13+ Inspiring Steve Jobs Quotes [Handwritten Images + Reflections]

Steve Jobs is the visionary leader who changed the way we saw technology. He was a major part of Apple and Pixar’s success. He was fired from Apple only to come back stronger than ever with the creation of the iPhone and waterfall of innovative products. As a charismatic leader and businessman, Steve Jobs left many quotes and insights that continue to inspire today’s entrepreneurs.

Related Post: Teamwork Quotes for the Office

Steve Jobs Quotes that Keep Us Motivated

1. Believe in yourself

“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” – Steve Jobs

"The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do." - Steve Jobs

My favorite Steve Jobs quote hands down. This really gave a good representation of his ambition and to some degree, his madness. You can see our list of inspirational quotes and ideas to help keep yourself motivated.

2. On drugs and reality

“LSD shows you that there’s another side to the coin, and you can’t remember it when it wears off, but you know it.” – Steve Jobs

steve jobs quote lsd - "LSD shows you that there’s another side to the coin, and you can’t remember it when it wears off, but you know it."

Not many people will be brave enough to give an honest opinion on drugs. Luckily Steve Jobs is big enough to do this and not get fired…well at least fired again.

3. On success and starting over

“The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again.”- Steve Jobs

steve jobs quotes on beginner mindset - “The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again.”

Said at his commencement speech at Stanford, he recalls how being fired from Apple would be one of the greatest things to happen to him. Without the pressure of success, he was free to create as a beginner again and see the world through new eyes.

4. On work and passion

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on.” – Steve Jobs

steve jobs quote The only way to do great work is to love what you do.

Also said at his commencement speech at Stanford. He reminds us not to settle in our work.

5. On teamwork

“Great things in business are never done by one person. They’re done by a team of people.” – Steve Jobs

steve jobs quotes on teamwork - "Great things in business are never done by one person. They're done by a team of people."

While often known as a strong-headed leader, Steve Jobs gives credit to his team with this quote.

Related Post: Positive Quotes to keep you inspired

6. On innovation

“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” – Steve Jobs

steve jobs quote innovation - "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower."

With this mantra, Apple and Pixar continued to push ahead with new innovations that other companies would later adapt.

7. Stay true to yourself

“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.” – Steve Jobs

steve jobs quote own voice - 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.

Given after his diagnosis with cancer, Steve Jobs reminds us to be aware and follow our intuition. Life is short.

8. On outlook

“Stay hungry, stay foolish” – Steve Jobs

steve jobs quote stay hungry

His parting words at the Stanford commencement speech.

9. On death

“No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life’s change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new.” – Steve Jobs

steve jobs quotes on death - Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new.

Another great quote after his diagnosis with cancer. This one reminding us that change is a good thing although it can feel scary at times. You can find more peace of mind and calming quotes if you ever feel the world is changing too quickly.

10. On ambition

“I want to put a ding in the universe.” – Steve Jobs

One of Steve Job’s more famous quotes that showed how cocky he was.

steve jobs quotes I want to put a ding in the universe.

Related Post: Inspirational Monday Quotes for Work

11. On mistakes

“Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations.” – Steve Jobs

steve jobs quotes on mistakes. "Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations."

He reminds us that mistakes are just a part of the process. When you try to aim for the moon you’re going to have setbacks now and then.

12. Follow your heart

“Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” – Steve Jobs

steve jobs quotes on following your heart. "Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."

He earns is not too waste our precious time chasing the expectations of another.

13. On simplicity

“That’s been one of my mantras—focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex; you have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple.” – Steve Jobs

steve jobs quotes on simplicity. "That’s been one of my mantras—focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex; you have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple."

This is clear in many of Apple’s designs. The focus is on minimal, user friendly designs that anyone can quickly pick up.

“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something—your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.” – Steve Jobs

Another snippet from his Stanford speech. He recalls dropping out of school and taking a calligraphy class that would later influence the Mac’s design and typography.

Many quotes came from his commencement speech at Stanford