I blogged about Trailblazer Steve Jobs earlier this summer when he announced his resignation as CEO. At the time, a friend lamented, “He would never have quit if he wasn’t seriously ill. He won’t live much longer.” While I secretly feared this was true, I also hoped my friend was wrong. I hoped Mr. Jobs was recovering and would soon enjoy robust health again.
Alas, it was not to be.
Like so many others who didn’t know Mr. Jobs personally, I admired him greatly. He embodied qualities of vision, performance and achievement that too few of us are able to emulate. Indeed, too many of us don’t even try, despite his best efforts to inspire us all. There is nothing I can say about Steve Jobs and his remarkable life that hasn’t been said more effectively by people who actually knew him, such as Walt Mossberg. Or this collection of best quotes.
Yet —
Not a day passes that I don’t hold several Apple products in my hand. Apple has made my life immeasurably better every single day, along with the lives of my friends, family, colleagues, and co-workers. How many people, companies, or things can claim as much?
From my heart, rest in peace, Steven Paul Jobs. The world and I will miss you in ways we can’t yet imagine.
Diane, you’re so right. Steve Jobs not only inspired people, but he also revolutionized the way we communicate with each other. As writers, we see this firsthand every day. I truly admire him. He set the bar high for all of us. Even if not all of us aspire to such great heights of creativity, innovation, and hard work, we can still respect what Jobs and others like him have done for this world.
I so agree, Janelle. An amazing man who made amazing contributions to the world and to my life. He will be missed.
A beautiful tribute, Diane… Thanks so much!