“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything – all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.”
- February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011
- American
- Entrepreneur, businessman, industrial designer
- He brought to the world revolutionary products that combined technology and design at a high level, such as the personal computer Macintosh, iPhone, and iPad, and also revolutionized the music industry with the iPod, iTunes, and iTunes Store.
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Quote
“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything – all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.”
Explanation
In this quote, Steve Jobs discusses how the awareness of mortality can bring clarity to life’s most significant decisions. He suggests that contemplating the reality of death strips away the distractions and superficial concerns—such as societal expectations, pride, and fear of failure—that often cloud our judgment. By focusing on what truly matters, people can make decisions that align with their core values and purpose, unimpeded by the pressures of external validation.
For Jobs, this perspective allowed him to prioritize what was truly important, both in his personal and professional life. He believed that when we realize life is finite, we are more likely to focus on the meaningful and let go of the insignificant. This idea was central to his approach at Apple, where he valued innovation and impact over short-term gains or conforming to industry standards. Jobs’ understanding of mortality guided him to embrace bold choices, pursue his passions, and take risks that ultimately changed the world.
In the modern context, this quote serves as a powerful reminder to live with intention and authenticity, especially in a world filled with distractions and pressures. Reflecting on the finite nature of life encourages individuals to focus on what truly aligns with their values and purpose, and to make decisions that will have a lasting impact. Jobs’ words challenge us to consider what is truly important and to let go of the fears and expectations that may hold us back from living a fulfilling and meaningful life.
