Introduction
Commencement speeches are often filled with well-meaning but forgettable advice. However, when Steve Jobs, the iconic co-founder of Apple, spoke at Stanford University’s graduation ceremony in 2005, he delivered a speech that resonated deeply and continues to inspire millions. He didn’t offer a grand theory of success; instead, he shared three personal stories. These stories, seemingly simple anecdotes, are profound lessons about life, passion, and purpose. Why Do You need to hear these stories? Because within them lie keys to navigating your own journey, finding fulfillment, and making your mark on the world. Let’s explore the wisdom within each narrative.
Connecting the Dots: Why Do You Need to Trust Your Intuition?
Jobs began his speech by recounting his unconventional college experience. He famously dropped out of Reed College after only six months. Why do you think someone with so much drive and intellect would leave higher education? His reason was simple yet profound: he couldn’t see the value in it for his life’s direction at that moment. He felt lost, unsure of his path, and burdened by the financial strain it placed on his working-class parents.
Dropping out was a daunting decision, but it allowed him to pursue what genuinely interested him, even if the immediate benefit wasn’t clear. He “dropped in” on classes that sparked his curiosity, including a calligraphy course. Why do you think he chose calligraphy? It seemed impractical, with “no hope of any practical application in my life.” Yet, this seemingly irrelevant pursuit proved to be pivotal.
Ten years later, when designing the Macintosh, Jobs’ calligraphy knowledge became crucial. The Mac became the first computer with beautiful typography, directly because of that calligraphy class. This illustrates his core message: “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.”
Why do you need to understand this concept? Because life is rarely linear. Often, the paths we take, the experiences we gather, and the skills we learn may seem disconnected in the present. However, looking back, you’ll often see how these “dots” connect to form a meaningful picture. Trusting your intuition, following your curiosity, and pursuing what interests you, even without immediate practical gain, can lead to unexpected and valuable outcomes later in life. This requires faith – “trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever.” This trust, Jobs emphasized, “has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”
Love and Loss: Why Do You Need to Find What You Love?
Jobs’ second story delves into the rollercoaster of his career, specifically his dramatic departure and eventual return to Apple. He co-founded Apple in his garage at 20, and within a decade, it had become a $2 billion company. He was at the helm of innovation, having just released the Macintosh. Then, at 30, he was fired from the company he created. Why do you think this happened? As companies grow, visions can diverge, and power dynamics shift. A difference in vision with the person he hired to help run Apple led to a falling out, and the board sided against him.
This public and painful dismissal could have been the end of his entrepreneurial journey. He felt like a failure, even considering leaving Silicon Valley. However, amidst the devastation, a crucial realization dawned: “I still loved what I did.” The setback at Apple hadn’t diminished his passion for technology and creation. Why do you think this love was so crucial? Because passion is a powerful motivator, a resilient force that can withstand setbacks and fuel reinvention.
Being fired, ironically, became “the best thing that could have ever happened” to him. It freed him from the “heaviness of being successful” and allowed him to become a “beginner again.” This period of creative rebirth saw him start NeXT, acquire Pixar, and eventually return to Apple. Pixar revolutionized animation, and NeXT’s technology became foundational to Apple’s resurgence.
Why do you need to find what you love? Because work is a significant part of life. “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.” He urged the graduates: “If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” Finding your passion is not just about career success; it’s about life satisfaction. It’s about pursuing something that resonates with your heart and soul, something that makes the journey worthwhile, even with its inevitable challenges.
Death: Why Do You Need to Remember Your Mortality?
Jobs’ third story confronts a stark reality: death. He shared a quote he encountered at 17: “If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.” This philosophy became a daily practice. Why do you think he adopted such a seemingly morbid mindset? It wasn’t about dwelling on negativity, but about gaining clarity and focus on what truly matters.
Every morning, he asked himself, “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” When the answer was “No” for too many consecutive days, he knew change was needed. Why do you think this question was so powerful? Because confronting your mortality strips away distractions and trivialities. “Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life.”
He then shared his experience with a cancer diagnosis. Facing a potentially terminal illness brought the concept of death into sharp focus. He was told to “get my affairs in order,” doctor’s code for “prepare to die.” This experience underscored the preciousness of time and the importance of living authentically.
Fortunately, his cancer turned out to be a rare, curable form. Surviving this ordeal reinforced his perspective. “No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share.” He emphasized that death is “Life’s change agent,” clearing out the old to make way for the new.
Why do you need to remember you will die? Not to be fearful, but to be liberated. “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. 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.” Acknowledging mortality is a powerful catalyst for living a life true to yourself, prioritizing your values, and pursuing your passions without hesitation.
Conclusion: Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish. – Why Do You Need to Embrace These Words?
Jobs concluded his speech by referencing The Whole Earth Catalog and its farewell message: “Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.” Why do you think these two seemingly simple phrases encapsulate his life lessons?
“Stay Hungry” is about never being complacent, always seeking knowledge, experience, and growth. It’s about maintaining a thirst for learning and a drive to push boundaries. “Stay Foolish” is about embracing curiosity, taking risks, and not being afraid to challenge conventional wisdom. It’s about remaining open-minded, adaptable, and willing to step outside your comfort zone.
Why do you need to embrace “Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.”? Because these principles are essential for navigating an ever-changing world and living a life of purpose and impact. They encourage continuous learning, innovation, and a courageous approach to life’s opportunities and challenges. Steve Jobs’ life, marked by both triumphs and setbacks, is a testament to the power of these words. As you embark on your own journey, remember his stories, embrace his wisdom, and “Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.”
