Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

2020-11-01 2 min read Sincheenz

I loved the way Walter Isaacson has written this book. The biography makes you feel like you are a part of Steve Job’s experiences and life.

Steve Jobs is intriguing: there is so much genius in this person and yet so much imbalanace. The books is very motivating but also disheartening. His commitment to following his ideas through to the end, his emphasis on quality, and his eye for detail amaze you. Yet his stubbornness and eccentricities are confusing. I remember reading (I think in one of James Clear’s newsletter) - when you admire a person for their genius, you have to accept their eccentricities as well. This is what makes them who they are.

He had a rare talent of seeing things differently. He wasn’t just a tech visionary, he also brought a unique blend of art and functionality to his products. Apple products have always felt personal to people because of their focus on the user experience and design – something few brands achieve. But at times, his single-minded drive came at a high personal cost, especially in relationships with colleagues, friends, and family. He demanded excellence, but it often left him isolated.

It’s pretty amazing how Jobs managed to revolutionise so many different industries, including computers, animated films, music, phones and even retail. But the same qualities that made him so successful also led to some personal setbacks. He was a perfectionist who sometimes put work before relationships and even his own wellbeing.