Brutally Honest Advice From Steve Jobs | BEST SPEECH Ever! (HQ Version)

Summary

In his 2005 Stanford commencement address, Steve Jobs shares three profound life lessons. First, he reflects on how dropping out of college allowed him to follow his curiosity, leading to groundbreaking work in typography for the Macintosh. Second, he discusses how being fired from Apple, the company he founded, led him to new creative opportunities, including Pixar and a return to Apple. Finally, Jobs speaks on the importance of embracing death as a motivator to live authentically, advising graduates to stay hungry and foolish in pursuit of their dreams.

Takeaways

• 😀 Trust that the dots will connect in your future, even if you can't see how now. Life often makes sense when looking back, not forward.
• 😀 Sometimes, the hardest decisions, like dropping out of college, can lead to the most rewarding outcomes. Trust your instincts and follow your curiosity.
• 😀 Life's setbacks can be transformative. Getting fired from Apple, for example, led to the creation of Pixar and Apple’s subsequent revival.
• 😀 True passion is essential for great work. If you haven’t found what you love, keep searching. Don’t settle for less.
• 😀 Death is a powerful reminder of what matters most. It helps eliminate distractions, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.
• 😀 Remember that your time is limited. Don’t waste it living someone else’s life, and have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.
• 😀 Embrace failure and loss. They are often the catalysts for personal and professional growth, helping you find new opportunities.
• 😀 Stay hungry and stay foolish. Always strive for more and remain open to new possibilities, even when things seem uncertain.
• 😀 Your work will fill a significant portion of your life, so it's crucial to do what you love. Passion is the key to creating great work.
• 😀 Life is unpredictable, but you must have faith that the challenges you face will lead to new beginnings and growth.

Q & A

Why did Steve Jobs drop out of college, and how did it shape his future?

Steve Jobs dropped out of Reed College after six months because he felt the classes weren’t aligned with his interests, and he couldn't see the value in them. This decision allowed him to explore subjects that truly fascinated him, such as calligraphy. In hindsight, this seemingly risky choice helped him develop a unique design sense, which later influenced the development of Apple's Macintosh and its iconic typography.

How did Steve Jobs describe the experience of being fired from Apple?

Steve Jobs described being fired from Apple as devastating, especially since it was a public failure. However, he came to see it as a blessing in disguise, which freed him from the pressure of success and allowed him to explore new creative ventures. This period led him to start Pixar and Next, which ultimately played a crucial role in Apple’s resurgence when Apple acquired Next.

What was the significance of the calligraphy class Jobs attended after dropping out?

The calligraphy class Jobs attended at Reed College had no immediate practical application in his life, but it later influenced the design of the Macintosh. He learned about typography, typefaces, and design, which helped make the Macintosh the first personal computer with beautiful typography, setting it apart from competitors and shaping the future of computing.

What did Jobs mean by the phrase 'you can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards'?

Jobs meant that in life, it's impossible to predict how experiences will come together in the future. Only after reflecting on past events can we see how they were interconnected and shaped our path. He encouraged the graduates to trust that their choices and experiences would eventually make sense, even if they seemed uncertain at the time.

What advice did Steve Jobs give about finding work you love?

Jobs advised graduates to find what they love and not to settle for anything less. He emphasized that doing great work is only possible if you are passionate about what you do, and that it’s important to follow your heart and intuition, even when the path is unclear or unconventional.

How did Jobs view the role of death in his life and decisions?

Jobs saw death as a powerful motivator for living authentically and making bold decisions. He believed that knowing we will die helps us prioritize what’s truly important, shed unnecessary fears and expectations, and focus on following our heart's desires without hesitation.

What impact did Jobs' diagnosis of cancer have on his perspective on life?

Jobs' diagnosis of pancreatic cancer was a life-changing event that forced him to confront his mortality. It reminded him of the importance of living each day fully and pursuing his passions without waiting for the 'perfect time.' The experience also led him to appreciate the clarity that comes from knowing life is finite.

What does the phrase 'Stay hungry, stay foolish' mean in the context of the speech?

In the context of Jobs' speech, 'Stay hungry, stay foolish' is a call to remain curious, ambitious, and open-minded throughout life. It encourages graduates to keep striving for innovation, take risks, and not be constrained by conventional wisdom or societal expectations.

What lesson did Jobs learn from his early experiences with Apple and Pixar?

From his experiences with Apple and Pixar, Jobs learned the importance of resilience and staying true to one's passion. Despite setbacks, including being fired from Apple, he found new opportunities that allowed him to return to Apple with fresh perspectives, ultimately contributing to the company’s revival and success.

What role did intuition play in Steve Jobs' decision-making process?

Intuition was central to Jobs' approach to life and decision-making. He trusted his gut feelings, even when they led him down unconventional paths. He believed that intuition often knows what’s best for us before we can rationally understand it, and that following it leads to fulfilling and innovative outcomes.