To begin with, I almost never read biographies or autobiographies. On the rare occasions that I do, they typically bore me to tears. For this reason I determined just to open to a page here and there and read parts that I found interesting. Much to my surprise, about one flip did it. I just read and read about this fascinating man.
Let me say that I have the utmost respect for the fact that Steve and his wife told their friends and others who were involved in this book to be absolutely honest with the writer during his research. This is so unusual for a biography and makes it informative and interesting. The book scarcely flatters Mr. Jobs, in most cases. It shows a brilliant, flawed, passionate individual. Except for his brilliance, good looks, success and a couple of billion dollars, I'd say that Steve reminds me of myself.
It is clear that he would have been a pain in the butt to work for or around. During his hippie stage, for instance, he rarely bathed because he felt that eating fruits and veggies caused him not to stink, contrary to the testimonials of co-workers. There were times that he would soak his feet in the toilet, at work, to relieve stress.
His capacity to B.S. himself about reality led to his denying the fatherhood for his daughter and other things that I'm sure he was not proud of as he aged. Most of us have an abundance of things we are ashamed of and that doesn't put me off concerning people because I myself am so flawed.
Let me relate one story that stood out to me of the many that Isaacson related. When Steve was head of the team that was designing the Macintosh PC, he drove the people under him to the point of distraction about the details. He made them redo the box for it about 50 times. Things on the inside of the computer, that no one would ever see, had to be perfect. He felt that a craftsman, if he made a dresser, would never nail a piece of plywood over the back of it, even though it would be turned toward the wall. When the team had finally nailed down all details of the design for the MAC, Steve called them into the office and had each one sign a sheet of draft paper. That sheet was impressed into the inside of the cabinet of each computer. Each member of the team, including Steve, knew that their name was inside every PC, along with an assurance of quality and attention to detail. Then, Steve toasted them with champagne and commented that "Real artists sign their work." It gave me cold chills when I read it.
I walked into the other room and took my I-Pod out of my brief case and looked at it. I noted its simplistic, elegant design and heavy feeling of quality. Then I thought back over the pages I had read about Steve's obsession with the details of shape and materials, style and so forth. Then I had a profound thought. There is absolutely no way that Apple can be the same without him. I know he had a 5 year plan, with schedules for new devices. But, I don't think Apple can get better and I sincerely doubt that it can keep from going downhill. As much as I love my Apple gear, I don't think I'd buy Apple stock today.
From the author's green retreat, I'm CE Wills.
P.S. Carnivores, Ice Age is free right now. You should definitely grab this game for your I-Padster.
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