Steve Jobs: Death of an Icon - and a Hero?

October 5, 2011 at 10:02p I was riding the train home when I glanced down at my iPhone to see a tweet from one of my Twitter followers. “Steve Jobs passed away”. Two minutes later a text from my daughter appeared on my iPhone, confirming the news. I think it was appropriate to have received the news of his passing on a device he was largely responsible for putting in my hands. I had an immediate sense of great loss. I entered the computer industry right out of college in 1975. I lived much of my career following and using products developed by Microsoft and Apple.

Steve Jobs was Apple Computer. Steve Jobs was an icon. He is probably responsible for many people even knowing the meaning of the word, “icon”. In 1979 Jobs was invited to Xerox PARC to see their mouse-controlled GUI (Graphical User Interface). That trip led to the GUI developed for the Apple Mac. Jobs may have been first, but Gates and Microsoft quickly followed suit, replacing command-line based MS-DOS with its “Windows” Operating System. In 1988, Apple sued Microsoft, to which Microsoft responded, “We both stole the GUI from Xerox’s PARC”, as if that makes it ok.

Jobs, CEO of Apple, once suggested that Microsoft’s Bill Gates might do better if he’d loosen up a bit, maybe pop a pill, he’d get better ideas. Jobs accredited his ability to think outside the box to having taken LSD. I have to draw a line here. Actually, way before we get to “here”. I have some sympathy to the Hippie generation. I grew up in it. I actually look fondly at the influence the Hippie culture had to shake up the “establishment”, to influence us to be more authentic as individuals, to influence some to become Jesus-Freaks, and to influence us to be better stewards of planet Earth. But seriously, LSD? This is very dangerous talk! I think all drugs are potentially dangerous and to be avoided as much as possible, even caffeine (I’m down to an average of a cup a day now). LSD is so dangerous it’s off the map. Suggesting an LSD trip to expand our mind is not just ridiculous, it’s totally irresponsible for anyone with any influence whatsoever. There is no excuse for such a remark, let alone making it a public remark.

So, I have mixed feelings. The passing of any human is sad and we need to celebrate their life and accomplishments. But, as I’ve said before, please, let’s be careful who we choose for our heroes!

I don’t see Jobs as a hero to aspire to emulate. But God works to bring good through all people, whether they acknowledge God or not. I’m surrounded by others who would say, along with me, that the iPhone has changed their lives in many positive ways. I am very thankful to have my cell phone, my texts, mobile eMail, portable web browser, GPS, travel guide, to-do lists, calendar, notes, SkyMap, Running Log, Alarm Clock, radio, voice recorder, UPC reader, music collection, downloaded devotional materials, camera, emergency flashlight, several versions of the Holy Bible, even my spare “emergency sermon”, ALL conveniently in a single small device in my pocket. When I was I kid in the late 60’s I delivered “The Philadelphia Bulletin”. I thought Dick Tracy’s watch-radio was an impossibility. Steve Jobs took things quite a bit farther!

Jobs once remarked that he wanted to put a ding in the universe. With God’s help, he did! I think it IS appropriate to celebrate! And to say as I believe Romans 5:2 suggests, “Glory be to God for the life of Steve Jobs and for all the good that God has worked through his life!” Steve Jobs was an icon. But Jesus is my hero. Amen.

Happy Hiking, and God Bless,

- allen