Apple CEO Tim Cook Reminds Us of a Momentous Occasion: The 20th Anniversary of Steve Jobs' Commencement Address

Today, June 12th, marks a significant milestone in the history of Apple Inc. and Stanford University. It has been 20 years since Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple and one of the most innovative entrepreneurs of our time, delivered an iconic commencement address at Stanford University's commencement ceremony.

A Speech That Inspired a Generation

Steve Jobs' commencement address, which took place on June 12th, 2005, was a speech that would leave an indelible mark on the minds of students who attended. In his characteristic style, Jobs delivered a passionate and inspiring speech that focused on the theme of following one's passion in life.

Jobs began by acknowledging the commencement ceremony as a moment of great significance, telling graduates that they were at a crossroads in their lives. He reminded them that the world was full of possibilities, but also warned them that the path to success was not an easy one.

"Here, you won't be memorizing a list of facts or figures," Jobs said. "You will learn absolutely everything there is to know about design - design of hardware and software. You have to figure out, what's going on in your own mind, what does it mean to solve problems?…You are all being pushed into this situation where you're forced to think."

Throughout the speech, Jobs shared his own experiences as a young man who had dropped out of college but later returned to earn his degree. He talked about the importance of following one's passion and pursuing one's dreams.

"Being the richest kid on the block isn't what it's all about," Jobs said. "It's not an accident if you are 25 or 30 years old and have not yet figured out what you want to do with your life."

A Lesson in Design Thinking

Jobs emphasized the importance of design thinking, a process that he believed was essential for innovation and success.

"The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do," Jobs said. "So, if you're not willing to take risks, then don't give up your day job."

Throughout his speech, Jobs shared examples of Apple's design process, which he described as a iterative and incremental process that involved continuous experimentation and refinement.

"When you have the opportunity to think for yourself in ways that you never thought you could before, it will change your life," Jobs said. "The most creative people I know are those who are willing to take risks."

A Call to Action

Jobs concluded his speech by urging graduates to pursue their passions and never give up on their dreams.

"As you go out into the world, remember that it is a pretty simple world. A pretty simple world. There's this thing called perfectionism, and perfectionism is the enemy of progress."

In other words, Jobs was saying that striving for perfection was not only unrealistic but also unhealthy. Instead, he encouraged graduates to aim for excellence, but to do so in a way that was balanced with humility and a willingness to learn.

Legacy of Steve Jobs' Commencement Address

Twenty years after his iconic commencement address, the impact of Steve Jobs' words on the world is still being felt. The speech inspired a generation of entrepreneurs, designers, and innovators who were drawn to Apple's mission and values.

Today, as we celebrate this milestone anniversary, it's clear that Steve Jobs' legacy extends far beyond his work at Apple. His philosophy of innovation, design thinking, and relentless pursuit of excellence continues to inspire people around the world.

A Message from Apple CEO Tim Cook

In a statement released today to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Steve Jobs' commencement address, Apple CEO Tim Cook wrote:

"Today marks an incredible milestone in the history of Apple. Twenty years ago, Steve delivered a remarkable speech at Stanford University that inspired countless students and entrepreneurs around the world."

Cook continued:

"Steve's legacy continues to inspire us today. His passion for innovation, design thinking, and making a dent in the universe is something that we strive for every day here at Apple."

Conclusion

As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let's take a moment to reflect on the power of Steve Jobs' words. His commencement address was more than just a speech - it was a call to action, a reminder that the world is full of possibilities and opportunities waiting to be seized.

In an age where innovation and disruption are increasingly important, Steve Jobs' philosophy remains as relevant today as it was 20 years ago. As we look to the future, let's draw inspiration from his words and strive to make our mark on the world.

Timeline of Key Events

• June 12th, 2005: Steve Jobs delivers an iconic commencement address at Stanford University.
• 2015: Apple celebrates its 40th anniversary as a publicly traded company.
• 2020: Apple celebrates its 50th anniversary since the co-founding of the company by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne.

Sources

• "Steve Jobs Commencement Address at Stanford University (2005)" - YouTube
• "Apple's 40th Anniversary" - Apple.com
• "Apple's 50th Anniversary" - Apple.com

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