Mike Carey's Reviews > Steve Jobs

I liked the book and it certainly has given me insight into the man and the company ( Apple ) and why and how it produces such wonderful products. ( I own a Mac, ipod, iphone and an ipad ) I cannot envision ever going back to a PC. I love the notion of Jobs being at the intersection of the humanities and technology and how his youthful excursions with drugs, India, Zen - brought him to that intersection. There was so much about this book and the story behind Jobs and what he created that I loved. A kid that would call up Bill Hewlett of Hewlett Packard for a part he needs - and get it !! Throughout his life he had balls, took risks and never felt overshadowed by another human being. He was fearless in his vision; totally involved and maniac about the vision and the details. So much to admire about the man. Yet...

he really was an asshole and the author weaves a justification of that meanness throughout the book - Steve was brought up to believe he was special, his tactics brought out more in people than they thought they could give, his ruthless behavior brought together a group of A players that transformed technology, music, mobile phones and the way that we communicate with each other. I guess that I've never been a believer that the ends justify the means. I understand toughness in business but there has to be a "little heart" within everyone. After reading his book I'm having trouble seeing the "heart" in Steve Jobs.
Towards the end of the book in the chapter, Legacy there is an essay from Jobs about what he thinks his legacy will be. Within it he discusses Bill Gates and Microsoft - the difference in their fundamental outlooks on technology. Job's says that if Gate's goal was to be the wealthiest man he had succeeded but that Gates was never about the product but making money. He said that he felt that his products and contributions were more meaningful. I think about Gates most amazing chapter, the Bill and Melissa Gates Foundation and all the good that it is doing in the world and I am amazed that Isaacson didn't bring up the obvious comparison that seems to be missing when trying to compare Jobs and Gates. Yes I think it was about the money with Gates but his end vision was about giving back. Gates has a heart and is using the wealth he created to leave a lasting impact in the world with his foundation. After reading this book I wonder if Jobs would even think that the work Gates foundation is doing is a good thing.
I leave this book with some sadness, wondering why a leader has to be an asshole to be the best. So many examples of other leaders who tempered their "Demons" and still achieve so much.