The Steve Jobs Archive: ‘Letters to a Young Creator’
Laurene Powell Jobs, in her introduction to the newest publication from the Steve Jobs Archive:
Among the books that mattered to Steve was Rilke’s Letters to a
Young Poet. I’m struck by this line from its pages: “Live the
questions for now. Perhaps then you will gradually, without
noticing it, live your way into the answer, one distant day in the
future.”
This is a time to live your questions. The beauty of answers, when
they do come, is that they allow us to ask new and better
questions. Life is learning how much we have yet to learn. In this
volume, we have asked distinguished creators of diverse fields to
share some of their answers to questions you asked at the
beginning of your fellowship year. You’ll find candid stories of
struggle and success, mistakes, and milestones. The wisdom they
share in their reflections was forged by asking the kinds of
questions you’re asking now.
Carve out some time for this collection. It’s also available as an ebook from Apple Books or EPUB download from SJA’s publications page.
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To live a life of creativity and curiosity, one must constantly ask questions. Steve thrived by seeking out people who could offer new knowledge and fresh perspectives, and he surrounded himself with diverse voices—musicians, artists, scientists, designers, engineers, writers, and humanitarians. He would often pose a thought and then pause to listen, understanding that learning and growth can only come from having the courage to challenge our limits and broaden our horizons.
Among the books that mattered to Steve was Rilke’s Letters to a Young Poet. I’m struck by this line from its pages: “Live the questions for now. Perhaps then you will gradually, without noticing it, live your way into the answer, one distant day in the future.”
This is a time to live your questions. The beauty of answers, when they do come, is that they allow us to ask new and better questions. Life is learning how much we have yet to learn. In this volume, we have asked distinguished creators of diverse fields to share some of their answers to questions you asked at the beginning of your fellowship year. You’ll find candid stories of struggle and success, mistakes, and milestones. The wisdom they share in their reflections was forged by asking the kinds of questions you’re asking now.
I encourage you to read and return to their words in dialogue with what you believe and who you are becoming. I can’t wait to see what you do.
Warmly,
Laurene Powell Jobs
Tadao Ando
OSAKA, JAPAN
September 9, 2024
Laurene Powell Jobs
Anna Deavere Smith
Tadao Ando
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[Original source](https://letters.stevejobsarchive.com/laurene-powell-jobs)