As an entrepreneur who has witnessed both the heights of success and the depths of adversity, I find myself deeply moved by what are said to be Steve Jobs' final reflections. In 2024, as we chase unicorn valuations and digital empires, these words resonate more powerfully than ever.
There's a profound story circulating about Jobs' last essay – whether authentic or not, its message strikes at the core of what truly matters in our journey through life. As someone who built multiple companies and experienced both triumph and tribulation, I can tell you: these words carry weight that every entrepreneur needs to hear.
The essay speaks of a truth I've come to understand deeply:
Success isn't just about the numbers in your bank account or the valuation of your company. Jobs reached what many would call the summit of entrepreneurial achievement – building Apple into what would become a $3 trillion empire. Yet, in his final moments, he recognized something I've learned through my own journey: true wealth transcends monetary value.
In the quiet moments, when the meetings are done and the deals are closed, we must ask ourselves: What legacy are we really building? Jobs' reflection cuts deep: "In the darkness, I look at the green lights from the life supporting machines... I can feel the breath of god of death drawing closer..."
This isn't just about mortality – it's about priority. In Silicon Valley, we often get caught in the relentless pursuit of the next big exit, the next round of funding. But Jobs' words remind us that there's a bigger game at play: "When we have accumulated sufficient wealth to last our lifetime, we should pursue other matters that are unrelated to wealth."
The real currency of life isn't measured in dollars or stock options. It's measured in:
- The depth of our relationships
- The impact we have on others
- The dreams we dare to chase
- The love we share and receive
As someone who has built and scaled multiple companies, I can tell you: the most valuable assets aren't listed on any balance sheet. They're the memories we create, the lives we touch, and the positive change we bring to the world.
Jobs' message becomes even more poignant in today's hyper-connected yet emotionally distant world: "Love can travel a thousand miles. Life has no limit." In an era of AI, self-driving cars, and virtual reality, these fundamentally human truths become even more essential.
Remember: The most expensive bed isn't in the penthouse suite of a luxury hotel – it's the hospital bed. No amount of wealth can buy you more time. No IPO can extend your life's runway.
To my fellow entrepreneurs and dreamers: Chase your vision, build your empires, but never forget that your most precious asset isn't your portfolio – it's your time and the love you share with others. In the end, that's what truly scales.
Treasure every moment. Build with purpose. Lead with love. These aren't just words – they're the fundamental principles of a life well-lived.
The Essay:
I reached the pinnacle of success in the business world. In others’ eyes, my life is an epitome of success.
However, aside from work, I have little joy. In the end, wealth is only a fact of life that I am accustomed to.
At this moment, lying on the sick bed and recalling my whole life, I realize that all the recognition and wealth that I took so much pride in, have paled and become meaningless in the face of impending death.
In the darkness, I look at the green lights from the life supporting machines and hear the humming mechanical sounds, I can feel the breath of god of death drawing closer…
Now I know, when we have accumulated sufficient wealth to last our lifetime, we should pursue other matters that are unrelated to wealth…
Should be something that is more important:
Perhaps relationships, perhaps art, perhaps a dream from younger days.
Non-stop pursuing of wealth will only turn a person into a twisted being, just like me.
God gave us the senses to let us feel the love in everyone’s heart, not the illusions brought about by wealth.
The wealth I have won in my life I cannot bring with me. What I can bring is only the memories precipitated by love.
That’s the true riches which will follow you, accompany you, giving you strength and light to go on.
Love can travel a thousand miles. Life has no limit. Go where you want to go. Reach the height you want to reach. It is all in your heart and in your hands.
What is the most expensive bed in the world? Sick bed…
You can employ someone to drive the car for you, make money for you but you cannot have someone to bear the sickness for you.
Material things lost can be found. But there is one thing that can never be found when it is lost – Life.
When a person goes into the operating room, he will realize that there is one book that he has yet to finish reading – Book of Healthy Life.
Whichever stage in life we are at right now, with time, we will face the day when the curtain comes down.
Treasure Love for your family, love for your spouse, love for your friends.
Treat yourself well. Cherish others.