve Jobs
Date: Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 11:08PM
I grow little of the food I eat, and of the little I do grow
I did not breed or perfect the seeds.
I do not make any of my own clothing.
I speak a language I did not invent or refine.
I did not discover the mathematics I use.
I am protected by freedoms and laws I did not conceive
of or legislate, and do not enforce or adjudicate.
I am moved by music I did not create myself.
When I needed medical attention, I was helpless
to help myself survive.
I did not invent the transistor, the microprocessor,
object oriented programming, or most of the technology
I work with.
I love and admire my species, living and dead, and am
totally dependent on them for my life and well being.
Sent from my iPad
“I don’t grow most of the food I eat, and even the little I do grow, I didn’t breed or perfect the seeds.”
Steve Jobs talks about how we all depend on each other for our survival. From the farmers who grow our food to the scientists and labourers, there’s a whole network of people making sure we have what we need. This line reminds us that we rely on each other more than we realize and that we should appreciate everyone’s contribution to our well-being.
“I don’t make any of my own clothing.”
Clothing is often overlooked, but it’s a result of a lot of people working together. From the farmers who grow the cotton to the designers and factory workers, every piece of clothing is made through global teamwork. Jobs’ point is that we should appreciate the effort that goes into even the simplest things in our lives.
“I speak a language I didn’t invent or refine.”
Language is pretty amazing, right? It’s something we’ve inherited and refined over generations. It’s how we share our thoughts, feelings, and ideas. When Jobs recognized the power of this inherited tool, it showed how we’re all connected as humans and why it’s so important to keep our cultural and intellectual heritage alive and strong.
“I didn’t discover the mathematics I use.”
Math, a universal language, is based on what people figured out before us. From ancient math whizzes to today’s scientists, we’ve got a whole lot of knowledge to build on. Jobs’ words remind us to respect the past and keep growing from there.
“I am protected by freedoms and laws I didn’t conceive of or legislate, and do not enforce or adjudicate.”
Our freedoms and laws are the result of hard work by many people, from lawmakers to enforcers. Jobs’ thoughts on this emphasize how important it is to have a fair and working society, and the thanks we owe to those who work to uphold these principles.
“I am moved by music I didn’t create myself.”
Music, a form of art that knows no bounds, is a great example of human creativity. Jobs’ love for music that he didn’t make himself reminds us of the impact of artistic expression and the emotional bonds it creates.
“When I needed medical attention, I was helpless to help myself survive.”
When we’re feeling vulnerable, we depend on the skills and kindness of medical professionals. Jobs’ realization of his own vulnerability at those times is a tribute to the caregivers who devote their lives to helping others. It’s a reminder to acknowledge and support the crucial role they play in our lives.
“I didn’t invent the transistor, the microprocessor, object-oriented programming, or most of the technology I work with.”
The technology we use every day are the result of lots of people working together to come up with new ideas. Jobs understood this and knew that working together was key to making progress. It’s a reminder that while individual ideas are important, the best progress often comes from many people working together.
“I love and admire my species, living and dead, and am totally dependent on them for my life and well-being.”
In his closing message, Jobs emphasizes his deep love and respect for humanity. He’s basically saying that our lives are connected with others, and we work together for our well-being. It’s like a celebration of the human spirit and a reminder to appreciate and support one another.
In a world where individual achievements often take centre stage, Jobs’ words continue to inspire and challenge us to see the bigger picture and to cherish the contributions of every individual.
Every bit matters.
