Where Steve Jobs Ranks Among the Greats

While you are correct that many people may not be able to afford Apple's products, and you talk about other companies that make similar products and use that to diminish the impact that Steve Jobs and Apple have had. While Microsoft does make Windows and it runs on more computers, Windows would not exist without Steve Jobs. And while many less expensive MP3 players exist, the breadth and quality of those would not be as impressive had not Apple shown the way.

Even when you look at unrelated markets, you can see Steve Jobs' influence. Steve's impact was not just limited to the markets he was directly involved in. I see his influence showing in furniture designs, advertising campaigns, and even car designs. And we should not forget that many of the tools used to create virtually everything we see were created or influenced by Steve Jobs and Apple. Even the most innate things use tools that might not have existed, or would not have been as well developed without Steve. Steve's influence spanned more areas and markets than he, himself actively participated in. And we cannot forget the impact that Pixar has had on animation and movies. Prior to Pixar, animation was quick and dirty, for kids, and held the bar very low. Pixar created complex, detailed animated movies that appealed to kids and adults alike.

Bottom line. Steve created those products and services that he, himself, desired and shared those with the world. He showed us better ways of doing things and forever changed our expectations. It was this expectation that forced others to raise the bar on their products just to compete. That, simply, is the way that Steve Jobs changed the work, and for the better.

I think if you tried to look at what would be different had Steve Jobs not been Steve Jobs, you would find things a little more difficult and less fun. I know I definitely would have. I would not be doing what I do had it not been for Steve Jobs.

George Wagner of NC 11:13AM October 06, 2011

Mr Newman says 'Meanwhile, you’d have to stretch to define a way in which Steve Jobs has materially improved society, enhanced public life or broadly shared his gifts with people who can’t afford to be his customers.'

However, you do not have to stretch to do this. All you have to do is look at how Apple products have been used in education since the 1980's. I remember first discovering computers in school on an Apple II and all the educational computer games Apple had available at the time. I now work in the education industry in the private sector as a competitor to Apple. I am also a parent of 2. So I see the impact Apple is making from all perspectives. If you have been a student at some point since the 1980's, you most likely have used an Apple product in your educational career.

From gifted programs to special education programs, teachers have discovered great ways to utilize Apple products to enhance their students learning. Now, Ipods and Ipads are changing the way teachers use technology in their classrooms again. The Ipods are helping improve literacy and speech among ESL and special education students. More schools are turning to the Ipad for their students 'textbooks' as a cost saving measure. Since the cost of providing ipads to their students is less than the cost of the textbooks and they are not out of date before they even reach the schools. So much so that the textbook industry is changing too. They are now turning to creating apps.

Yes, I agree that Apple products for most individuals are a high-end product. However, in education this is not necessarily the case. The Apple computer is most likely the first computer a child uses and possibly the only opportunity a child gets to use one. This is how 'Steve Jobs has materially improved society, enhanced public life or broadly shared his gifts with people who can’t afford to be his customers.'

Jen S of IL 10:55AM October 06, 2011

Your article on Steve Jobs and the greats was good but you forgot two of the greatest visionaries in the entire data processing field. Without Thomas J Watson and T J Watson Jr., there would have been no market for the apple computer. They were also among the world's greatest marketers.

Ross Chambliss of KS 10:53AM October 06, 2011

ctw46 wrote:IN A CRISIS DO NOT STAND UP IN A CANOE

I am indebted to Illinois Wesleyan University Magazine, summer 2011 for their article recapitulating the fine speech given by Caterpillar CFO Edward J Rapp on Leading in tough times, on the campus.

In the year of 2009 Rapp reminded a meeting of IWU Associates that business

Leaders find out who they are during tougher times. He felt that it was important that the company communicate to employees that this was not the first group at Caterpillar facing challenging times. Caterpillar had survived the Great Depression and World War II in its previous history. Rapp reminded everyone that when things work against you, you are not the victim you are a leader, and it is your job to lead others through this time.

Sadly, in and out of government we find ourselves needing more leaders like Edward Rapp, his vision offers the true key to real hope and change in America. Sit down in you canoe, lead and you will have followers and success.

Alan Phillips

Bloomington, IL

Alan G Phillips of IL 10:42AM October 06, 2011