Class 11 How to live before you die Exercise

-Steve Jobs

Main Summary:

"How to Live Before You Die" is an inspiring speech delivered by Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO, at Stanford University in 2005. The speech emphasizes the value of time and making the most of our limited time on earth. Jobs encourages listeners to avoid conformity and instead follow their intuition, explore their potential, and not waste their time.

In the first part of his speech, Jobs introduces the concept of 'connecting the dots.' He reflects on how seemingly unrelated life experiences eventually formed a meaningful pattern. Dropping out of college led him to take calligraphy classes, which later influenced the design of the Macintosh computer. He emphasizes trusting one's instincts, destiny, and karma to guide them towards success.

The second part delves into Jobs' journey in business. He started Apple with Steve Wozniak in a garage, and within a decade, it grew into a multi-billion-dollar company. Despite being fired from Apple, he founded NeXT and Pixar, which contributed to his diverse experience. Later, Apple acquired NeXT, allowing him to return and revolutionize the tech market with new perspectives.

In the last segment, Jobs discusses his battle with pancreatic cancer. Despite the challenges, he successfully recovered and urges everyone to appreciate each day. He reinforces the importance of seizing opportunities, following one's heart, and not conforming to societal norms.

Four major lessons emerge from the speech. First, storytelling effectively conveys messages and creates a vivid mental picture for the audience. Second, transparency and authenticity in business foster trust. Third, the significance of following one's heart is underscored. Finally, engaging the audience and enjoying the presentation enhance its impact.

In conclusion, Steve Jobs' speech at Stanford University resonates with the importance of embracing uniqueness, exploring potential, and making the most of life's limited time. He shares personal experiences and profound insights, offering valuable life lessons to inspire his audience.

Understanding the text (Answer Question)

a. What is the story about Steve Jobs’ birth?
➜ Steve Jobs was born to an unmarried student who decided to have him adopted. Initially, a lawyer's family wanted to adopt him, but they changed their minds after he was born. Eventually, a mechanic named Paul Jobs and his wife Clara adopted Steve Jobs, promising to send him to college in the future.

b. What does he mean when he says, “you can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards”?
➜ When he says, "you can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards," he means that we can only understand how events in our past have led to our present situation. The choices, struggles, mistakes, and desires in our past are connected to our present, shaping our future. We can't predict the future, but by reflecting on the past, we find meaning in our journey.

c. What happened when Steve Jobs turned 30?
➜ At the age of 30, Steve Jobs was fired from the company he co-founded by the board of directors.

d. Jobs contends that you need to love to do what you do in order to be great at it. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
➜ I agree with Jobs' assertion that loving what you do is crucial to achieving greatness. When we have a passion for our work, it enhances our chances of excelling. Without enjoying our work, success becomes challenging, and our efforts may feel meaningless.

e. Is death really life’s greatest invention?
➜ Yes, death can be seen as life's greatest innovation. It is an inevitable part of life, a concept everyone shares. Although no one wants to face death, it is a reality that forces us to confront the impermanence of life and make the most of our time. This awareness of mortality can be a powerful motivator for personal growth and meaningful living.

Reference to the context

a. Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow: “We have an unexpected baby boy; do you want him?” They said: “Of course.”

i. Who was the baby boy?
➜ The baby boy was Steve Jobs.

ii. What does ‘do you want him?’ mean?
➜ "Do you want him?" refers to the question of adopting the baby Steve Jobs, posed to Paul and Clara Jobs, who were in line to adopt a child.

iii. Who does ‘they’ refer to?
➜ 'They' refers to Mr. Paul Jobs and Mrs. Clara Jobs.

b. Explain the following lines:

i. “You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever.”
➜ Steve Jobs encourages people to have faith in something, whether it's their instincts, fate, life's journey, karma, or any belief. He suggests that this trust is vital for success.

ii. “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”
➜ In these lines, Jobs emphasizes the swift passage of time. He advises not to squander it by imitating others or living according to their desires. He advocates making the most of one's own life.

c. What does he mean by “don’t settle”?
➜ "Don't settle" means not accepting mediocrity or less than what truly satisfies you. Jobs encourages people to keep searching until they find what truly resonates with them and brings fulfillment.

d. Which style of speech is used by the speaker to persuade the audience?
➜The speaker employs a personal and informal style of speech, akin to storytelling, to engage and motivate the audience.

e. It is not easy to motivate others. How do you think Steve Jobs’ speech is so inspiring?
➜Steve Jobs' speech is deeply inspiring due to his utilization of relatable life stories. He shares personal anecdotes that resonate with many, regardless of their background. These stories encourage individuals to persevere and believe in their potential for growth, irrespective of their starting point.

f. Why do you think Steve Jobs used the personal narrative story telling technique in his speech? What influence does it have on the audiences?
➜Steve Jobs employed personal narrative storytelling to connect with his audience emotionally. Sharing his struggles and achievements makes his message relatable and authentic. This technique captivates listeners, allowing them to understand the challenges he overcame. It inspires them by revealing the journey from difficulties to triumphs, showing that success is attainable despite hardships.

Reference beyond the text

a. One of Steve Jobs mottos was: 'Think differently'. Can this make a person succeed in life? What challenges are there in thinking differently?
➜Steve Jobs' motto "Think differently" can indeed lead to success in life. Changing the way we think and act is essential for personal growth. It's vital to break away from conventional thoughts and explore new avenues. However, thinking differently comes with challenges. Innovators and pioneers who thought uniquely have faced rejection and isolation from society. This unique perspective can be considered odd or unconventional. Despite these challenges, embracing new ideas is crucial for progress and positive change.

b. What does the slogan “Stay hungry; stay foolish” mean to you?
➜The phrase "Stay hungry; stay foolish" encourages a mindset of continuous learning and exploration. It urges us to remain eager for knowledge and open to new experiences. It's about not becoming complacent and always seeking growth.

c. What does it mean to be a visionary? What makes Steve Jobs different from a fortune teller?
➜ Being a visionary means having a forward-thinking perspective and anticipating future developments positively. Steve Jobs stands apart from a fortune teller because a fortune teller predicts the future, which may or may not be accurate. Jobs, however, relied on his vision, curiosity, intuition, and unique thinking to shape the tech industry. His success was driven by his experiences, beliefs, and unwavering commitment to his ideals, which distinguishes him from mere fortune telling.