We have noted with sadness the passing of Steve Jobs. Too young. Too soon.
There were many things I admired about the man. As a teacher, I enjoyed his presentations. Just watching the guy “do his thing” on a platform with an audience was wonderful to behold.
Jobs’ concern with the importance of design has become legend. But for me, a person who works in a design profession, it is profoundly meaningful. Everything, for better or worse is “designed.” Designing things that are attractive and work well has become a signature part of the Apple DNA. But Jobs’ concern with simplicity and elegance in design has also had a dramatic impact upon the way consumers view designed things in general (as well as technology).
There are many other things I admired about Jobs.
His ability to attract and motivate talented, creative people like Jonathan Ive is critical to Apple’s success ( And that is a message to anyone running a company. Have very capable, creative people around you.)
Some years ago, Jobs talked at Stanford University. In his comments he urged his audience to follow their own directions, and to have the strength of their convictions to follow their heart and intuition. To me following your passion is a very important part of living a meaningful and fulfilled life. So many people end up in dead end jobs that they hate. My students often come to me because they want to follow their passion, floral designing. And a large part of what I do, is to help folks learn the skills that will enable them to follow their passions about floral art. I consider that to be a sacred undertaking.
It has been said that one lives on in in the good that one does, and in the number of lives one touches. If that is so, Steve is still with us.
Steve Jobs helped to create the future. He left the world a better place. His legacy will continue to live on in all of us.
