“People aren’t either wicked or noble. They’re like chef’s salads, with good things and bad things chopped and mixed together in a vinaigrette of confusion and conflict.” -Lemony Snicket, The Grim GrottoThis quote came to mind as I’ve been reading Walter Isaacson’s biography of Steve Jobs. I’m sure I’ll have plenty to post about when I finish the book, it’s a compelling read. But, for now, suffice it to say that Jobs was a very complicated man.
Jobs could be a great guy, but, unfortunately he was intimidating and ruthless a lot of the time. He was unbelievably successful but never got over his complex over being adopted.
Isaacson does a great job of portraying Jobs honestly. He doesn’t white wash or gloss over some of Jobs traits that are unbecoming. As Steve Jobs got older, got married and had children, his eccentric habits were tamed (a bit) but he was never an ideal husband or father.
It’s an interesting book. I admire Jobs ability to bring art and design to technology. His passion is inspiring. But, while he was gifted in some ways, he was severely lacking in others. Like many celebrated leaders and inventors, Steve Jobs lead a very conflicted life.
