“We don’t get a chance to do that many things, and every one should be really excellent. Because this is our life. Life is brief, and then you die, you know? So this is what we’ve chosen to do with our life.”
- 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
“We don’t get a chance to do that many things, and every one should be really excellent. Because this is our life. Life is brief, and then you die, you know? So this is what we’ve chosen to do with our life.”
Explanation
In this quote, Steve Jobs emphasizes the importance of excellence in everything we do, given the limited time we have in life. He reflects on the brevity of life, acknowledging that we only have a finite number of opportunities to make an impact and that every decision should be intentional and focused on producing high-quality work. For Jobs, this mindset was critical to Apple’s success—each product, decision, and action should be executed with the highest standards in mind because it’s not about the quantity of things done, but the quality of each. Jobs believed that perfection should be pursued relentlessly, as it reflects a commitment to making the most of our lives.
Jobs also touches on the idea that what we choose to do with our time is a reflection of our values. He understood that we each have the power to direct our efforts toward what matters most to us. His choice to dedicate his life to technology and design was driven by his belief that creating something excellent was the best use of his time and talent. This message encourages individuals to focus on what they are truly passionate about, as life is too short to waste on mediocrity or things that don’t bring value or fulfillment.
Today, this quote serves as a powerful reminder that focus and excellence are key to achieving lasting impact. Whether in business, creative endeavors, or personal pursuits, it encourages us to put our best effort into everything we do, as our time is precious and limited. Jobs’ words resonate with those striving to make meaningful contributions to the world, urging us to use our time wisely and dedicate ourselves to the pursuit of greatness.
