---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Stealing things is everybody's problem…"
description: "\"Stealing things is everybody's problem. We [Apple Inc.] own a lot of intellectual property, and we don't like when people steal it. So people are steal..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/802/steve-jobs-307_alternatives_stealing-things-is-everybody-s-problem-w_2741327.jpg"
---

#  Stealing things is everybody's problem. We \[Apple Inc.\]…

![“Stealing things is everybody's problem. We &#91;Apple Inc.&#93; own a lot of intellectual property, and we don't like when people steal it. So people are stealing stuff and we're optimists. We believe that 80 percent of the people stealing stuff don't want to be; there's just no legal alternative.” quote by Steve Jobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/802/steve-jobs-307_alternatives_stealing-things-is-everybody-s-problem-w_2741327.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/802/steve-jobs-307_alternatives_stealing-things-is-everybody-s-problem-w_2741327.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/802/steve-jobs-307_alternatives_stealing-things-is-everybody-s-problem-w_2741327.jpg)

> “Stealing things is everybody's problem. We \[Apple Inc.\] own a lot of intellectual property, and we don't like when people steal it. So people are stealing stuff and we're optimists. We believe that 80 percent of the people stealing stuff don't want to be; there's just no legal alternative.”

[Steve Jobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-jobs/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Intellectual property theft is widespread; many thieves lack intent, indicating a need for better legal frameworks.

**In simple terms:** People steal without intent.

Key Takeaway

Improve legal alternatives to reduce theft.

Themes

property ethics innovation

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical strategic

When to use this quote

- software development
- creative industries
- startup culture

Key Concepts

intellectual property legal systems optimism

Questions to Reflect On

- Why do people steal unintentionally?
- What alternatives could deter theft?

A Different Perspective

Legal reforms are slow and enforcement costly.

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