Steve Jobs R.I.P.

Steve Jobs lost his eight-year battle with pancreatic cancer in October 2011, one day after the Apple company launched the new iPhone, and two months after his departure from the company’s management. He was 56 years old. The doctors considered it almost a miracle that Jobs had managed to live and work for another eight years after he was diagnosed with a malignant tumor. With his typical obstinacy Jobs initially tried alternative treatments, turning to Chinese medicine and eating only raw food. After many months he finally resorted to classical medicine – a liver transplant improved his condition considerably. Apple announced the death of the technology guru and visionary giant in a short press release. It was a year when the firm became the most valuable company in the United States. “Steve’s genius, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world today is much better because of him,”, said Apple. Flags at the headquarters flew at half-mast. World leaders responded immediately to news of his death. Apple’s competitors and even the American president rushed to offer their condolences. “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,” said Microsoft founder Bill Gates. Barack Obama said in a statement that he was deeply saddened at the death of “one of the greatest of American innovators.” “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,” said the US president. The world hasn’t forgotten Steve Jobs and continues to predict how Apple will continue to thrive. The company still reports millions of dollars in sales, but the question is whether they’ll ever again produce an innovation that will amaze the world. Steve Jobs was simply irreplaceable. We at least can try to live by one of his slogans: “Stay hungry, stay foolish!”