Steve Jobs’ Philosophy on Embracing Mortality and Pursuing Your Purpose
“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.” — Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs was a master of innovation and creativity, and his life and work continue to inspire millions around the world.
As someone who has worked at Microsoft for years, I have often looked to Steve Jobs for inspiration and insight. His unconventional approach to business and his ability to turn ideas into reality have made him an icon in the tech industry and beyond.
In this article, we will explore some of the lessons we can learn from Jobs about how to approach work and life with creativity, passion, and purpose
Steve Jobs’ Epic Commencement Speech
During his 56 years of life, Steve Jobs was a mentor and a learner in the art of living life to the fullest.
One of the greatest insights into his philosophy on this subject was revealed in his 2005 commencement speech to the graduating class at Stanford.
In his speech, he shared his experiences of facing failures, setbacks, and even his own mortality after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Jobs encouraged the students to carefully contemplate how they spend their limited time on this earth, and provided inspiring advice to help them overcome obstacles and setbacks.
Follow Your Heart. Everything Else is Secondary.
Follow you heart. In those three simple words lies a profound and timeless wisdom that every one of us can adopt and follow, just as Jobs did.
Steve Jobs said:
“Don’t be trapped by dogma–which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.
And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.
They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
Life is Finite, Live More Fully
Steve Jobs’ philosophy on life forces us to confront the inevitability of our own mortality in order to live life to the fullest. Instead of being limiting, this approach is meant to empower us to use our time in the most meaningful way possible.
Yet, many of us still struggle to pursue our own dreams and goals, instead focusing on meeting the expectations of others.
Jobs was inspired by a quote he read at 17 that became a guiding principle for the rest of his life:
“If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.”
He asked himself each morning, “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?”
This question can guide us all toward our purpose and keep us on track.
Discovering our true heart’s desire gives us a reason to come alive and do what we love, even if we weren’t getting paid.
Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.
As Steve Jobs concluded his commencement speech, he shared a memorable message he had once stumbled upon.
It was from the final edition of the Whole Earth Catalog, printed under a scenic image of a country road – the publication’s last farewell.
The words, “Stay hungry. Stay foolish,” resonated deeply with Jobs, as they encapsulated his own aspirations and wishes not just for the graduates but for himself as well.
Live the Life Your Heart Tugs You Towards
Steve Jobs’ philosophy on life teaches us to confront the inevitability of our own mortality to truly live life to the fullest.
By following our heart and intuition and asking ourselves the question, “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?”, we can discover our purpose and stay on track towards our true heart’s desires.
And by staying hungry and foolish, we can continue to learn and grow, never settling for mediocrity.
Let Steve Jobs’ words inspire us all to live a life that is both meaningful and fulfilling.
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