“It’s not the tools that you have faith in – tools are just tools. They work, or they don’t work. It’s people you have faith in or not. Yeah, sure, I’m still optimistic I mean, I get pessimistic sometimes but not for long.”
- 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 not the tools that you have faith in – tools are just tools. They work, or they don’t work. It’s people you have faith in or not. Yeah, sure, I’m still optimistic I mean, I get pessimistic sometimes but not for long.”
Explanation
In this quote, Steve Jobs reflects on the importance of people over the tools they use. He acknowledges that while tools—whether they be technology, software, or machinery—are essential, they are ultimately just instruments that either work or don’t. The real value lies in faith in people, their vision, and their ability to use those tools to innovate and create. Jobs emphasizes that trust in the people behind the tools is what drives success, not the tools themselves. This reflects his broader philosophy that talented, motivated individuals are the ones who truly make a difference, whether they are designing products, solving problems, or driving a company’s vision forward.
Jobs also speaks to his personal optimism, suggesting that although he may face moments of doubt or pessimism, his belief in people and his overarching vision for the future always bring him back to a positive outlook. This mindset was central to his leadership style at Apple—his ability to rally and inspire teams, even in difficult times, was one of his defining strengths. Jobs’ ability to remain optimistic and have faith in his teams was critical in Apple’s ability to push through challenges and create groundbreaking products like the iPhone and MacBook.
In today’s world, this quote serves as a reminder that successful organizations are built not just on the tools they use but on the people who drive them forward. It highlights the importance of trusting and empowering the right people—those who are capable of turning vision into reality, even in the face of uncertainty. Jobs’ words resonate in both business and technology, underscoring that the true power lies in human potential, not just in the tools at their disposal.