Jobs' commencement address: The deleted fourth story

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

From: Paul Andrews <paul () paulandrews com>
Date: June 16, 2005 11:33:39 AM EDT
To: dave () farber net
Subject: Jobs' commencement address: The deleted fourth story


Hi Dave, I couldn't resist:

There's a fourth story about me that I decided to omit from this  
talk. It has to do with the many people in my life whom I've cheated,  
abused and otherwise screwed on my rise to fame and riches. You may  
be wondering, How can a guy who comes across as so thoughtful and  
caring in a speech like this be such a jerk in person? How can the  
charismatic rock star Steve Jobs be reconciled with the arrogant  
asshole found in books like Alan Deutschman's "Second Coming," Jeff  
Young's "The Journey Is The Reward" and "iCon," and Andy Hertzfeld's  
"Revolution In the Valley"?

Well, there's a very simple reason: I've always put money and power  
ahead of people.

So when a worshipping blogger posts a product rumor I don't like, I  
sue him. When a book gets written I don't appreciate, I have it  
banned from stores. And why do I do this? Because a fawning media and  
corrupt power structure let me get away with it. Because when I stand  
up here and spout revisionist treacle about fonts and calligraphy and  
my role in being first with the Macintosh, people like you believe  
it. And it gets reported and reprinted without challenge.

So when I look in the mirror each morning and think about whether  
it's my last day on earth, I also say to myself, "Just in case it  
isn't, I better make sure I take care of No. 1." And I guess the  
lesson to you as you make your way through life is, Don't cross me,  
or I'll crush you. And nobody will be around to stick up for you  
while I do it. They'll all be too busy applauding my bogus life  
lessons while thinking, "What a guy!"

Cheers,

Paul

Paul Andrews
Technology Journalist/Seattle Times E-conomy Columnist
http://www.paulandrews.com
Check out the Phinney EcoVillage! http://phinneyecovillage.net



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