Steve Jobs: Five of his most inspirational moments

Readers in the UK this morning will be waking up to the extremely sad news that Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple and long time leader of the company, has passed away aged 56.

All kinds of tributes are being left in memory of Steve online and offline, flowers in front of Apple stores, a take-over of Apple’s home page and moving words from other tech luminaries and leaders across the web.

Apple has asked that those wishing to pass on their condolences do so at the email address [email protected].

When Steve Jobs retired in August we collected together five of his most inspirational moments and feel that right now would be a good time to share them with you again as our thoughts go out to the Jobs family, his friends and his colleagues.

Commencement speech at Stanford 2005

Still a rallying cry for creatives and mavericks – Steve gave this moving speech to the freshmen in Stanford talking about his personal history and the upsets he overcame to make Apple.

Youtube comments include this kind of thing: “I watch this at least three times a year when I need the kick in the pants to stay on track with my dreams.”

Apple WWDC ’97 Steve Jobs Closing Keynote

At one hour long, this is one to watch in bits, but my god, it’s worth it. Take tips about leadership, public speaking, and pulling back from a crisis.

It’s a barnstorming hour where Steve answers questions from a crowd of developers at a time when Apple was at one of its lowest ebbs. He takes taunts, valid questions and comes back with honest but rousing answers. Oh and some sharp put-downs. This guy is in control. Great takeaway: “Focus is saying no”.

Steve Jobs:You have to think Differently
[MacWorld Congress 1997]

Want to know why you still feel smug buying an Apple computer? This is why. The computers are different. You are different. This is how to make someone want something.

“You always had to be a little different to buy an Apple computer. You had to think differently[…] They are the creative spirits in this world”

Unveiling the first Apple Macintosh
[1984]

He only pops a floppy into a Mac, but listen to the screams, Steve is driving the audience crazy. Okay – it’s first Mac – ever. But for some lessons about showmanship – watch and learn.

Steve Jobs burning Bill Gates

Yes, it’s a catty joke, but this is a guy who believes in what he does. It reminds us of how Steve told the NY Times that he made Apple so innovative – by hiring people who wanted to make the best things in the world.

For the fuller and more enlightening version look at the whole video from the AllThingsD double interview with Bill Gates: