Steve Jobs Dead: Can Apple Survive Without Visionary?
The man who revolutionized technology, Steve Jobs died Wednesday after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. As the world mourns Jobs’ passing, there are those that question whether Apple can survive without its figurehead.
Wall Street’s opening bell saw only a slight drop in Apple stock this morning. Investors have anticipated Apple without Jobs and as a result shares are holding steady, CNN reported.
"In the short term, the impact is not likely to be that much, as the company already has in place plans for technology and product development," observed Nitin Bhat, telecom analyst at Frost & Sullivan.
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"But in the medium to long term, [Mr.] Jobs' absence may hurt Apple,” Bhat told BBC News.
Jobs, 56, who inspired the Mac computer series, iPod, iPad, and the increasingly popular iPhone, passed just one day after Apple unveiled its newest product – the iPhone 4S.
“We are deeply sadden to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today,” said Apple’s board of directors in a statement.
“Steve's brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve. His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts."
Tributes remembering the visionary have taken over Twitter, causing the social platform to freeze at one point.
“There are 3 Apples that changed the world. 1) The one that Eve ate 2) The one that fell on Newton’s head & 3) The one that Steve Jobs built,” @Zalon tweeted.
Jackie Speier said in a tweet, “Steve Jobs’ life story is a lesson in overcoming obstacles and thriving. From his Stanford commencement: “Stay hungry and foolish.” RIP”
“Steve Jobs was born out of wedlock, put up for adoption at birth, dropped out of college, then changed the world. What’s your excuse?” @ ToshaMakia tweeted.
Jobs’ life has been an inspiration to people worldwide. He started Apple in his garage – building the company into the tech empire it now is.
Jobs’ advised in his 2005 Stanford Commencement Speech:
“Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose.”
"When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: 'If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you'll most certainly be right.' It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?'"
His words have touched many. Jobs’ left an imprint on the world that will forever be remembered.
