¶ To The Crazy One
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Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes.
The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They invent. They imagine. They heal. They explore. They create. They inspire. They push the human race forward.
Maybe they have to be crazy.
How else can you stare at an empty canvas and see a work of art? Or sit in silence and hear a song that’s never been written? Or gaze at a red planet and see a laboratory on wheels?
We make tools for these kinds of people.
While some see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.
Apple's Think Different ad campaign from so long ago captures not only the culture of Apple and its community, but clearly paints a picture of the man who planted the seed, nurtured the initial growth of ideas, and even restored health to a withering orchard — Steve Jobs.
Today Steve Jobs resigned as CEO of Apple.
I'm not even quite sure what to say yet.
How about we start with Steve's words:
To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community:
I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come.
I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee.
As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple.
I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a new role.
I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you.
Steve
Perhaps, a letter of my own is fitting.
Steve,
I'd be lying if I said that you hadn't changed my life. The fruits of your labor have been a near-daily part of my life since I was a small boy. The last decade has been a heck of a ride. I went from just being an enthusiast to being a believer in everything Apple stands for.
Some call me irrational, but I know that Apple is much more than a simple corporation. Apple is a forum where some of the most talented minds of this modern Earth gather in conference under the belief that we can change this world for the better. And that is something that transcends the walls of 1 Infinite Loop and into the hearts of those who use these artisan tools to create beauty in words and code and pixels and bits.
Everyone I've met that works for Apple believes this. Everyone I've met who sees more than a product in your tools believes this. It's an honor to be a part of this creative culture.
What Apple stands for is a part of me. It is one of the essential pillars of my identity. Ask my friends and family. There is rarely a day that goes by that I am not using these tools before me to make someone's day a little better, whether that is through words on this site, an encouraging note to someone, or connecting eye-to-eye with my parents so they can see their grandson from hundreds of miles away.
To put this simply — thank you. I wish you many years of health and enjoyment with your family.
-Chris