“Older people sit down and ask, ‘What is it?’ but the boy asks, ‘What can I do with it?'”
- 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
“Older people sit down and ask, ‘What is it?’ but the boy asks, ‘What can I do with it?'”
Explanation
In this quote, Steve Jobs contrasts the different mindsets of older generations versus younger ones when it comes to new technology. The “older people” are depicted as approaching technology with caution and curiosity, asking, “What is it?” They are focused on understanding the nature of the device or idea. In contrast, the “boy” embodies a more active, hands-on approach, asking, “What can I do with it?” This mindset is about exploration and seeing technology as a tool to be used, experimented with, and integrated into one’s life.
Jobs is highlighting the creative potential that comes with youth and open-mindedness. Younger generations, having grown up with technology, are more likely to see it as an opportunity to innovate and push boundaries, while older generations may be more focused on its features and limitations. This perspective is important when thinking about how technology is embraced and utilized—innovation often comes from those who see it not just as a product but as a means to create and solve problems.
Today, this mindset is still crucial in tech and business, where innovation thrives on the ability to experiment and think beyond what is currently possible. Jobs’ quote serves as a reminder that technology is not just about understanding what it is, but about exploring what it can become. The willingness to ask, “What can I do with it?” leads to groundbreaking advancements, just as it did with Apple’s products.
