Automobile Quote by Steve Jobs
“The difference between the best worker on computer hardware and the average may be 2 to 1, if you're lucky. With automobiles, maybe 2 to 1. But in software, it's at least 25 to 1. The difference between the average programmer and a great one is at least that. The secret of my success is that we have gone to exceptional lengths to hire the best people in the world. And when you're in a field where the dynamic range is 25 to 1, boy, does it pay off.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Stanford Commencement Address, 2005
Great talent in software yields vastly higher returns than in hardware or automobiles, so hiring top people is crucial for outsized success.
In simple terms: Hiring the best software talent gives huge advantage.
Key Takeaway
Invest in recruiting elite engineers.
Themes
talent
performance
technology
Mood
inspirational
strategic
Type
motivational
business.
When to use this quote
- startup hiring
- team building
- product development
- scaling businesses
Key Concepts
human capital
productivity
competitive advantage
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you identify exceptional talent early?
- What trade‑offs are you willing to make for top talent?
A Different Perspective
Finding truly great programmers is rare and costly.
