Death of a Hero
October 7, 2011 § 3 Comments
I started to entitle this entry “Death of a Genius” and then I discovered he was a “Hero.” Of course, I am talking about the passing this week of Steve Jobs.
First let me tell you why I changed from “genius” – which of course he was – to “hero.” I went to the Apple website where they have a beautiful photo of Mr. Jobs. I thought I would copy and save the photo to paste here. When I clicked on the image, I discovered that the photo was titled “t.hero“. How perfect.
Steve Jobs, 1955 - 2011
Steve Jobs did not just live his life as a “visionary and creative genius”, but he lived his dying with a grace and a knowing that can only be an inspiration to all of us. He lived an inspired life. He lived passionately. He didn’t stop. He kept moving forward. He knew what he loved and was passionate about those loves. And of course, he knew because he searched for what he would ultimately love until he found it.
The Stanford University commencement speech he delivered to the 2005 graduating class spoke deeply about who he was. This speech is a lesson to all of us since he explained in so very clear terms, what it meant to live, and to live knowing we are going to die. This speech is a teacher’s teaching. It is rich with meaning. SEE THE VIDEO & READ THE ENTIRE SPEECH HERE.
I have read and re-read and listened to and watched the entire Steve Jobs’ Stanford address many times this week. I am moved by who he was and so very saddened by his so-young death.
Yet, look at what he accomplished and the difference he has made in the world with his vision and persistence in so short a life. Quite extraordinary. I don’t know that we will see another like him in my lifetime but I hope one shows up in the next.
To all of us who keep pursuing our dreams, I say “amen.”
And as Steve Jobs reminds us …
“Almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”
Great piece, Linda.
Fabulous post, Linda. I could not agree more. I most admire his insistance on MORE. Reaching for more, accomplishing more, discovering more.. always pushing the edge… while not sacrificing creativity and beauty. And quality. Thank you for a lovely tribute.
And like John, I was crying when I heard and still am weeping. It is his vision, “reaching for more” and commitment to excellence that got me.