The Death of Steve Jobs: In His Words

I just learned that Steve Jobs died.  At first, I was saddened but then I smiled because I know he lived a full and authentic life.  Consider this powerful quote on death from Steve Jobs that is sure to be repeated many times today and in the future:

"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important thing I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life, because almost everything--all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure--these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart." ~ Steve Jobs

This quote on death is even more powerful now than it was when Steve Jobs said it to a class of graduating college students in 2005. 

I am also proud to say that this quote is featured in my forthcoming Ebook, which begins with a chapter on death--because death is what gives meaning to life, just as darkness gives meaning to light and sadness gives meaning to joy.

Here is an excerpt from my Ebook's chapter on Death:

If one is to begin with the end in mind, the true end is not some destination reached in a financial plan, a career path or some other end. All ends in life are subordinate to the end of life; the plans we make—financial, career, and personal relationships—may be given meaning and purpose by holding close the thought of mortality: Death gives meaning to life—your life—and it enables the perspective that will allow you to form your own philosophy—your life philosophy—the meaning and purpose of your life and all that you do. The end is where you begin.

Rest in peace Steve Jobs.  You are truly an inspiration.

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Related: Why Steve Jobs is CEO of the Decade (Not What You Think)

 

Comments

[Greg Linster]

That's a powerful quote, Kent! As you know, I used it myself yesterday too and had a funny feeling that you would use it too (philosophical minds must think alike, right?).

Anyway, I'm looking forward to the release of your book. Have you considered trying to publish a hard-copy of it as well? (I'm not a big fan of the e-book).

R.I.P. Steve Jobs

[Kent @ The Financial Philosopher]

Thanks, Greg.

Yes the quote on death from Steve Jobs has impacted me tremendously. I don't use any Apple products (no iPod, iPad, Mac, nothing), so I am in the minority, but I can truly say that Jobs influenced my thinking because of his words and the way he lived. He was truly a Stoic, as you recognized in your tribute to him.

As for my book, I'm thinking of releasing both an e-book and hard-copy. I've read that doing both can be a mistake from a marketing perspective but I'm not releasing this book for marketing purposes. In fact, I don't mind breaking most of the "rules" of self-publishing. To follow my own guiding principles, any money I make will be a byproduct of my passion for the work; money is not the guiding force.

I do know I will provide a "free e-book sample," which will include 2 or 3 chapters.

This first book will be a good trial for future publications. I'm currently thinking that this will be the only book I release in e-book form and all others will be hard-copy.

Thanks for provoking thought on this.

Cheers...

Kent

[Greg Linster]

The irony of course is that many people, like you, end up achieving financial success by following non-financial guiding principles. The Stoic philosophers certainly realized this too.

Anyway, as an aspiring author myself, I'd love to pick your brain about this process at some point in the future.

Cheers!

-Greg

[Geschäftsidee]

There were no better recognition than most of the people find out of his death on the device, which he has developed.