28 October 2011

Steve Jobs biography

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Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson on iBooks.

When the book was announced few months back, I'm eager to read it as part of the legacy that defines Apple today.

Initially, the book is said to be launched on next March, but as Steve's health status isn't doing that well, the launch is being brought forward to Nov.

By twist of fate, the man passed away a day after iPhone 4S was announced, the publishing date is once again brought forward to 24 Oct, less than 3 weeks after his demise. It cost USD 17 on iBooks and I didn't hesitated to pre-ordered it.

To make it clear, I do not revere Steve Jobs like an idol or icon, but his charisma and presentation skills were top notch, no doubt about it. Instead, I am more interested on Apple's products.

Although the book is meant to record his life chronologically, it doesn't mean that only positive words are chosen to describe him. Rather, he's being portrayed to be sort of the villain, a highly-demanding character that only a handful of people can stand his attitude.

While appearing in public announcements, I didn't thought that he's such a volatile perfectionist character as he appears to be steady and well-mannered, at least on the stage.

The societies (at least those I've experienced so far) encourage of speak no evil, be polite to others, be tolerate and compromising. Steve Jobs however, is the totally opposite to these terms.

Reading the book it's obvious that he loved the Japanese culture (unagi was his favourite!), however it will be very challenging if he were to be bounded with the code of ethics rooted deep inside the Japanese corporations, as he's such a character that had no respect over the authority. One Japanese company he respected was Sony, although he later lamented that Sony didn't managed to work out on iPod's concept eventhough they had the resources and power to execute it.

While it's unwise to mimic what he'd done to others, it's inspiring to read of how the colleagues handled such tough boss. We often heard some people complaining about their working place, but I bet it's not that bad compared to what the monster in Steve that's being described in the book. He wasn't the ideal boss for most people, but for those who'd like challenges and eager to proof their worthy, he might be the most inspiring figure ever. Absolutely full respect for those who managed to ensure all the wraiths and upon surviving it, that makes them even stronger than ever and motivated to keep on working as a top A player in the team.

Another interesting point would be the over-used term "reality distortion field", a trait that compliment to his charisma in talking people into believe in making the impossible possible, which has been proven to be very effective numerous times creating Apple products.

Some said that best works are being done when under enormous pressure, and with Steve's perfectionist scrutiny, often Apple came out with quality products (though some products practical-wise may be questionable, in my case the Apple TV).

The book also gave an in depth of the early days of modern computers that we are using today. Bill Gates and Microsoft, a hate and love affair between both computer companies since the earlier days. Steve and Bill respected each others in a way, though there're still certain rivalries lying between both men.

Inevitably, I'd say he's partly responsible for his own demise. Such as delaying the surgery to clear off the tumor at the first place, and crazy dietary and fasting practice that doesn't sound practical for a patient who needed proper nutrition to battle against cancer.

Now that Steve's gone for good, people are curious how would future Apple products turn out to be. Hopefully not something like in the early 90's after he was booted out from the company. This time, there's no more Steve to the rescue, should Apple fall into an abyss again. The key is "create the product that the consumer wouldn't know until you put it into their hands.", which is true if you look bad how the technology scene looked like before the introduction if iPhone and iPad.
(The fact that iPad ACTUALLY came before iPhone, at least fundamentally speaking when things were still under planning stage.)

To the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.
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It's been awhile since I last had a satisfying read. Thanks and may you do well up upon the other realm. #ThanksSteve

1 comment:

  1. steve jobs is a hero in the world of information technology, he who has changed the world with his work, hopefully someone like him in the future

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