The Zen of Steve Jobs: A Closer Look | Forbes

Summary

The Zen of Steve Jobs is a graphic novella that delves into a dark period in Steve Jobs' life after being fired from Apple in the mid-80s. The story explores his journey of self-discovery, focusing on his friendship with Zen Buddhist priest Kobun Chino, whose teachings on simplicity and design deeply influenced Jobs. The novella portrays their relationship with a stripped-down, graphic style, offering a nuanced portrayal of Jobs' character and his eventual return to Apple. It reflects on his personal growth, the impact of Zen on his work, and presents a more human, complex view of Jobs beyond the myth.

Takeaways

• 😀 The novella *The Zen of Steve Jobs* focuses on Steve Jobs' life during the mid-1980s, particularly after he was fired from Apple.
• 😀 Jobs turned to Buddhism, a practice he had encountered earlier in life, to help navigate this challenging period.
• 😀 A key figure during this time was Kobun Chino Otogawa, a Zen Buddhist priest and designer, with whom Jobs developed a close friendship.
• 😀 Kobun's influence on Jobs went beyond spirituality, impacting Jobs' approach to design and simplicity.
• 😀 The book explores how Zen philosophy shaped Jobs' return to Apple and the company's success, emphasizing simplicity, beauty, and control.
• 😀 *The Zen of Steve Jobs* is presented in a graphic novella format, with a minimalist and stripped-down style, inspired by Zen calligraphy.
• 😀 Much of the book's content is reimagined, blending factual events with creative storytelling to depict Jobs and Kobun's relationship.
• 😀 The story focuses on the personal dynamics between Jobs and Kobun, revealing their complex and evolving friendship.
• 😀 The book challenges the idealized image of Jobs, presenting him as a flawed individual rather than a perfect visionary.
• 😀 The novella concludes on a reflective, somber note, emphasizing the importance of thinking differently and learning from failure.
• 😀 The story offers a deeper, more humanizing perspective on Steve Jobs, moving beyond the heroic narrative often associated with his life.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the graphic novella 'The Zen of Steve Jobs'?

The novella focuses on a dark period in Steve Jobs' life after being fired from Apple in the mid-1980s and his journey of personal growth through Zen Buddhism. It highlights his relationship with Zen Buddhist priest Kobun Chino and how this influenced his return to Apple.

How does the novella explore Steve Jobs' relationship with Zen Buddhism?

The novella shows how Steve Jobs turned to Zen Buddhism, a philosophy he had learned about in high school and college, after being ousted from Apple. His relationship with Kobun Chino, a Zen Buddhist priest, became a key part of his spiritual journey, helping him find clarity and focus.

What role does Kobun Chino play in Steve Jobs' life according to the novella?

Kobun Chino is portrayed as a close friend and mentor to Steve Jobs. He is a Zen Buddhist priest, designer, and calligrapher who guided Steve during a difficult period in his life, helping him reconnect with his spiritual and creative self, which later influenced his work at Apple.

How does the graphic style of the novella reflect Zen principles?

The graphic style of the novella is inspired by Zen calligraphy, emphasizing simplicity and minimalism. The storytelling is stripped-down, creating an intimate and focused experience that mirrors the Zen approach of clarity and directness.

What impact did the Zen teachings have on Steve Jobs' approach to design and business?

The Zen teachings helped Jobs embrace simplicity, sophistication, and beauty in his designs. These principles became core to Apple's philosophy, influencing the company's success in creating iconic products that emphasized elegance and user-friendly design.

What does the novella reveal about Steve Jobs' personality?

The novella presents Steve Jobs as a complex and passionate individual with both strengths and flaws. It challenges the idealized image of him as a perfect figure, showing his imperfections and human side, including his struggles and personal growth.

How does the novella portray the period when Steve Jobs was away from Apple?

The period when Jobs was away from Apple is portrayed as 'The Lost Years,' a time of personal and professional uncertainty. However, it was also a transformative phase where Jobs reflected on his values, learned from Zen, and eventually returned to Apple with a renewed vision.

What is the significance of the phrase 'The Lost Years' in the novella?

'The Lost Years' refers to the period of time when Steve Jobs was not at Apple, a phase that is often overlooked in popular narratives of his life. The novella emphasizes that this period, though challenging, was essential in shaping his character and business philosophy.

What are some of the challenges Steve Jobs faced during his time away from Apple?

During his time away from Apple, Steve Jobs faced personal and professional challenges, including his struggles with failure, his departure from the company, and the need to rebuild both his sense of self and his career. Zen Buddhism helped him navigate these difficulties.

What is the ultimate message of 'The Zen of Steve Jobs'?

The ultimate message of the novella is about finding personal and professional growth through introspection, spirituality, and learning from failure. It shows how Zen teachings influenced Jobs' approach to life and work, leading to his eventual success and return to Apple.