Steve Jobs (1955-2011)
Today, at the age of 56, Steve Jobs died.
Steve Jobs was at the forefront of technological innovation. His name is listed among the group of inventors on 313 Apple patents. And whether you love Apple products or not, you can’t deny Steve Jobs was an icon in the industry and that his impact as CEO has been great. Even Google, and then Amazon, made mention of Steve Jobs’ death and linked to Apple on their respective front pages.
As you can see in the header image of this post, Apple—in typical minimalistic style—have dedicated the front page of their website to his memory, linking to their own memorial page.
Public Statements
Here are several public statements concerning Jobs’ death:
“Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.”
“We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today.
Steve’s brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that
enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts.”
“Team,
I have some very sad news to share with all of you. Steve passed away earlier today.
Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing
human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.We are planning a celebration of Steve’s extraordinary life for Apple employees that will take place soon. If you would like to share your thoughts, memories and condolences in the interim, you can simply email rememberingsteve@apple.com.
No words can adequately express our sadness at Steve’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. We will honor his memory by dedicating ourselves to continuing the work he loved so much.
Tim”
“Steve died peacefully today surrounded by his family.
In his public life, Steve was known as a visionary; in his private life, he cherished his family. We are thankful to the many people who have shared their wishes and prayers during the last year of Steve’s illness; a website will be provided for those who wish to offer tributes and memories.
We are grateful for the support and kindness of those who share our feelings for Steve. We know many of you will mourn with us, and we ask that you respect our privacy during our time of grief.”
“For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it’s been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely.”
“The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented.”
The Final Chapter
There was already much anticipation surrounding the biography of Steve Jobs that is set to be released next month, but since today’s news pre-order sales have grown by 40,900%, making it the #1 seller on Amazon in the past 24-hours.
“Based on more than forty interviews with Jobs conducted over two years—as well as interviews with more than a hundred family members, friends, adversaries, competitors, and colleagues—Walter Isaacson has written a riveting story of the roller-coaster life and searingly intense personality of a creative entrepreneur whose passion for perfection and ferocious drive revolutionized six industries: personal computers, animated movies, music, phones, tablet computing, and digital publishing.”
Changes were made to the book when he announced he was stepping down as CEO, and I’m sure following today’s news there will be further changes. In a real sense, the final chapter has been written.
Update: The publication date has moved forward to October 24. The final interview—included in the biography—was conducted four weeks ago at a time when Steve Jobs knew he would die soon. (pre-order)
Wired’s Tribute Video
Wired put together a tribute video to Steve Jobs, which includes some classic footage.
The Christian Response
How is a Christian to respond to the news of Steve Jobs’ death?
No doubt there will be many responses and much commentary written in the days ahead, but allow me to suggest two responses for now.
1. Thank God for Steve Jobs’ life
We should thank God for His common grace; for the way in which God has used the life of Steve Jobs, and Apple, to bring about so much innovation.
Although we need to embrace technology, as Tim Challies
2. Mourn and Pray for Steve Jobs’ family and friends.
Yes, Steve Jobs was the CEO of Apple, but he was also a husband, father, and friend.
Today’s news may create a spike in newspaper and tabloid sales, but remember that this news will also severely break the hearts of those who were closest to him.
May we follow the Apostle Paul’s admonition to “weep with those who weep” (Rom. 12:15).
We can’t do it physically with them, but we can share the same spirit of Paul’s admonition by praying for them; praying they are comforted, and praying they find the truest peace that only comes from the Prince of Peace.
Live each day as if it was your last…
I’ll leave the final word for now to Steve Jobs, taken from his famous Standford University Commencement address. His address doesn’t reflect a Christian worldview, however the sentiment to live in light of eternity, knowing that none of us will escape death, is certainly both wise and biblical.
“When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: ‘If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.’ It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: ‘If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?’ And whenever the answer has been ‘No’ for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.” — Steve Jobs