Steve Jobs

1955–2011 · co-founder & CEO, Apple

Steven Paul Jobs (1955–2011) co-founded Apple in 1976, was forced out in 1985, and returned in 1997 to lead its revival with the iMac, iPod, iPhone and iPad. He was also CEO of Pixar. His 2005 Stanford Commencement Address — built around three personal stories and the closing charge to “Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.” — became one of the most-watched speeches ever recorded.

Traced to source

2 quotes we’ve traced to Steve Jobs

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do”

Verified

“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower”

Attributed

Not actually Steve Jobs

Often misattributed to Steve Jobs

Famous lines widely pinned on Steve Jobs that we’ve traced to someone else.

“Good artists copy; great artists steal”

actually T. S. Eliot

“I don't want to be the richest man in the cemetery”

actually Ed Wynn

“My girlfriend always laughs during sex — no matter what she's reading”

actually Emo Philips

“The musicians play their instruments. I play the orchestra”

actually Aaron Sorkin

On the research bench

Commonly pinned on Steve Jobs — under review

1 line flagged as pinned on Steve Jobs and queued for a full source trace — not yet verified.

“Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected”

Queued

Did they really say it?

Thought Steve Jobs said something else?

Type a quote you think Steve Jobs said — we’ll tell you what we know, or point you to the best sources.