[IP] Jobs' commencement address: The deleted fourth story
Begin forwarded message:
From: Paul Andrews <paul@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: June 16, 2005 11:33:39 AM EDT
To: dave@xxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Jobs' commencement address: The deleted fourth story
Hi Dave, I couldn't resist:
There's a fourth story about me that I decided to omit from this
talk. It has to do with the many people in my life whom I've cheated,
abused and otherwise screwed on my rise to fame and riches. You may
be wondering, How can a guy who comes across as so thoughtful and
caring in a speech like this be such a jerk in person? How can the
charismatic rock star Steve Jobs be reconciled with the arrogant
asshole found in books like Alan Deutschman's "Second Coming," Jeff
Young's "The Journey Is The Reward" and "iCon," and Andy Hertzfeld's
"Revolution In the Valley"?
Well, there's a very simple reason: I've always put money and power
ahead of people.
So when a worshipping blogger posts a product rumor I don't like, I
sue him. When a book gets written I don't appreciate, I have it
banned from stores. And why do I do this? Because a fawning media and
corrupt power structure let me get away with it. Because when I stand
up here and spout revisionist treacle about fonts and calligraphy and
my role in being first with the Macintosh, people like you believe
it. And it gets reported and reprinted without challenge.
So when I look in the mirror each morning and think about whether
it's my last day on earth, I also say to myself, "Just in case it
isn't, I better make sure I take care of No. 1." And I guess the
lesson to you as you make your way through life is, Don't cross me,
or I'll crush you. And nobody will be around to stick up for you
while I do it. They'll all be too busy applauding my bogus life
lessons while thinking, "What a guy!"
Cheers,
Paul
Paul Andrews
Technology Journalist/Seattle Times E-conomy Columnist
http://www.paulandrews.com
Check out the Phinney EcoVillage! http://phinneyecovillage.net
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