Three Stories from My Life

Story 1: Connecting the Dots

• Background: Dropped out of Reed College after six months but stayed for 18 months as a drop-in.
• Adoption: Born to a young unwed graduate student, placed for adoption.
  • Biological mother wanted me adopted by college graduates.
  • Adopted by a couple who had never graduated from college after the initial adoptive parents backed out.
• College Experience:
  • Chose an expensive college, depleting parents' savings.
  • Dropped out after realizing I didn't see the value in it.
  • Began taking classes that genuinely interested me.
• Calligraphy Class:
  • Took a calligraphy class without practical application at the time.
  • Years later, this knowledge influenced the design of the Macintosh computer, incorporating beautiful typography.
• Key Takeaway:
  • "You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards."
  • Trust in the process, believing that dots will connect in the future.

Story 2: Love and Loss

• Early Success: Co-founded Apple in my parent's garage at age 20.
  • Apple grew rapidly, releasing the Macintosh and reaching a valuation of $2 billion with over 4,000 employees.
• Firing:
  • Hired a talented individual, but our visions diverged, leading to my firing at age 30.
  • Experienced public failure and uncertainty about my future.
• Realization:
  • Despite the setback, I still loved what I did.
  • Started over, founding Next and Pixar, leading to a creative renaissance.
• Outcome:
  • Apple's acquisition of Next brought me back to the company, influencing its resurgence.
  • Personal life flourished with a happy family.
• Key Takeaway:
  • "You've got to find what you love. Don't settle. Your work will fill a large part of your life."

Story 3: Death

• Motivation: At 17, read a quote about living each day as if it were your last.
  • Reflect on this question daily to evaluate life choices.
• Perspective on Death:
  • Recognizing death helps prioritize what truly matters.
  • Avoid the trap of external expectations and fear.
• Embrace Life:
  • Death is life's change agent, clearing the old to make way for the new.
  • Your time is limited, urging the importance of living authentically.
• Final Thoughts:
  • Cultivate courage to follow your heart and intuition.
  • "Stay hungry, stay foolish."