This week the world woke to the sad news that Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple computers and visionary behind personal computers, iTunes, Iphones, Ipod and Ipads, has died at cancer at the age of 56.
To me, Steve Jobs’ story reflects the path of a lifelong, enthusiastic “SelfDesigner” – that is, one who lives life according to his/her own dreams and ambitions and makes their life journeying one of important self-discovery.
Arising from the numerous stories about Jobs is also consistent recognition and value for the innovations he pursued with impassioned determination and uncanny savvy. The “Thomas Edison of his time” is a common refrain of many eulogies I heard this week by commentators and peers leaving no doubt that Jobs was a remarkable innovator who changed the world.
Yet once mainstream media got its eulogizing out of the way in the next breath it fell into predictable opining about whether Apple can maintain its polish and edge in the permanent absence of Jobs.
The story overlooked in the rush to this vacuous speculating is an education one, and of much significance IMO: How can the llfe-story and legacy of Steve Jobs be highlighted for his exemplary pursuit of innovation and ultimate triumph.
He was a college dropout who found more value in working with others of his ‘tribe’, honing ideas and cobbling ideas together fueled by little funding and big dreams.
Luck, money and success arrived later but Jobs’ initial formula – mirroring that of many successful entrepreneurs – was a simple one that we educators and educational leaders would do well to pay attention to, and emulate.
Yet once mainstream media got its eulogizing out of the way in the next breath it fell into predictable opining about whether Apple can maintain its polish and edge in the permanent absence of Jobs.
The story overlooked in the rush to this vacuous speculating is an education one, and of much significance IMO: How can the llfe-story and legacy of Steve Jobs be highlighted for his exemplary pursuit of innovation and ultimate triumph.
He was a college dropout who found more value in working with others of his ‘tribe’, honing ideas and cobbling ideas together fueled by little funding and big dreams.
Luck, money and success arrived later but Jobs’ initial formula – mirroring that of many successful entrepreneurs – was a simple one that we educators and educational leaders would do well to pay attention to, and emulate.
“Stay hungry, stay foolish” (Steve Jobs, 1955-2011)
For information on my new book: Learn Your Way! SelfDesigning the Life You Really Want, Starting Now and to order a copy, go here.
Michael’s book, Learn Your Way! SelfDesigning the Life You Really Want, Starting Now is an ERAC-approved middle and high school textbook for career planning and health education courses (British Columbia), and it has received many endorsements. Contact Michael directly to obtain a pdf copy of the book.
No comments yet.