Steve Jobs gave a small private presentation about the…
![“Steve Jobs gave a small private presentation about the iTunes Music Store to some independent record label people. My favorite line of the day was when people kept raising their hand saying, "Does it do [x]?", "Do you plan to add [y]?". Finally Jobs said, "Wait wait — put your hands down. Listen…” quote by Derek Sivers](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/dfa/derek-sivers-9939_add_steve-jobs-gave-a-small-private-presenta_1859604.jpg)
““Steve Jobs gave a small private presentation about the iTunes Music Store to some independent record label people. My favorite line of the day was when people kept raising their hand saying, "Does it do [x]?", "Do you plan to add [y]?". Finally Jobs said, "Wait wait — put your hands down. Listen: I know you have a thousand ideas for all the cool features iTunes could have. So do we. But we don't want a thousand features. That would be ugly. Innovation is not about saying yes to everything. It's about saying NO to all but the most crucial features.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Innovation requires disciplined focus, rejecting most ideas to prioritize essential features.
In simple terms: Focus on essentials, reject excess.
Key Takeaway
Say no to non‑essential features.
Themes
focus
prioritization
innovation
product design
Mood
thoughtful
strategic
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- product development
- startup planning
- team meetings
- feature brainstorming
Key Concepts
feature selection
decision making
minimalism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide which features are essential?
- What criteria guide your prioritization?
A Different Perspective
Saying no may stifle unexpected breakthroughs.