What I felt about Mr. Jobs.
I am astounded that someone got upset with me for “not being sad enough” about Steve Jobs’ death. As a consumerist society I do believe we put a strong emphasis upon someone who has become an icon in terms of design and technology. There’s nothing wrong with admiring someone for their creative output, but it’s wrong to put anyone onto a pedestal. It’s difficult for me to feel true grief for a person who stood more to me as the face of a corporation than an individual. Maybe I just wasn’t ever invested enough in the image of what, or who Steve Jobs was painted as.
But I’m glad he had the means to bring his visions to light, and the tenacity to pursue them. He got to live out what appears to be an extraordinary life. In terms of mortality, as Carl Sagan points out, all avarice, strife and triumph occurs on this tiny planet suspended in space. So, I think Steve Jobs did well in terms of what time he was privileged to have.
And he’s right, excellence should always be expected.
So, I’m going to expect excellence of myself and remember not just Steve Jobs, but others who have created significant change in the world. I find it fascinating Americans have such a public outpouring of grief for a man who had all the advantages of modern healthcare and the privilege of living past what many consider middle-aged.
On this planet of seven billion souls, it’s interesting that my Facebook feed is full of RIP messages, but I can hardly recall a time when someone expressed interest in the tireless work of the Dalai Lama, or Desmond Tutu (ok, Cody is an exception), or other less well-known innovators, peacekeepers, dreamers and artists. Our lives are a privilege and other people’s lives are gifts. His gift was special, but so are others. It is not just a choice to contribute to the common good; it is your responsibility as a human being and every contribution counts.
So, Steve Jobs contributed his work and he did it well. Don’t get caught up making him into something untouchable. I would rather that he be something people aspire to be (preferably surpass - because breaking glass ceilings are amazing), as opposed to fanatically revere. If you expect excellence of yourself what will you contribute? What kind of standards will you create for yourself and others?
