60 Minutes Rewind: Steve Jobs Biography by Walter Isaacson

Overview

• Seven years ago, Steve Jobs asked Walter Isaacson to write his biography.
• Jobs was about to undergo surgery for pancreatic cancer at the time, a fact known by few.
• Isaacson conducted over 40 interviews with Jobs, the last weeks before his death.
• The biography, titled "Steve Jobs," is published by Simon & Schuster.

Jobs' Personality and Life

• Jobs had a complex personality with both strengths and flaws.
• Was known for being petulant, brittle, and mean at times.
• Sought perfection and surrounded himself with similarly demanding people.

Early Life

• Born out of wedlock, adopted by a working-class couple.
• Always knew he was adopted and this had a profound impact on him.
• Grew up in Northern California, a hub for engineering and counterculture.
• Met Steve Wozniak and started Apple Computer in his parents' garage.

Education and Early Career

• Attended Reed College briefly before dropping out.
• Worked at Atari but was unpopular due to personal hygiene and attitude.
• Spent time in India seeking spiritual enlightenment.

Apple and Professional Life

• Co-founded Apple with Wozniak; designed the first Apple computers.
• Known for his drive and "reality distortion field," convincing others to achieve the impossible.
• Fired from Apple but returned later to lead it to unprecedented success.

Innovations

• Revolutionized personal computers, animated movies, music, telephones, tablets, digital publishing, and retail.
• Introduced key products like iPhone, iPad, and Macintosh.

Personal Challenges

• Denied paternity of daughter Lisa initially; later reconciled.
• Searched for biological parents, found his mother and sister, but never spoke to his father.

Health and Final Years

• Diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer but delayed surgery for alternative treatments.
• Eventually had a liver transplant but continued working on major projects.
• Focused on family and key products in his final years.

Reflections on Death and Beliefs

• Discussed views on God and the afterlife with Isaacson.
• Expressed uncertainty but showed a desire to believe in an afterlife.
• Noted his preference against on-off switches, symbolic of his view on life.