#185: What young people can Learn from Steve Jobs?

Education Next- Hundred and eighty fifth Edition

Author

Priyanka Modi
November 29, 2025

Hello everyone,

Welcome to my 185th newsletter.

In a world that often rewards playing it safe, the late Steve Jobs remains a striking reminder of what happens when someone chooses curiosity over conformity.

His path—from dropping out of college to building one of the most influential technology companies—continues to inspire young people looking to build meaningful work and shape their future with intention.

Jobs’ life is filled with lessons about resilience, creativity, and trusting your inner compass, even when the odds are stacked against you.

Why Steve Jobs Still Matters for Young People

1. Perseverance Over Perfection

Jobs faced adversity more than once—including being pushed out of Apple, the very company he created. But he never stopped building.

He stayed focused on what he believed the world needed.

His story is a reminder that success is rarely linear. It requires grit and an ability to get back up when life knocks you down.

“I’m convinced that about half of what separates successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.”

2. Passion Makes the Hard Work Easier

Jobs’ obsession with design and technology wasn’t accidental—it guided every decision he made. His work ethic came from loving what he pursued.

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

When young people follow genuine interest instead of external pressure, challenges become stepping stones instead of roadblocks.

3. Self-Belief Matters More Than External Approval

Throughout his journey, many doubted his ideas. But Jobs trusted his intuition and backed his ideas with conviction.

Young people can learn from this—confidence isn’t arrogance. It’s clarity.

“The lightness of being a beginner again… freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life.”

4. Stay Curious. Keep Learning.

Jobs’ fascination with electronics began as a child tinkering with gadgets. In high school, he joined the “Wireheads,” an electronics club.

Later, he wandered through ideas—from calligraphy to video games to spiritual exploration in India.

This wide palette of experiences shaped how he designed products that felt alive.

Lifelong learning is not optional anymore—it’s the foundation of innovation.

A Quick Timeline of His Rise

  • Early Years: Grew up in San Francisco Bay Area; loved reading, music, and electronics.

  • Teenager: Took a summer job at an electronics company.

  • 1972: Brief stint in college.

  • 1974: Joined Atari and reconnected with Steve Wozniak.

  • Mid-70s: Built Apple I in his garage; Apple II became a breakout hit.

  • 1984: Launched the Macintosh.

  • 1985: Ousted from Apple.

  • NeXT & Pixar: Built new companies, became a billionaire.

  • 1997: Returned to Apple and redesigned the company’s identity.

  • 2001–2010: Introduced the iPod, iPhone, and iPad—products that reshaped the modern world.

  • 2011: Passed away but left behind a legacy that continues to define technology today.

Key Lessons for Creators and Entrepreneurs

Simplicity Wins

Jobs showed that when you strip away clutter, the core becomes powerful. Whether it’s a product, a presentation, or an idea—clarity stands out.

Innovation Comes from Questioning Everything

He didn’t follow industry trends; he created them. Young people can learn to ask bolder questions and not limit themselves to what already exists.

Failure Is Not Final

Every setback in Jobs’ life became fuel for a bigger comeback. Seeing failure as information—not a dead end—helps creators stay playful and inventive.

Trust Your Voice

Jobs ignored focus groups and believed people don’t always know what they want until they see it. Intuition and experimentation can lead to breakthroughs.

Your Time Is Limited—Use It Wisely

This is one of his most powerful messages for young people navigating choices and pressures today:

“Don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”

Why This Story Matters Today

Technology is changing faster than ever. The future belongs to young creators—those who think, build, and question. Jobs’ journey reminds them to:

  • stay curious,

  • experiment,

  • build things that excite them,

  • keep their mind open,

  • and take risks even when the path isn’t clear.

Steve Jobs wasn’t just a CEO.
He was a builder, a designer, a storyteller, and a thinker who reshaped industries by following an inner voice many didn’t understand.

His life stands as a guide for anyone—especially young innovators—who want to create something meaningful.