Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc., was not just a visionary, he was a pioneer who made an indelible mark on the world of technology. His inventive mind and unconventional leadership style have been the subject of much admiration and study. The below mentioned Steve Jobs quotes stands out as a testament to that statement.
Steve Jobs’ journey from a college dropout to the helm of one of the most valuable companies in the world is a testament to his relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence. His life, filled with many ups and downs, demonstrates that true success doesn’t come from conforming to the norm, but from having the courage to challenge it.
Steve Jobs quotes serve as a guide for entrepreneurs, innovators, and dreamers who dare to think differently.
Quotes from Steve Jobs
In his legendary career, Steve Jobs delivered numerous motivational speeches that continue to inspire millions around the globe. His sayings, filled with wisdom and sagacity, are not just quotes but guiding principles for those who aspire to create, innovate, and make a difference.
From his iconic commencement address at Stanford University to his insightful discussions at Apple’s product launches, Steve Jobs quotes have been a beacon for those navigating the challenging waters of entrepreneurship and innovation. Here are some powerful quotes from Steve Jobs that carry his indomitable spirit and illuminate the path to achieving unimaginable heights in business and life.
1. “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”
Source: Stanford commencement speech, 2005
2. “People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on. But that’s not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully.”
Source: Interview with Fortune, 2008
3. “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”
Source: Interview with The Innovation Secrets of Steve Jobs (book by Carmine Gallo), 2001
4. “Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.”
Source: Stanford commencement speech, 2005
5. “We’re here to put a dent in the universe. Otherwise, why else even be here?”
Source: Quoted in various interviews and biographies.
6. “I think if you do something and it turns out pretty good, then you should go do something else wonderful, not dwell on it for too long. Just figure out what’s next.”
Source: NBC Nightly News, 2006
7. “It’s really hard to design products by focus groups. A lot of times, people don’t know what they want until you show it to them.”
Source: BusinessWeek, May 25, 1998
8. “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. So, you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.”
Source: Stanford commencement speech, 2005
Steve Jobs Quotes on Life
Steve Jobs, one of the pioneers of personal computing, was renowned for his unique ideas and unorthodox approach to business and life. Steve jobs quotes, as listed above, serve as a testament to his visionary thinking, providing us with profound insights into the mindset that spurred the creation of innovative products that revolutionized technology.
His wisdom extends beyond the realm of business, touching upon existential themes and the essence of life itself. In the spaces between his words, we find an individual who was acutely aware of the fleeting nature of existence, and who used this understanding as a driving force in his pursuits. Jobs was not just a business magnate but also a philosopher in his own right, whose teachings continue to inspire entrepreneurs, innovators, and dreamers alike. Following are some Steve Jobs quotes on life, business, and beyond.
9. “Stay hungry, stay foolish.”
Source: Stanford commencement speech, 2005
10. “I’m convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.”
Source: Interview for the PBS documentary “Triumph of the Nerds,” 1995
11. “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.”
Source: The New York Times Magazine, 2003
12. “Quality is more important than quantity. One home run is much better than two doubles.”
Source: BusinessWeek, 2006
13. “My model for business is The Beatles. They were four guys who kept each other’s kind of negative tendencies in check. They balanced each other, and the total was greater than the sum of the parts. That’s how I see business: great things in business are never done by one person, they’re done by a team of people.”
Source: 60 Minutes, CBS, 2003
14. “I want to put a ding in the universe.”
Source: “The Journey Is the Reward” (book about Steve Jobs by Jeffrey S. Young)
15. “Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly and get on with improving your other innovations.”
Source: Quoted in various articles and biographies
16. “We don’t get a chance to do that many things, and everyone should be really excellent. Because this is our life.”
Source: Fortune, 2008
Also Read: 50 Best Powerful Leadership Quotes in History
17. “Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do.”
Source: Biography “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson
18. “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”
Source: Apple’s “Think Different” campaign, 1997
