Steve Jobs: ‘You’ve Got to Find What You Love,’ Jobs Says
Summary
Steve Jobs’ commencement speech at Stanford University in 2005 stands as a deeply personal and inspiring message. In this address, Jobs recounts three pivotal stories from his life that shaped his philosophy. First, he explains his decision to drop out of college, a choice that initially seemed unconventional but opened doors to unique experiences—most notably, a calligraphy course that influenced the distinct design of the Macintosh computer. The second story shares the hardship of being unexpectedly dismissed from Apple, the company he helped create. Despite this setback, Jobs used the opportunity to found NeXT and Pixar, two ventures that ultimately contributed to Apple’s resurgence. Lastly, he reflects on his battle with cancer, which gave him a renewed perspective on life, underscoring the urgency of living with authenticity and purpose. Through these narratives, Jobs emphasizes the importance of following one’s passion, trusting intuition, and rejecting the pressure to live according to others’ expectations.
What is the purpose of Steve Jobs’ speech?
The central goal of Jobs’ speech is to inspire graduates to embrace their uniqueness and pursue what genuinely excites them. By sharing his own life’s successes and failures, Jobs encourages his audience to learn from adversity, remain resilient, and focus on what truly matters. This speech functions as a motivational call, urging young people to live bravely and authentically rather than conforming to traditional paths that may not align with their inner drives.
In what context was the speech delivered?
Delivered during a transformative period for both technology and cultural values, the 2005 speech was set against the backdrop of Apple’s reinvention and rising influence in the tech industry. Concurrently, society was increasingly valuing creativity, purpose, and meaningful work over conventional career metrics. Jobs’ speech resonated with this cultural shift, offering guidance to a generation eager to find deeper fulfillment in both their professional and personal lives.
Who was the intended audience?
The primary audience consisted of Stanford University’s graduating students, along with their families and faculty. Jobs tailored his message for young adults standing at a crossroads, about to enter the workforce and face crucial life choices. Although directed at graduates, the speech’s impact extended far beyond, appealing to anyone interested in personal growth, resilience, and the blend of technology and creativity. Jobs spoke to those ready to take risks and shape careers aligned with their passions.
How does Steve Jobs use rhetorical appeals in his speech?
Steve Jobs skillfully employs rhetorical appeals—ethos, pathos, and logos—to connect with and persuade his audience. The following table summarizes how each appeal functions in the speech:
| Rhetorical Appeal | Examples | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Ethos (Credibility) | Jobs openly discusses personal setbacks, such as being fired from Apple and dropping out of college. | This transparency establishes Jobs as an authentic and credible speaker who has experienced and overcome challenges, reinforcing his authority on pursuing passion. |
| Pathos (Emotion) | Jobs reflects on his confrontation with mortality and the motivation to live fully, sharing emotional stories about his joy in following what he loved. | These emotional narratives foster a deep connection with the audience, inspiring them to live authentically and seize the moment. |
| Logos (Logic) | He logically connects failures to growth, illustrating how his firing from Apple led to successful ventures like Pixar. He also highlights the practical impact of seemingly unrelated experiences, like calligraphy, on Apple’s design innovation. | This logical reasoning supports his argument by showing clear examples of how embracing uncertainty and passion can lead to success. |
By weaving together credibility, emotional appeal, and logical reasoning, Jobs crafts a powerful and memorable speech that encourages listeners to pursue authentic and meaningful lives.
References
Jobs, S. (2005, June 12). ‘You’ve got to find what you love,’ Jobs says. Stanford Report. https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2005/06/youve-got-find-love-jobs-says