Preparing for a New Journey: an analysis OF Steve Jobs’ 2008 Commencement Speech
It’s graduation season again, and whether you may be embarking on a new journey from high school to college or college to the vast unknowns of life, I wanted to take time to commemorate a historic commencement speech from the American entrepreneur and co-founder of Apple, Steve Jobs. He spoke for the 2005 Stanford class with a message that not only shocked many with the rawness of his personal experiences but also brimmed with messages about the beauty and importance of life that resonated in countless people’s hearts, making it the most viewed commencement speech in history. So whether you may be deep into the tech world or, like me, simply enjoy new perspectives on life, Jobs’ speech offers meaningful advice and is worth a listen.
His first story was about connecting the dots. Jobs explained how dropping out of college allowed him to "drop in" on classes he enjoyed in diverse subjects and interests. This illustrates how immersing oneself in activities that one genuinely values or enjoys can lead to unexpected growth (depicted in the example of his calligraphy class aiding in the Mac's aesthetically-pleasing typography). By trusting in the future and making the most of the present, he emphasized the significance of embracing opportunities and exploring different paths.
His second point was about "love and loss." Jobs acknowledged the inevitability of setbacks and failures in life, such as being fired from his own company, Apple. However, despite this loss, he didn't quit pursuing his passions. Consequently, this experience became a transformative moment that ultimately led to new opportunities, such as the development of Pixar and NeXT. This viewpoint suggests that losses and hardships may be seen as opportunities for growth if someone keeps pursuing what they love to do.
His last point was regarding death. By reflecting on his near encounter with death from cancer, Jobs acknowledged the fragility of life and stressed the importance of living each day to the fullest. He urged the graduates to follow their hearts and make choices that resonate with them, rather than living according to others' expectations.
Finally, ending with the phrase "Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish," Jobs conveys the importance of staying curious and being willing to learn. He advocates for embracing the unknown and taking risks as these behaviors will allow for new ideas and innovations.
Just this year I was recommended to listen to this speech, and immediately I was compelled to bring my thoughts into words. Speeches like these continue to increase my appreciation of the value of every moment of life, especially as I am immersing myself in health and medicine—a field that revolves around preserving and maintaining life. So take a step back, breathe, and reflect. In this next chapter of life, maybe it’s time to trek your own path irrespective of external thought or opinions since, in the words of Steve Jobs, life is too short to “waste it living someone else’s life.”
