Obama and Bill Gates pay tributes to Steve Jobs

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There is no difference between Bush & Obama in foreign policies, not much difference in domestic policies, and a lot of differences in communication. Steve was a master communicator, a great story teller and a tech genius. I learnt quite a lot of presentation techniques from his presos. Steve never talked technical details, his presos didnt have much text (Most of the times, it was just one picture).

What do speakers tell in a convocation address? Plenty of do this & don’t do that. Steve Jobs told three personal stories at Stanford. In 2005, in a moving address at Stanford University after receiving surgery for pancreas cancer, he reflected on his own mortality, urging his audience: ‘Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life’.

His third story started like this: ‘When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: “If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.” It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” And whenever the answer has been “No” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.’

The last part of his speech was almost like a preacher’s: ‘No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because death is very likely the single best invention of life. It is life’s change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away.’

Statement from President Barack Obama

“Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs. Steve was among the greatest of American innovators – brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it.

By building one of the planet’s most successful companies from his garage, he exemplified the spirit of American ingenuity. By making computers personal and putting the internet in our pockets, he made the information revolution not only accessible, but intuitive and fun. And by turning his talents to storytelling, he has brought joy to millions of children and grownups alike. Steve was fond of saying that he lived every day like it was his last. Because he did, he transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world.

The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Steve’s wife Laurene, his family, and all those who loved him.”

And, Steve is not an enemy of Bill Gates. They were business rivals, yes. But, they were friends.

Statement from Bill Gates

“I’m truly saddened to learn of Steve Jobs’ death. Melinda and I extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends, and to everyone Steve has touched through his work.

Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of more than half our lives.

The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come.

For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it’s been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely. ”

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Solution Vs Problem Orientation/ Bill Gates on Philanthropy

To the Muslims:

You probably have read, or at least received several emails on the backwardness of Muslims, atrocities against Muslims, Insults on Islam etc; followed by “Please forward to all your contact” (I don’t forward). If you read some of the socio-political magazines, you could see that they also describe the same stuff over and over. It’s important that we know what is really going on around us, but

• How beneficial it is that these emails / reports are read only by Muslims?
• Why is that no email / magazine talks about solutions – even simple actions?
• Why did we become a nation (Ummah) of complainers?

Why is that only a few are talking/writing/thinking about solutions? Rather than buying these magazines, I’d rather spend that money to help a student become a journalist who can present the truth using The Hindu, Dinamani, NDTV, etc. Or, create a fine lawyer who can defend Muslims in court.

My request: When some speaker or a writer, talks about the issues, or describes the problems – ask him/her this: What do you think are solutions, which can be done by you and me? Let’s not get into solutions that require massive investment (from Kings, or Ministers). God will not ask you on things beyond your control. But, if you could do a few things, but didn’t (and complained that rulers or rich Muslims aren’t doing) – be prepared to answer in the Hereafter.

Role Model: Remember the story of a blind Sahabi (Companion of the Prophet PBUH) who wanted to go to war(to defend Muslims). He didn’t think his blindness was an excuse (like many who think, if only had more money, or if only I were a Prime Minister, I’d do this and that). When others asked him how he could contribute – he replied: “I can carry the flag of Islamic army. Since I’m blind, I won’t be afraid of enemy. Besides, I increase the count of Muslims by one”

Please consider this: Some of your class-mates / colleagues may be working to improve the spiritual, educational and financial (poor laborers, don’t have money to continue study) status of Muslims in some area. They’ll need a few more volunteers. They would request your involvement, suggestions and time/efforts.

Our own problems look smaller (or silly, sometimes) when we see the problems of others, who are in a very bad state. You’ll get a sense of supreme satisfaction when your efforts go beyond your family & friends.

And, most importantly – inviting to good, helping the community, and other good deeds are the ones that’ll help us once we cease to live.

Bill Gates was asked “what advice he had for ordinary readers who might want to engage in micro-philanthropy”.

Reply: “The key thing is to pick a cause, whether its crops or diseases or great high schools. Pick one and get some more in-depth knowledge. If possible, travel to see the problems firsthand, then pick an organization to support with donations or volunteer time” (NYT Interview. Also in The Hindu Dt. 26-Jan-09)