“Bottom line is, I didn’t return to Apple to make a fortune. I’ve been very lucky in my life and already have one. When I was 25, my net worth was $100 million or so. I decided then that I wasn’t going to let it ruin my life. There’s no way you could ever spend it all, and I don’t view wealth as something that validates my intelligence.”
- 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
“Bottom line is, I didn’t return to Apple to make a fortune. I’ve been very lucky in my life and already have one. When I was 25, my net worth was $100 million or so. I decided then that I wasn’t going to let it ruin my life. There’s no way you could ever spend it all, and I don’t view wealth as something that validates my intelligence.”
Explanation
In this quote, Steve Jobs reflects on his relationship with wealth and how it never became the driving force behind his decisions, especially when he returned to Apple. Despite achieving significant financial success early in life, Jobs recognized that money could not define his worth or validate his intelligence. He chose to focus on his passion for technology and creating impactful products rather than pursuing wealth for its own sake. Jobs’ decision to not let his fortune dictate his life choices exemplifies his belief that true fulfillment and success come from doing work that is meaningful and aligned with personal values, not from material gain.
Jobs’ perspective on wealth highlights the idea that financial success is not necessarily the ultimate measure of a person’s worth or intelligence. For him, the pursuit of innovation, creativity, and purpose was far more important than accumulating wealth. His focus on these values is what led him to return to Apple and lead the company to revolutionary heights, such as the creation of the iPhone, iPad, and MacBook.
Today, this quote serves as a reminder that while financial success is a part of life, it should not be the ultimate goal or source of validation. Jobs’ words encourage individuals to focus on their passions, contribute to something greater than themselves, and avoid letting money become the defining measure of success.
