Lecture Notes: Three Stories from Life

Introduction

Background:
- Dropped out of Reed College after six months, stayed as a drop-in for another 18 months.
- Biological mother was a young unwed graduate student.
- Adoption story: initially set to be adopted by a lawyer and his wife; they wanted a girl.
- Eventually adopted by parents who promised biological mother the child would go to college.
College Experience:
- Chose an expensive college, draining parents' savings.
- Dropped out as couldn’t see the value of education in his life goals.
- Freed from mandatory classes, attended classes based on interest.
Key Example:
- Took a calligraphy class at Reed College, which was renowned for this.
- Learned about typography which later influenced Macintosh design.
- Important insight: connecting dots is only possible looking back.
Takeaway: Trust in your future path, even if unclear now.

Professional Journey:
- Co-founded Apple in parent's garage at age 20.
- Apple grew into a $2 billion company over 10 years.
- Released Macintosh, turned 30, and then got fired.
Post-Firing:
- Initially devastating, felt like a public failure.
- Realized still loved his work; decided to start over.
- Founded NeXT and Pixar, remarried, and started a family.
- Apple's acquisition of NeXT brought him back to Apple.
Key Insight:
- Love for work is crucial; don’t settle.
- Being fired was ultimately beneficial; led to a creative period.
- Message: Find what you love, don’t settle.

Personal Reflection:
- At 17, read a quote about living each day as your last.
- Regularly questioned if daily actions aligned with life goals.
Importance of Death:
- Death as a tool for prioritizing life’s choices.
- Removes fears and external expectations, focusing on what matters.
- Recognizes death as a life-changing agent.
Philosophical Insight:
- Urges: Don’t waste life living someone else’s life.
- Encourages following heart and intuition.
Closing Message: "Stay hungry, stay foolish."