Steve Jobs's inspirational speech - my thoughts

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“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intu­ition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Every­thing else is secondary.” — Steve Jobs, Stanford Commencement speech, June 12, 2005


In this society of material pursuits, our inner voices are easily drowned out by the many noises of others - so much so that we may even get confused and thought that's our own voice. You just get convinced that you are destined to do this or that and that it is only right. I think I am one fine example myself. Still confused as ever of what I want out of life.


I chose to study science cos that's the mainstream. I chose to specialize by elimination of choices. I chose to work where I am now because of the higher-than-average pay and being in trend. Now looking back, I must have been quite nuts. Though I might be nuttier if I do arts or music or sports. So I ended up in something I am not really talented for - I hate memorizing, I love creation. I went against my passion / talent. If I didn't do well for my A'levels, I thought I would just go study at Lasalle, and I wondered if I went down that path what would I be doing now. Would I be happier? Wouldn't it be a waste if I give up what I have achieved so far in studying science?


Before I could sort out the answers to all my questions, I am once again swept up in the rat race.


Steve Jobs ended his commencement speech  with "Stay hungry, stay foolish." So what are you hungry to learn?


One must first know what one is hungry for. Don't end up with indigestion and being truly foolish.



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