Steve Jobs
Historical Figure

Steve Jobs Quotes

Apple co-founder who revolutionized technology and design

30 Curated Quotes
Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn't really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while.
— Wired 1996

Jobs shared his insight on the nature of creativity, focusing on the ability to see connections between seemingly disparate ideas or concepts.

Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn't matter to me. Going to bed at night saying we've done something wonderful... that's what matters to me.
— The Wall Street Journal 1993

In an interview, Jobs reflected on the significance of leaving a positive impact and achieving meaningful accomplishments over accumulating wealth.

We're here to make a difference in the universe.
— WWDC 1997

In response to a question about whether Apple's new set of products would save the company.

Details matter, it's worth waiting to get it right
— Pixar's Early Days

Jobs' philosophy on the significance of perfectionism in product development.

Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.
— BusinessWeek, 2004

Aimed at showing the importance of creativity and innovation in a competitive business environment.

Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith.
— Commencement Address, Stanford University, 2005

Jobs urged graduates to maintain resilience and faith when faced with profound life challenges.

Remembering that you are going to die is the best way to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose.
— Stanford Commencement, 2005

Motivating others to take risks and prioritize what truly matters.

Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do.
— Apple Worldwide Developers Conference

Jobs's focus on simplicity was showcased in his approach to product development, stressing the value of focus and prioritization.

The journey is the reward
— Various Interviews

This phrase encapsulated Steve’s belief in the process of creation and innovation as integral parts of achieving success rather than just the outcome.

It's not about money. It's about the people you have, how you're led, and how much you get it
— Interview with Fortune

Revealing Jobs' belief that leadership and teamwork are essential for success.

I'm convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.
— Success Magazine

Through this statement, Jobs highlighted the critical role of perseverance and determination in overcoming challenges and achieving success.

Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.
— Stanford Commencement 2005

During his commencement address, Jobs emphasized the importance of finding passion and satisfaction in one’s work as a pathway to career fulfillment.

Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice.
— Stanford Commencement Address

During this iconic speech, Jobs emphasized the importance of self-belief and following one's heart over external influences.

Stay hungry, stay foolish.
— Stanford Commencement, 2005

Encouraging graduates to keep pursuing their dreams and remain curious.

Real artists ship
— Working at Apple

A motto at Apple that emphasizes the importance of delivering products.

I want to put a ding in the universe.
— The New York Times 1985

Jobs articulated his ambition of making a significant and lasting impact on the world through innovative technology and visionary ideas.

Quality is more important than quantity. One home run is much better than two doubles.
— Business Week, 2004

Talking about product development strategy and emphasizing excellence in Apple's offerings.

I want to make a computer that feels like an extension of your hand.
— Interview with Rolling Stone, 1994

Expressing his vision of creating intuitive technology that seamlessly integrates into users' lives.

I'm as proud of many of the things we haven't done as the things we have done. Innovation is saying no to a thousand things.
— WWDC, 1997

Stressing the role of focus and prioritization in successful innovation.

I think great artists always work with limitations.
— Interview with Wired, 1996

Discussing how constraints can fuel creativity and innovation in product design.

That's been one of my mantras—focus and simplicity
— BusinessWeek

Steve Jobs reflects on the importance of eliminating complexity in design for clarity and innovation.

I think if you do something and it turns out pretty good, then you should go do something else wonderful, not dwell on it for too long. Just figure out what’s next.
— Fortune Magazine, 2006

Jobs advocated for continuous forward movement and innovation, encouraging others not to linger excessively on past successes.

We don’t get a chance to do that many things, and everyone should be really excellent. Because this is our life.
— Fortune Magazine

In an interview, Jobs stressed the importance of excellence in every endeavor, representing his unwavering commitment to quality.

Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.
— New York Times, 2003

Emphasizing the significance of functionality in product design.

The only way to do great work is to love what you do.
— Commencement Address, Stanford University, 2005

Encouraging passion, Jobs believed loving one’s work is essential for achieving excellence.

You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.
— Commencement Address, Stanford University, 2005

Steve Jobs expressed the importance of trusting in future events and decisions to develop understanding and learn from the past as one moves forward.

You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever.
— Stanford Commencement Address, 2005

Encouraging graduates to have faith in uncertain futures and follow their intuition.

We're here to put a dent in the universe. Otherwise why else even be here?
— Interview with Wired, 1996

In this statement, Jobs underscores the ambition to impact the world significantly through innovation and creativity.

It doesn't make sense to hire smart people and then tell them what to do
— Former Apple Employees' Stories

Jobs valued the independent thinking of talented employees, fostering an innovative environment.

The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.
— Apple's 'Think Different' Campaign 1997

This quote was used in Apple's iconic advertising campaign, encapsulating the spirit of innovation and boundary-pushing creativity that defined the company's ethos.