Steve Jobs is a person that has gone down in history as one of the world’s greatest men. His contribution to the technology industry is one of his most successful achievements, Jobs is widely known for a variety of things that have presented him as unique individual. His latest biography, written by Walter Issaacson, is the most comprehensive writing that reveals his intrinsic persona. The biography was written over a period of two years, and it is based on live interviews conducted by Walter Issaacson. However, it would be prudent to underline the fact that this biography was written following Job’s own request. This gives an indication as to the kind of a man he was. Issaacson has given the book a unique professional touch, which he has developed due to his years of experience in writing biographies. After reading this book, the reader understands why the author caught the eye of one of the most famous and successful men on earth.
The book is very captivating because it is a discussion about one of the greatest men in the world of technology. It attracts attention especially of an audience that hopes to learn from the genius of Steve Jobs. A lot is written in the book about him, and a keen reader can learn many interesting facts from the book. Jobs’ personal philosophies and his views on his company’s management are just a perfect display of brains at work. In the book, he offers a reader the opportunity to learn about how he thinks and how he pursues his goals in life. This is a rare opportunity to learn the best story of success in the history. Jobs’ way of thinking is intriguing, and his general way of looking at issues is quite impressive. I find his approach to life to be very broad considering his perspective with regard to the arts and music industry. While most of us think that the creative arts industry is on a rising trend, Jobs thought that the industry was on a path to slow and certain demise (Issaacson 567). He lamented that the music industry requires a wholesome reinvention to do away with the cliché repetitive level of creativity.
I admire his way of thinking because his mind always thought of inventing new ways of working. By having read this book, I have been inspired to be more watchful about the changes in the market trends and consumer requirements as the world is changing very fast. This is not the only trait that is displayed by Walter Issaacson in his book. Jobs, despite being a very wealthy man, was careful to maintain a simple life and avoid impulsive spending. For instance, his houses were relatively simple when compared to the maisons of other wealthy people in his league. He was also not the type of a person who traveled with an entourage or employed an excessive number of security guards. On the contrary, he maintained quite a simple lifestyle in spite of his high social status. To the surprise of many, Jobs would always drive himself although he could have easily afforded a driver. Men and women of his status are not known to have a similar lifestyle.
Jobs’ philosophy is rather complex if you compare it with the current world’s views. Reading this book teaches the reader to focus on making the world a better place than he/she found it. It is a thought provoking challenge that compels us to show our importance through our desire to change the world rather than showing off through material possessions. From the book, we learn that Jobs was very particular about cost, and he always went for simplicity. He was once quoted saying, “I love it when you can bring really great design and simple capability to something that doesn’t cost much” (Issaacson 454). Through this book, the author allows us to get a sneak peek into Jobs’ personal life.
The shift of concern comes in when Jobs’ negative attributes are articulated. Although he accomplished a lot of success, reading the book allows us to understand his personality. This man of great focus was not void of controversies, and the crucial allegation that he abandoned his daughter is quite a misgiving for a person of his reputation. Nevertheless, I have intentionally decided to focus on the most productive aspects of this book hence I will not dwell on the negative.
I find the Jobs’ idea of Focus to be quite prudent and beneficial considering his success. Jobs is associated with two major companies, which are Apple and Pixar. Jobs dedicated his life focusing on how to help people overcome the challenge of integrating arts and technology into one business. He predicted that the moving technological progress was going to overwhelm the creative arts industry and a way to mitigate such an occurrence was urgently needed. He believed in simple rules that were greatly influential to his success and that simple teams could do great things. This is clearly displayed in his story that shows how the Apple team founded in his small family garage grew into the famous Macintosh team (Issaacson 567).
Jobs’ love of simplicity is clearly reiterated in the entire biography, which also forms the bases of his focus on design. He believed that the ultimate sophistication is not shown by the greatest complexity, but rather by simplicity. Most of his products, which have attracted an enormous market, have few lines, few buttons, as well as few ports (Issaacson 568). I have learned that having a successful innovation requires an individual to think outside the box and pay key attention to small details. Jobs emphasized getting and capturing a market niche. His products were specific to a particular market. Sticking to a goal and pursuing it to the end is crucial to success. Jobs demonstrated this with the kind of products he came up with, which are specifically meant for the high-end market. While other companies were maximizing profits by targeting both the high and the low end markets, Jobs chose a different path.
This shows resilience and determination as well as a great belief in self. His way of doing things maps out the difference between the Apple Company and other firms in the same industry. Rivals to the Apple Company have had a hard time trying to triumph Jobs’ market niche in the industry, and the disparity is main in his principles of simplicity. This book is a perfect-read for young entrepreneurs, young business persons and leaders in the world of business since it gives insightful tips about the patterns of any industry and running a successful company. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to get the real life approach to success and greatness.
Works Cited
Issaacson, Walter. Steve Jobs. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster. 2011. Print.