In the early 1990s, while serving on President George H.W. Bush’s Export Council, Apple’s co-founder Steve Jobs underwent a thorough FBI background check.
The investigation, spanning almost 200 pages, painted a multifaceted picture of Jobs, highlighting both his extraordinary intellect and complex personality.
Despite his genius, his academic records were average, with a high school GPA of 2.65.
Furthermore, the report disclosed past drug use, including marijuana and LSD during his college years, and described him as someone who wasn’t always entirely open and truthful.
This intricate portrayal by the FBI showcases a contrast between his intellectual capabilities and his personal and academic history.
By Matthew Yohe, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=82773576
Here are interesting things about Steve Jobs
Advocate for LSD: Steve Jobs regarded his experiences with LSD as pivotal in shaping his perspective and creativity, viewing it as an important tool for exploring consciousness.
Adopted: Jobs was adopted as an infant by Paul and Clara Jobs, who raised him in California.
Strange Dieting Habits: Jobs had unique dietary habits, often following strict regimens like fruitarianism, which he believed enhanced his mental clarity and health.
Saving Pixar: His investment in Pixar Animation Studios was crucial, transforming it from a struggling graphics department into a major animation studio.
Disney’s Largest Shareholder: Following Disney’s acquisition of Pixar, Jobs became the largest individual shareholder of Disney, showcasing his significant influence in the entertainment industry.
Patented Glass Staircase: Jobs’ attention to design extended to patenting the architectural design of the glass staircase used in Apple Stores.
Homeless in College: During his brief time at Reed College, Jobs experienced periods of homelessness, often sleeping on floors and returning Coke bottles for food money.
Drove Without a License Plate: Known for his idiosyncrasies, Jobs drove a car without a license plate, exploiting a California legal loophole.
100+ Black Turtlenecks: Jobs was famous for his signature look, which included wearing black turtlenecks, a uniform that symbolized his approach to simplicity and focus.
College Dropout: Jobs dropped out of Reed College after just one semester but continued to audit classes that interested him, like calligraphy.
$1 Salary at Apple: As a symbol of commitment, Jobs took a nominal annual salary of $1 during his tenure at Apple, relying on stock options for compensation.
Civilian Astronaut Application: He once applied to become a civilian astronaut, reflecting his lifelong pursuit of ambitious and unconventional goals.
Named Computer After Daughter: The Apple Lisa was named after his daughter, Lisa Brennan-Jobs, acknowledging their complicated early relationship.
Stole from Wozniak: In their early collaboration, Jobs is said to have shortchanged Steve Wozniak during a project for Atari, highlighting a complex aspect of their partnership.
Half Arab, Half American: His biological heritage was half Arab (Syrian) and half American, with his biological parents being Abdulfattah Jandali and Joanne Schieble.
Zen Buddhism in India: Jobs’ travels in India and subsequent interest in Zen Buddhism significantly influenced his philosophy and approach to life and business.
Passion for Calligraphy: Influenced by a calligraphy course he audited at Reed College, Jobs developed a deep appreciation for typography, later influencing Apple’s design ethos.
Last Words: His enigmatic last words, “Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow,” were spoken just before he passed away, capturing the attention and imagination of many.