Famous Steve Jobs Quotes
In the era of innovation and entrepreneurship, few names shine as brightly as Steve Jobs. The co-founder of Apple Inc. wasn’t just a tech visionary — he was a master of ideas, creativity, and bold thinking. His words i.e. Steve Jobs Quotes continue to inspire millions to innovate, dream big, and pursue excellence.
We all waste time on things that don’t benefit us. You may think this looks too long to read, or you’re not sure you’ll truly feel inspired. But just once—trust me. Read this daily. Start with just 10–15 quotes, and you’ll condition your subconscious mind. Over time, these ideas will become reflexes when you need them most.
In the era of innovation and entrepreneurship, few names resonate as strongly as Steve Jobs. This collection of 51 uplifting Steve Jobs quotes is crafted to help you channel his wisdom in your own life.
Steve Jobs, the visionary co-founder of Apple Inc., left an indelible mark on the world with revolutionary ideas and relentless dedication to excellence. Throughout his life, he shared timeless lessons on leadership, creativity, perseverance, entrepreneurship, innovation, and success—through speeches, interviews, and writings.
He’s especially known for one powerful line:
“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.”
Table of Contents
Many of Steve Jobs’ inspirational sayings remain a source of motivation for innovators, entrepreneurs, and anyone chasing excellence.
Here, we bring you 51 inspiring Steve Jobs quotes, organized into meaningful categories. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, student, or creative professional, these quotes will fuel your journey toward success.
If you love reading Steve Jobs Quotes, you may also enjoy our 51 Elon Musk Quotes on Innovation & Success and 51 Inspiring Walt Disney Quotes to Spark Creativity.
1. Steve Jobs Quotes on Leadership & Innovation
1.Stay hungry, stay foolish.
One of the most famous Steve Jobs Quotes, this teaches us to keep learning and take bold steps in life. Being “hungry” means always wanting to grow; being “foolish” means trying new things without fear.
Whether starting a small business, learning a skill, or changing jobs, courage and curiosity open doors to success.
2.Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.
One of the most famous Steve Jobs Quotes, it shows that leaders create new paths while followers walk old ones. True leadership means solving problems in new ways.
Like a student starting a unique project instead of copying others, innovation sets you apart and inspires others to follow your lead.
3.Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations.
This Steve Jobs Motivational Quote teaches that mistakes are part of progress. Admitting them fast saves time and builds trust. Like when a small business launches a product that fails — accepting the error and improving quickly keeps customers loyal and innovation alive.
4.Let’s go invent tomorrow rather than worrying about what happened yesterday.
One of the most inspiring Steve Jobs Leadership Quotes, it reminds us the future matters more than the past. Dwelling on mistakes wastes energy. Like failing an exam or losing a client — learn, move on, and focus on building something better tomorrow.
5.The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.
This Steve Jobs Quote on success shows that big dreams need bold belief. Others may laugh, but confidence fuels change. Just like someone quitting a secure job to start a meaningful project — courage and vision turn impossible ideas into reality.
For more wisdom on thinking differently, explore our 51 Albert Einstein Quotes on Imagination & Curiosity — perfect for innovators and dreamers.
6.If you want to live your life in a creative way, as an artist, you have to not look back too much.
One of the best Steve Jobs Quotes on life, it’s about moving forward without being stuck in the past. Like a writer who learns from rejection but keeps creating — focusing on the future keeps your creativity alive.
7.It’s not about pop culture, and it’s not about fooling people; it’s about creating a lasting product.
This Steve Jobs Inspirational Quote reminds us that trends fade, but quality lasts. Like starting a clothing brand — flashy marketing might sell once, but lasting success comes from products people love and trust for years.
8.Great things in business are never done by one person; they’re done by a team of people.
One of the most powerful Steve Jobs Quotes on teamwork, it teaches that collaboration wins. Even the best ideas need many hands. Like a school project — when everyone contributes their best skill, the result is far better than working alone.
9.We hire people who want to make the best things in the world.
This Steve Jobs Quote on leadership shows that passion beats plain skill. Skills can be learned, but the desire to create excellence comes from within. Like choosing a business partner — enthusiasm for quality makes every project stronger.
10.It’s not the customer’s job to know what they want.
One of the most thought-provoking Steve Jobs Quotes on innovation, it means leaders should anticipate needs before customers see them. Like introducing smartphones before people realized they needed them — visionaries create the demand by showing what’s possible.
If Steve Jobs’ vision inspires you, you’ll also love 51 Nikola Tesla Quotes on Innovation & The Future.
2. Steve Jobs Quotes on Life & Success
11.Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.
One of the most inspiring Steve Jobs Quotes on life, it reminds us that time is our most valuable resource. Don’t follow paths shaped by others’ expectations or fear of judgment. Live by your values, choose work that excites you, and make decisions that truly matter to you — because once time is gone, you can’t get it back.
12.The only way to do great work is to love what you do.
A timeless Steve Jobs Quote on success, it shows that passion is the real driver of excellence. When you love your work, effort becomes joy, and challenges turn into opportunities. If you’re not there yet, keep exploring until you find what excites you — because loving your work fuels greatness more than any reward.
13.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.
One of the most meaningful Steve Jobs Quotes on motivation, it stresses that work shapes much of our life. True satisfaction comes from doing work you’re proud of and believe has purpose. Don’t just work for a paycheck — strive for impact, quality, and meaning in what you do every single day.
14.If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.
This Steve Jobs Quote on life encourages persistence in finding your purpose. Whether it’s the right job, passion, or partner, settling too soon can lead to regret. Keep exploring until you feel that deep alignment with what you’re doing — because the right fit will keep you inspired and fulfilled in the long run.
15Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me. Going to bed at night saying we’ve done something wonderful — that’s what matters to me.
One of the most profound Steve Jobs Quotes on success, it reminds us that wealth means little without meaning. True success is the pride of creating something valuable, helpful, or beautiful. Focus on leaving a legacy of work you’re proud of, not just building a bank balance that can’t follow you.
16.The goal is not to be the richest man in the cemetery.
A short but impactful Steve Jobs Quote on life, it tells us that money is not the final measure of success. The real goal is to live fully, create meaningful work, and leave behind something that adds value to others. Wealth is useful, but legacy and impact define your true worth.
17.Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.
One of the most empowering Steve Jobs Quotes on motivation, it reminds us to trust ourselves. Opinions from others can guide you, but they can also distract you from your purpose. Learn to listen to your instincts, especially when making big life or career decisions, because your inner voice knows your true path.
18.You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.
This Steve Jobs Quote on success explains that the meaning of events often becomes clear only in hindsight. Trust that your efforts, challenges, and experiences will eventually connect. Like learning unexpected skills that later become essential, every step counts — even when the bigger picture isn’t clear yet.
19.My favourite things in life don’t cost any money.
One of the most relatable Steve Jobs Quotes on life, it’s a reminder that joy often comes from simple things — time with loved ones, nature, creativity, and experiences. While money can buy comfort, the most meaningful moments are often free. Learn to value them, because they bring real happiness.
20.Everything around you that you call life was made up by people, and you can change it.
A powerful Steve Jobs Quote on innovation and leadership, it shows that nothing is fixed. Rules, systems, and industries were all created by people — and you have the power to improve or reinvent them. Believe in your ability to make changes, no matter how big, because every breakthrough starts with someone challenging the norm.
3. Steve Jobs Quotes on Creativity & Design
21.Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.
One of the most famous Steve Jobs Quotes on design, it teaches that beauty without function is incomplete. Good design solves problems while looking great. Like a chair that looks stylish but is uncomfortable — it fails. True design makes life easier and better, blending visual appeal with smooth, practical usability in every detail.
22.Creativity is just connecting things.
This Steve Jobs Quote on creativity reminds us that innovation often comes from linking existing ideas in new ways. You don’t need to invent from nothing — instead, combine experiences, skills, and concepts. Like using photography skills to improve website design, connecting unrelated dots often creates the most brilliant breakthroughs in work and life.
23.Details matter; it’s worth waiting to get it right.
A powerful Steve Jobs Quote on quality, it shows that small details shape the final impression. Rushing may deliver faster, but excellence comes from patience and refinement. Like perfecting a speech before presenting, investing time to get the details right makes the work stand out and builds long-lasting trust in your brand or craft.
24.That’s been one of my mantras — focus and simplicity.
One of the best Steve Jobs Quotes on success, it teaches that focus creates impact, and simplicity makes it accessible. Avoid overcomplication; aim for clarity. Like cleaning a cluttered workspace before starting a big task — removing distractions lets you give full attention to what truly matters, leading to more effective and creative results.
25.Simple can be harder than complex; you have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple.
This Steve Jobs Quote on design explains that simplicity requires deep thinking and discipline. Cutting out the unnecessary takes effort, but it makes the result clear and powerful. Like explaining a complex topic to a child — you must understand it deeply before you can express it simply and effectively.
26.Designing a product is keeping five thousand things in your brain.
A Steve Jobs Quote on innovation showing that great design requires juggling many ideas, details, and constraints at once. It’s about balancing beauty, usability, cost, and function without losing the big vision. Like planning a wedding — countless elements must come together smoothly to create one seamless, memorable experience.
27.What a computer is to me is the most remarkable tool that we have ever come up with. It’s the equivalent of a bicycle for our minds.
One of the most inspiring Steve Jobs Quotes on technology, it highlights how tools amplify human ability. Just like a bicycle lets you travel faster with less effort, computers help us think, create, and solve problems far more efficiently, making them one of the most empowering inventions in modern history.
28.Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.
This Steve Jobs Leadership Quote reminds us to set high standards. When excellence is the norm, people rise to meet it. Like a coach who demands the best from their team, holding yourself and others to a high bar builds pride, discipline, and results that stand out in any field.
29.Why join the navy if you can be a pirate?
One of the most famous Steve Jobs Quotes on innovation, it’s about breaking rules and thinking differently. The “navy” represents the safe, traditional path, while the “pirate” represents bold risk-takers who disrupt industries. Like starting your own business instead of sticking to a secure but unfulfilling job, it’s choosing adventure over routine.
30.It’s not a faith in technology. It’s faith in people.
A Steve Jobs Quote on leadership and innovation, it highlights that technology is only as powerful as the people who create and use it. Trusting and empowering individuals to solve problems drives progress more than relying on machines alone. People, not tools, are the true source of creativity and change.
Want to learn more about turning creative ideas into reality? Read our 51 Oprah Winfrey Quotes for Inspiration & Success.
4. Steve Jobs Quotes on Perseverance & Vision
31.I’m convinced that about half of what separates successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.
One of the most motivating Steve Jobs Quotes on perseverance, it shows that talent and ideas aren’t enough — persistence is the real game changer. Many quit when things get tough, but success comes to those who keep going through setbacks, learning and adapting until they reach their goal.
32.Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith.
This Steve Jobs Quote on life teaches resilience. Unexpected failures, losses, or rejections can feel crushing, but they’re part of the journey. Faith in yourself and your vision gives you the strength to stand back up, adapt, and keep moving forward when life knocks you down hard.
33.You have to be burning with an idea, or a problem, or a wrong that you want to right.
A Steve Jobs Quote on vision, it shows that real success comes from passion-driven action. When you deeply care about a cause or idea, you’ll push through challenges with energy and purpose. That inner fire keeps you going when motivation fades.
34.Your work is your legacy.
One of the most profound Steve Jobs Quotes on life, it reminds us that the things we create, build, and contribute outlive us. Whether big or small, the quality and meaning of your work shape how you’re remembered, so focus on making it count.
35.I want to put a ding in the universe.
This Steve Jobs Quote on vision reflects thinking beyond personal success. It’s about making a lasting impact that changes the world, even in a small but meaningful way. Every project, invention, or act of kindness can be your “ding” in the universe.
36.You’ve got to find what you love.
One of the most famous Steve Jobs Quotes on success, it’s a reminder that passion fuels persistence. When you love what you do, challenges become bearable, and success feels more fulfilling. Keep exploring until you find work that excites you.
37.We are just enthusiastic about what we do.
This Steve Jobs Motivational Quote teaches that enthusiasm is contagious. Loving your work inspires your team, customers, and audience. When people see your genuine excitement, they’re more likely to support and trust what you create or sell.
38.The most precious thing that we all have with us is time.
A Steve Jobs Quote on life that reminds us time is more valuable than money. You can earn back money, but not time. Spend it on meaningful work, relationships, and personal growth, because once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.
39.You can’t look at the competition and say you’re going to do it better. You have to do it differently.
One of the most insightful Steve Jobs Quotes on innovation, it shows that success doesn’t come from copying and improving — it comes from creating something unique. Different stands out; better often blends in.
40.Great things are not accomplished by those who yield to trends and fads and popular opinion.
This Steve Jobs Quote on vision teaches that real innovation often goes against the crowd. Following trends may bring short-term attention, but lasting impact comes from staying true to your vision and values, even when it’s unpopular.
Need motivation to keep going when times get tough? Don’t miss 51 Bruce Lee Quotes on Strength & Persistence.
5. Steve Jobs Quotes on Teamwork & People
41.It doesn’t make sense to hire good people and tell them what to do.
One of the most practical Steve Jobs Quotes on teamwork, it teaches that great talent needs freedom, not micromanagement. When you trust skilled people to take ownership, they bring fresh ideas and solve problems creatively. Hiring smart people only works if you also empower them to make decisions and lead in their areas of expertise.
42.We hire good people so they can tell us what to do.
This Steve Jobs Leadership Quote flips the usual approach. Experts should guide the company with their knowledge, not just follow orders. True leadership means listening, learning, and creating space for employees to shape direction, which builds a stronger, more innovative, and more committed team.
43.The thing that bound us together at Apple was the ability to make things that were going to change the world.
A Steve Jobs Quote on people and culture, it shows that shared vision unites teams more than salaries or perks. When everyone works toward creating something meaningful, it builds purpose, passion, and lasting commitment far beyond any individual goal.
44.My model for business is The Beatles.
One of the most unique Steve Jobs Quotes on teamwork — The Beatles succeeded because each member balanced and complemented the others. A great business team works the same way: individual strengths combine to create something far greater than anyone could achieve alone.
45.Every child should learn to program a computer because it will teach you how to think.
This Steve Jobs Quote on learning shows that coding teaches logic, creativity, and problem-solving. It’s less about becoming a programmer and more about training the mind to break problems into steps — a skill useful in every job and in everyday decision-making.
46.People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on, but that’s not what it means at all.
A Steve Jobs Quote on focus, it explains that real focus is about saying no to distractions — even good opportunities — so you can give your best to what truly matters. Focus is as much about what you reject as what you choose.
47.Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected.
This Steve Jobs Motivational Quote teaches that high standards can feel uncomfortable to those who’ve only experienced average expectations. But in the right culture, excellence becomes the norm, pushing everyone to grow, deliver quality, and take pride in their work every day.
48.We are here to put a dent in the universe. Otherwise, why even be here?
One of the most famous Steve Jobs Quotes on vision — life’s purpose is to make an impact, however small or large. Work, art, and ideas should leave a mark that inspires or improves the world for others, not just exist for personal gain.
49.The journey is the reward.
This Steve Jobs Quote on life reminds us that success isn’t just the destination — it’s the experiences, lessons, and growth along the way. If you only chase the end goal, you miss the joy and value of the process itself.
50.Real artists ship.
A Steve Jobs Quote on execution — creativity means nothing without action. Ideas are valuable, but they matter only when you deliver them to the world. Perfection is good, but completion and launch are what truly make an impact.
51.We’re here to make something wonderful, not to make money.
This Steve Jobs Quote on purpose shows that when you focus on creating value and excellence, financial success follows naturally. Chasing money alone often leads to compromises; aiming to make something meaningful creates lasting satisfaction and impact.
Conclusion
Steve Jobs’ words are timeless beacons for innovators, dreamers, and leaders. They inspire us to take bold risks, think differently, and push the boundaries of possibility. Let these 51 quotes be your daily reminder to innovate, persevere, and create a legacy that matters.