In Memoriam: Steve Jobs

Thoughts on the passing of Steve Jobs.

I grew up using Macintosh computers. CEO of Apple was my very first "What I want to be when I grow up." I remember desktop-publishing on the family's LC-II as an elementary school student—printing things that defied what people thought was possible for an amateur. I remember LaserWriter, one of the first laser printers available for consumers—ours worked until only a few years ago. I remember the coloured gum-drop-shaped iMacs; my family had one. I have one... ten years old, it still runs, and it was my personal computer until only a few months ago, when I bought one of the new 27" iMacs.

As a kid, I remember watching my dad use his Macintosh SE (1987) with the black and white screen—he would manage the bulletin board server for the Triangle Mac Users Group (TMUG). I remember going to TMUG meetings to see all the cool things that people were doing with their Macs. I remember system 6... system 7... system 8, and 9. I was an early adopter of Mac OS X. I remember when they finally took the "Happy Mac" icon out of system startup.

I can't tell you how satisfying it has been the past 15 years to see Apple and Jobs finally attain the success and recognition they deserve. They have always gone the extra mile to make fantastic products. They didn't just try to make stuff and sell it: they changed the way we do things and the way we think. The company itself suffered from a long succession of lacklustre CEOs, but Steve's legacy persisted, as did the loyalty of Mac-users like my father. When Jobs took the helm again, we knew we'd be in store for some great things; however, I never would've imagined the success that Apple, Inc., sees now.

I can't tell you how many hours I spent in front of the family eMac notating music, especially for NC State and Athens Drive. I can't tell you how many times I've been inspired by Steve Jobs to pursue greatness—to make my mark on the world: to do and make things that are insanely great, rather than settling for what's merely acceptable. I can't tell you how much his genius and his legacy have helped me in my proudest achievements.

From humble beginnings, he capitalised on his passion, creativity, and refusal to accept anything less than great—and in doing so changed the world. Most people are familiar with the Apple, Inc., of the past ten years. For me, however, Apple has always been there. My entire life—since childhood—it has been an integral part of who I am.

I can't tell you how much it hurts to see Steve Jobs go, only 56 years old.

I feel like I've lost someone very dear to me... but really, we've all lost something big here, whether or not we recognize it.

Rest in peace, Steve Jobs.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Earth

[SpeedAndSlowKing]

2 months after his death... I still cried during this video

[ctdali]

"But really, we´ve all lost something big here". Very true. The call to be true to what you love, to be insanely great, and to "be crazy and change the world" will be the true legacy of this man, who has inspired and changed the lives of millions. Thanks for sharing.

[aepcam]

worker of madness, nothing good for our world. NO RIP RJ

[TheSingerGirlStar]

he had so much money, all to waste R.I.P Steve Jobs