Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address (with intro by President John Hennessy)

Summary

In his 2005 Stanford commencement address, Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple and Pixar, shares three life stories: his college dropout experience, the passion and resilience behind founding Apple, and his battle with cancer. Jobs emphasizes the importance of following one's heart, loving what you do, and embracing life's uncertainties, urging graduates to 'stay hungry, stay foolish,' and to live life authentically without fear.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Steve Jobs was the CEO of Apple and Pixar Animation Studios, known for his innovation and creativity.
• 🏫 Stanford University is known for its boldness and new directions, qualities shared by Jobs.
• 📚 Jobs dropped out of Reed College but continued to follow his interests, which later influenced his work at Apple.
• 💡 The design of the Macintosh was influenced by Jobs' interest in calligraphy, showing the importance of diverse learning.
• 🎨 Pixar revolutionized the film industry with technology and creativity, producing award-winning films like 'Toy Story'.
• 🎶 Jobs reinvented Apple with products like the iPod and iTunes, changing the way people interact with music.
• 💡 Jobs emphasized the importance of hiring people who want to make the best things in the world.
• 💔 Jobs experienced love and loss, being fired from Apple, which he later viewed as a pivotal moment for his personal growth.
• 💀 His battle with cancer made Jobs reflect on the importance of living life as if each day could be the last.
• 🚀 Jobs encouraged following one's heart and intuition, as they guide towards what one truly wants to become.
• 📖 The Whole Earth Catalog's message to 'stay hungry, stay foolish' inspired Jobs and he passed this advice to the graduates.

Q & A

Who is the commencement speaker introduced in the script?

The commencement speaker introduced in the script is Steve Jobs, the chief executive officer and co-founder of Apple and Pixar Animation Studios.

What characteristic does Steve Jobs share with Stanford University according to the script?

Steve Jobs shares the characteristic of being bold and striking out in new directions with Stanford University, as described in the script.

What significant event happened in Steve Jobs' early life that influenced his education?

Steve Jobs' biological mother insisted that he be adopted by college graduates and that he would go to college, which influenced his education as described in the script.

Why did Steve Jobs decide to drop out of Reed College?

Steve Jobs decided to drop out of Reed College because he couldn't see the value in it, had no idea what he wanted to do with his life, and felt it was spending all the money his parents had saved.

How did Steve Jobs' experience with calligraphy at Reed College influence his future work?

Steve Jobs' experience with calligraphy at Reed College influenced his future work by inspiring the design of the Macintosh computer with beautiful typography, multiple typefaces, and proportionally spaced fonts.

What company did Steve Jobs start with Steve Wozniak in his parent's garage?

Steve Jobs started Apple with Steve Wozniak in his parent's garage.

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

Steve Jobs described his experience of being fired from Apple as devastating initially, but later realized it was the best thing that could have happened to him, leading to a period of great creativity.

What significant health challenge did Steve Jobs face according to the script?

Steve Jobs faced a significant health challenge when he was diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer that was initially thought to be incurable.

What philosophy did Steve Jobs live by, as mentioned in the script?

Steve Jobs lived by the philosophy of 'staying hungry, staying foolish,' which he borrowed from the Whole Earth Catalog, as mentioned in the script.

What advice did Steve Jobs give to the graduates about finding what they love to do?

Steve Jobs advised the graduates to find what they love to do, emphasizing that the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what they believe is great work and to keep looking until they find it.

What did Steve Jobs consider the most important tool to help make big life choices?

Steve Jobs considered the reminder of his own mortality, or 'remembering that I'll be dead soon,' as the most important tool to help make big life choices.