“It’s hard to tell with these Internet startups if they’re really interested in building companies or if they’re just interested in the money. I can tell you, though: If they don’t really want to build a company, they won’t luck into it. That’s because it’s so hard that if you don’t have a passion, you’ll give up.”
- 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.
Quote
“It’s hard to tell with these Internet startups if they’re really interested in building companies or if they’re just interested in the money. I can tell you, though: If they don’t really want to build a company, they won’t luck into it. That’s because it’s so hard that if you don’t have a passion, you’ll give up.”
Explanation
In this quote, Steve Jobs reflects on the motivations of many Internet startups, questioning whether their founders are truly committed to building sustainable companies or just chasing after quick profits. He stresses that the journey to building a successful company is incredibly challenging, and without passion and a genuine desire to build something meaningful, entrepreneurs are likely to give up. Jobs believes that entrepreneurial success is not just about making money but about creating something that lasts, and the passion to persevere through challenges is essential for that.
This aligns with Jobs’ philosophy that purpose and vision are crucial components of building something great. At Apple, his drive was not just about generating profits, but about creating revolutionary products that could change the world. This mindset can be applied to modern startups, where many entrepreneurs face significant challenges in a competitive market. Jobs’ insight serves as a reminder that passion is often the differentiator between short-term success and building something truly lasting.
In today’s startup culture, this philosophy remains relevant, particularly in the tech world, where companies rise and fall quickly. Passion and perseverance are essential for navigating the tough and often unpredictable journey of building a startup. Jobs’ words remind us that true success comes from a deep commitment to purpose and the willingness to work through adversity, not just a desire for financial gain.
