Can there be any doubt that Steve Jobs was a modern-day Renaissance man — a latter day da Vinci, brimming with creativity, invention, aesthetic and business acumen! If Jobs had been around 200 years ago he would have designed cathedrals, structures so breathtaking no one could have imagined them possible until they saw what he had brought to life.
People speculate whether Apple has a future without Steve Jobs. I'm not worried.Steve invented a world, a universe even. He imagined a totally new way of doing things, an original structure. He was part architect, engineer, technologist, a thoroughly modern man.
He demonstrated that intelligence is — can be — aesthetic. Intelligence can be a style. Intelligence can be sexy. He personified the elegance of intelligence. He closed the door on the technology that dominated the '80s and 90s and opened a new one. And that door will lead us through this century.
For a few years My wife, Jasmine, and I used to see Jobs quite regularly. One day, alone in his house in California, we spoke at some length -- well, I did. He took part in the conversation with very few words. But it was clear we were on the same wavelength, playing at the same chessboard, speaking the same language.
He was very fascinated by Jasmine and me. We were not married at the time and he seemed very intent that we get on with it — and have children. I made it clear I deeply respected him and I hope it is not too much to say that he was coaxing me along as a friend would. The often outspoken Steve sometimes made his feelings clear with just a look.
People speculate whether Apple has a future without Steve Jobs. I'm not worried, because Steve did not invent the business. He invented a way of thinking, and infused Apple with that aesthetic. And this can perpetuate because it is liberating. It is not something formal and corporate. The standards and stakes are high, but anything is possible in an environment which truly welcomes creativity.
That’s why everybody who worked with Jobs can continue in his footsteps — carry forward the vision of Steve. Look at Jonathan Ive, Apple's chief designer. Johnny is a genius. I don't know the new chief executive, Tim Cook, but he looks very good. Apple shall continue in the vision of Steve for a long time.
Steve Jobs was the guy who solved the "change" problem. Apple will continue to do that.
People say he was unreasonable. No. No. No. No! He was the most reasonable person I ever met. At one point, when it looked as though he might be dying (he recovered from that particular scare), we were discussing what his final words might be. If there is one word for you, I remember asking, what would that be?
Steve was a thinker, not a speaker. But after a time he told me: "Honesty."
That impressed me a lot. It’s interesting to remember every morning when you wake up that you have to be honest. I have spent my life trying to be an honest man. I think I have almost succeeded. I think I am honest. I am honest with other people. Perhaps, like everybody, I'm less honest with myself. But I have tried.
"Honesty" was the right word for Steve. It can be, it must be, a final goal in your life.
