You've Got to Find What You Love

 

Contextual Questions

Annotate the following lines in the given pattern

a. Identify the lesson and name the writer of the given lines.

b. Discuss the context of the lines and appreciate them critically in about 75 words.

1. You can't connect the dots looking forward, you can only connect them looking backward.

Context:

These lines are from Steve Jobs’ speech “You’ve Got to Find What You Love” at Stanford University in 2005. Here, Jobs shares his life journey.

Explanation: 

These lines explain how events that seem confusing at present often make sense only when we look back at them. For example, his calligraphy class, which seemed useless then, later became important in designing Apple computers. The line teaches us that we must trust life, even when the path is unclear. Critically, it highlights the value of faith, patience, and following one’s passion, because the meaning of experiences appears only in hindsight.

General Relevance:

Steve Jobs’ speech inspires people to follow their passion, stay strong in failures, and live true to themselves. His words remind us that life is short, so we must choose courage, creativity, and purpose over fear and doubt.

2. Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith.

Context:

These lines are from Steve Jobs’ speech “You’ve Got to Find What You Love” at Stanford University in 2005. Here, Jobs shares his life journey.

Explanation:

Losing Apple was like being hit with a brick—it was sudden, painful, and discouraging. However, instead of giving up, Jobs started again with NeXT and Pixar, which later became great successes. The lines encourage us to stay strong during failures and setbacks. Critically, they highlight the importance of resilience and hope. Life’s difficulties may feel crushing, but if we hold on to faith and keep moving forward, new opportunities and growth will eventually come our way.

General Relevance:

Steve Jobs’ speech inspires people to follow their passion, stay strong in failures, and live true to themselves. His words remind us that life is short, so we must choose courage, creativity, and purpose over fear and doubt.

3. Your time is limited , so don't waste it living someone else’s life. 

Context:

These lines are from Steve Jobs’ speech “You’ve Got to Find What You Love” at Stanford University in 2005. Here, Jobs shares his life journey.

Explanation: 

Steve Jobs reflects on life and death. Jobs reminds graduates that life is short, and time should not be wasted trying to please others or following paths set by society. He stresses the need to listen to one’s inner voice and pursue personal passions instead of copying others. Critically, these lines highlight individuality, courage, and authenticity. They encourage people to focus on what truly matters to them, because only then can life feel meaningful. The message is timeless: living true to yourself is the key to a fulfilling and happy life.

General Relevance:

Steve Jobs’ speech inspires people to follow their passion, stay strong in failures, and live true to themselves. His words remind us that life is short, so we must choose courage, creativity, and purpose over fear and doubt.

4. Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish. 

Context:

These lines are from Steve Jobs’ speech “You’ve Got to Find What You Love” at Stanford University in 2005. Here, Jobs shares his life journey.

Explanation:

He borrowed These lines from the Whole Earth Catalog, a magazine that inspired him in his youth. By saying “Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish,” Jobs encouraged the graduates to never be satisfied with what they already know or achieve. “Hungry” means always seeking new knowledge, ideas, and opportunities. “Foolish” means daring to take risks, explore the unknown, and not fear mistakes. Critically, the lines inspire creativity, curiosity, and courage. They remind us that growth comes from pushing limits and staying open-minded, even if others think our dreams are foolish.

General Relevance:

Steve Jobs’ speech inspires people to follow their passion, stay strong in failures, and live true to themselves. His words remind us that life is short, so we must choose courage, creativity, and purpose over fear and doubt.

Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:

1. Why did Steve Jobs drop out of college, and how did it influence his future?

Steve Jobs dropped out of college because it was very expensive, and his parents were spending all their savings on it. He did not know what he wanted to do with his life, so he felt it was not right to waste money on classes he did not enjoy. Even after leaving college, he stayed around and took only the classes that interested him, like calligraphy. This class later helped him design the beautiful fonts used in Apple computers. Dropping out gave him freedom to explore what he truly loved. Instead of following a fixed path, he followed his curiosity and passion. This decision shaped his future because it made him more creative and open to new ideas. It taught him that sometimes leaving the usual path can help you discover your real interests and build something new.

2. What did Steve Jobs learn from being fired from Apple, and how did it change his life?

Steve Jobs was fired from Apple, the company he had started, when he was only 30 years old. At first, he felt very sad and lost. But later, he realized that being fired gave him a fresh start. He was free to try new things without the heavy pressure of success. During this time, he started new companies, like NeXT and Pixar. Pixar went on to make the world’s first full-length computer-animated movie, Toy Story. He also learned that failure is not the end but a chance to begin again. The experience made him stronger, more creative, and more confident. Later, Apple bought NeXT, and Steve returned to Apple with new energy and ideas. Being fired taught him that sometimes life’s hardest moments can push us toward growth and success. It changed his life by teaching him resilience and the value of starting fresh.

3. What lesson about life and death does Steve Jobs convey in "You've Got to Find What You Love," and how does it relate to his advice on living a fulfilling life? 

In his speech, Steve Jobs explained that thinking about death helped him live a more meaningful life. He said that when he remembered he would die one day, he focused only on what truly mattered. Death reminded him not to waste time living someone else’s life or worrying too much about what others thought. He encouraged people to follow their hearts and do work they loved, because time is limited. This lesson teaches us that life is short, so we should spend it wisely by doing what makes us happy and fulfilled. Jobs believed that finding what you love gives life purpose and joy. His advice is that we should not settle for less or give up on our passions. By remembering that death is certain, we can live with more courage and honesty, choosing the path that truly excites and inspires us.