The touching email that Steve Jobs sent to himself before he died: a reflection on life

A year before he passed away, Steve Jobsthe visionary behind Apple, sent himself an email that summed up his philosophy of life. The message, sent from his iPad on September 2, 2010, reflects how spiritual teachings influenced his worldview.

In the email, Jobs reflects on how his existence, and everyone’s, is intertwined with the achievements and efforts of those around him.

Wrote: “I grow some of the food I eat, and I didn’t have to create or perfect the seeds to do that. I don’t produce my own clothes. I speak a language I did not invent or refine. I did not discover the mathematics I use.. I am protected by freedoms and laws that I did not conceive or legislate, and that I do not enforce or take credit for. I am moved by music that I did not compose. When I needed medical attention, I was unable to help myself survive.”.

The message is a clear reflection of the humility with which Jobs viewed his life, recognizing that, although he was a technological genius, he depended on the contributions of many other people to exist and prosper.

“I didn’t invent the transistor, or the microprocessor, or object-oriented programming, or most of the technology I work with.I love and admire my kind, the living and the dead, and my life and well-being are totally dependent on them.“, wrote the businessman.

This message shows that although Jobs was known for his solitary and innovative vision, he understood that his success was not solely his own. He recognized that his life and achievements depended on many other people and things outside of his control.

In a world that often praises individuals for their genius, Jobs reminds us that we are all connected and that personal success is deeply tied to the support and contributions of others.