Elegedly written by Seve Jobs
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, standing before you, I'm engulfed in a deep reflection of my journey—a path punctuated with both monumental triumphs and instructive setbacks. My return to Apple is not merely a homecoming but a pivotal moment of introspection and foresight. The early chapters of Apple were marked by an audacious belief in the power of innovation, a belief that an individual at a keyboard could indeed make a dent in the universe. This vision propelled us from a modest garage in Los Altos to the global stage of technological pioneers. Yet, the path of innovation is fraught with complexities, trials, and inevitable missteps.
My initial tenure at Apple was a testament to the unbridled spirit of innovation. However, it was also during this time that my approach to innovation, characterized by an intense pursuit of perfection and a tendency to operate in silos, led to significant challenges. The very passion that fueled our creativity also, at times, blinded us to the importance of collaboration, of listening, and of adapting. My departure from Apple was a profound lesson in humility and leadership.
It taught me that true innovation is not just about groundbreaking technology or design but also about understanding people—our team, our customers, and our community. It's about creating an environment where diverse ideas can converge, where feedback is not just heard but valued, where failure is seen not as a setback but as a step forward.
In the years away from Apple, I've learned that innovation without empathy, without a deep understanding of the human experience, risks becoming irrelevant. I've come to appreciate that our responsibility as innovators extends beyond the products we create to the lives we touch and the world we inhabit.
As we embark on this next chapter, our mission is to innovate with purpose, with an unwavering commitment to excellence and an equally strong commitment to responsibility. We are tasked with creating technology that not only advances human potential but does so with respect for the values we hold dear. This means building products that enhance lives without infringing on privacy, that connect without isolating, and that empower without overpowering.
This journey back to Apple is a call to action—to innovate with intention, to lead with compassion, and to forge a future where technology amplifies the best of humanity. Together, we have the opportunity to redefine the landscape of innovation, to create not just for the sake of novelty but for the sake of meaningful progress.
In embracing the lessons of the past, we set our sights on new horizons, guided by the principles of responsible innovation. This is our mission. This is our commitment. This is the new chapter for Apple.
Thank you.
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