There have been countless articles written on Steve Jobs' passing last Wednesday at the age of 56; his contributions to technology and his ability to see what we wanted before we knew we wanted it.
Accounts of Jobs' perseverance -- from starting Apple in a garage with Steve Wozniak in 1976 to his exit in 1985, and his return 12 years later -- his management style, even his low-key presentation style are flooding the web.
And I have nothing to contribute. I've learned a lot about Steve Jobs in the days since his death, but I don't feel I'm in a position to write about why he was great.
Though I think I get him.
In the last week, he's had an impact on me that only a handful of people in my life have had. He's inspired me to be something. He's ignited a fire within me to do something great. Or at least enjoy the journey. And I'm sure I'm not alone.
It's all about inspiration. Steve Jobs was inspired by his products. Apple products. And innovation. He lived for it. And enjoyed every moment of it. Maybe the greatest attribute of inspiration is its contagiousness. Jobs and the products he created inspire others.
Brands speak to us. And in many ways, the brands we know and love embody the people behind them. Apple certainly resembles Steve Jobs. Clean, Sophisticated & Inspiring.
Apple products. Take a look. They're incredibly Clean, Sophisticated & Inspiring.
Apple advertising. Decidedly Clean, Sophisticated & Inspiring.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dX9GTUMh490]
We all know the cliché. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. I'm starting to think it's more than just a metaphor about health. The apple is the inspiration. Jobs reminded us to always be inspired, to enjoy what we do. Every day. Be inspired every day. That's what Jobs did.
If we can follow his vision, we can only hope to live -- and ultimately die -- so inspired by what we do.
"Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart." - Steve Jobs commencement address, Stanford University 2005.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoUfvIb-9U4]
