In 1997 Apple released ad campaign entitled “Think Differently”, highlighting Masters of all different fields and created a commercial entitled “Here’s to the Crazy Ones” (Dormhel 2018). Steve Jobs did not want to be seen as arrogant so the original version did not include his narration, but rather that of Richard Dreyfuss. Years later however, that audio was released and in my opinion it has a much more powerful effect, especially in his stead. Jobs says that in regards to those that many consider Masters:
You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them, because they change things. They push the human race forward. While some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do. (rainbowgaiawarrior 2011)
When I first came across this commercial it was right after Steve Jobs’ passing. I was in college when I heard the news but did not feel the gravity of it that I do now. A couple of days later, however, I saw this commercial. The message, combined with its imagery, gave a college student the motivation to approach everything ahead of him with a vigor not present before.
Years later I would come back to this again. I was alone in Alaska, cut off from the rest of the world it seemed. Listening to Jobs speak these words again helped me realize that there are much bigger problems in the world. If I just trusted in myself and that I was going down the right path I would end up where I belong, seeing success along the way.
This past week I went looking for the video again. This time though, the one I clicked on had something more. It was followed by a few short clips of the commencement speech Steve Jobs gave at Stanford University in 2005. He talks about just trusting in something within yourself, that all of the dots in your life will connect (rainbowgaiawarrior 2011). Up to this point I have done just that. Going into my Masters program I have had feelings of trepidation. Is this the right time having just left my job and my wife and I expecting our first child in October. I am going to follow my heart and trust in the fact that everything will work out.
References
Dormehl, L. (2018, September 28). Today in Apple history: 'Here's to the
crazy ones' who 'think different'. Retrieved June 15, 2019, from
https://www.cultofmac.com/447012/today-in-apple-history-heres-to-the-
crazy-ones/
rainbowgaiawarrior. (2011, October 7). Stay hungry, stay foolish. Steve
Jobs [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=D1R-jKKp3NA
John Yula's Mastery Journal 