Steve Jobs’ Iconic Stanford Speech Remastered: Celebrating Two Decades of Inspiration
Two decades ago, Steve Jobs delivered a memorable and influential commencement speech to the Stanford graduating class. On June 12, 2005, the Apple co-founder took the stage and presented a 15-minute address that would resonate with graduates for years to come.
To mark the 20th anniversary, the Steve Jobs Archive has released a high-definition version of the speech on YouTube, now enhanced to 1080p at 60 frames per second. This re-release allows viewers to experience the speech in clearer detail, but it’s the heartfelt message that truly matters.
Jobs’ commencement address is one of the most referenced in history, having been viewed over 120 million times. Its impact has been significant, even inspiring public figures like LeBron James, who used a clip to motivate the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.
Interestingly, Jobs’ speech did not focus on technology but instead shared three personal stories from his life. He spoke about “connecting the dots” after dropping out of Reed College, discussed the themes of love and loss as he faced challenges, and reflected on the nature of death following his cancer diagnosis.
Although Jobs was the third choice for speaker, following Jon Stewart and Arnold Schwarzenegger, he managed to captivate the audience despite typical student distractions such as beach balls and games of “Commencement Bingo.” Unbeknownst to them at the time, the contents of his speech would leave a lasting legacy.
For Jobs, the address was an opportunity to impart wisdom to students on the brink of adulthood. Its enduring relevance continues to inspire new generations, solidifying Jobs’ legacy far beyond his technological achievements.