Walter Issacson biographer of Steve Jobs: I remember…
““Walter Issacson biographer of Steve Jobs: I remember sitting in his backyard in his garden, one day, and he started talking about God. He [Jobs] said, “ Sometimes I believe in God, sometimes I don’t. I think it’s 50/50, maybe. But ever since I’ve had cancer, I’ve been thinking about it more, and I find myself believing a bit more, maybe it’s because I want to believe in an afterlife, that when you die, it doesn’t just all disappear. The wisdom you’ve accumulated, somehow it lives on.” Then he paused for a second and said, “Yea, but sometimes, I think it’s just like an On-Off switch. Click. And you’re gone.” And then he paused again and said, “ And that’s why I don’t like putting On-Off switches on Apple devices.” Joy to the WORLD! There IS an after-life!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Jobs reflects on faith, mortality, and legacy, seeing belief as a fluctuating, personal comfort that offers meaning beyond death.
In simple terms: Faith and legacy give comfort about death.
Consider how personal beliefs shape your view of legacy.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- end‑of‑life reflections
- career retrospectives
- technology discussions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does belief influence your actions?
- What gives you comfort about mortality?
Belief may be a coping mechanism, not objective truth.