Book Notes
I was browsing in the library for a book to read when I came across a shelf where a photo of Steve Jobs appeared. I recognized the book—I knew it existed. I knew a little bit about his story, but I hadn't given much importance to getting and reading his biography.
Why I Finally Read It
In recent years, as I became more exposed to the world of digital products and their creation, my interest grew to understand more about great products in general:
- How they came to be
- Who created them
- Why
- How
And when you delve into this frequency, you can't avoid Steve Jobs.
All these reasons, subconsciously combined with my great curiosity about this fascinating figure, led me to read the book.
It is the longest book I have ever read—600 pages—and the only one that kept my curiosity ignited from the first sentence to the last.
This is the merit of Steve Jobs' controversial life and Walter Isaacson's mastery as the author.
More Than a Book
I expected to read valuable things because I had already seen a movie about Steve Jobs.
But I didn't expect it to take me on a journey of thoughts—to escape and transport me back in time, to live in Steve Jobs' era as an insignificant extra.
Without contribution, but as an irreproachable observer who stood in the corners and listened to everything, allowed by Steve Jobs' rare generosity towards such people.
Reading the book took a long time for various reasons—but also due to the desire to understand it gradually, to give myself more time to live a few more pages.
The author describes Steve's life without filters, without holding back. This is crucial to understanding and judging his character.
Abandoned and Chosen
An adopted person with a family that always supported him but who could never shake off the feeling of being abandoned and unwanted.
To find solace, he not only considered himself abandoned but also chosen.
This was his life: abandoned and chosen.
A Controversial Man
- Against the normal in everything he did
- Erratic
- Straightforward
- Arrogant
- Visionary
- Provocative
- Stubborn
- Selfish
As much as his character was volatile, his life became more dramatic, and more emotions and thoughts occupied my mind as I "observed" him.
A person obsessed with every detail—even the oxygen mask the doctors put on him when he underwent pancreatic surgery. He disliked the form; he wanted something better.
Distorting Reality
He was a master of distorting reality, as described by all those around him.
He had a great desire to make the impossible possible. Persistence was his only assurance that it would happen, and the drive he gave people pushed them to their limits.
He saw things in black and white, and he aimed to always be on the white side.
I was surprised when I heard that he respected people who strongly opposed him with arguments, leaving him speechless. He had great respect for them, while he had disdain for those who believed that everything was impossible.
The Fire Within
I would underestimate him if I said it had to do with his egoism or distorting reality, as his friends claimed.
It had to do with his fiery desire to fulfill his vision, which nobody else could see.
And to make this happen, he had to fight hard so that others could see it. This allowed him to create a great company that produced remarkable products.
It's strange how quickly people think something is impossible and oppose themselves only on their second or third attempt.
Personal Life: A True Mess
In his personal life, he appeared to be a true mess.
He became a father early but didn't accept his daughter for many years, while he abandoned her mother and reluctantly agreed to provide financial support. He changed later, but the same flaws remained. He didn't spend much time with his children.
This shows that nobody is perfect, and Steve was far from being such—but it made him unique.
He didn't aspire to be such; he was self-aware, although he always expressed that he was right about everything.
The Other Side of the Coin
He was a genius who made history with Apple and Pixar products.
He was obsessed with creating something truly significant more than making a lot of money—although the latter followed him.
A Journey Through Time
Why 600 Pages Were Necessary
I understood the importance of the 600 pages when I finished the book. They were necessary to understand this man, to be part of his life for a few moments, and to place oneself in the right context.
I saw many things, but what I saw the most was the journey of a traveler in this world who, with his full consciousness for his end, did everything possible to create an immortal copy of himself in this world.
And he succeeded.
What I'll Remember
Everyone remembers him for what they appreciate the most.
As a noiseless observer of his history, I will remember:
- The interweaving of technology with art
- The great determination to challenge what was considered normal
- The courage and strength
- The meaning he gave to everything he created
- The lack of fear to show he was human
Those who haven't read it yet would do better to put this book at the top of their list.
