This Thursday marks two decades since Steve Jobs delivered his iconic commencement address at Stanford University. To commemorate this milestone, the Steve Jobs Archive has released a high-definition version of the speech, made available notes that Jobs had emailed to himself, and provided insights into the events leading up to the speech. For more details, visit the Steve Jobs Archive’s website or watch the HD video on YouTube.
While the website presents the speech in a somewhat sentimental light, its impact is undeniable. Notably, LeBron James referenced the speech to motivate the Cleveland Cavaliers during their successful NBA Finals campaign in 2016, highlighting its influence across various spheres.
I found it particularly intriguing to explore the emails where Jobs outlined different themes and drafts for his speech. Interestingly, the website notes that Jobs read his remarks verbatim, which contrasts with the spontaneity often seen in his Apple presentations. This exploration offers a fascinating glimpse into his preparation process and is definitely worth a few minutes of your time.
The Steve Jobs Archive was established in 2022 by Jobs’ family and friends to serve as a repository for photos, documents, and narratives that celebrate the legacy of the Apple co-founder.
