56. Steve fit a century’s worth of innovation and vision into 56 years. A compact, elegantly designed life.

It’s tempting to mythologize a person once they’ve gone and this is especially true with Steve. Tonight, Steve becomes a simple and beautifully executed idea with lasting impact, not unlike his products. He’s changed the world no fewer than three unique and lasting ways (pc/music/phone) and his closest competitors have only ever managed to copy or chase him. There’s not a sliver of hyperbole in that sentence. 

People love to say Rest In Peace, but maybe it serves us well to think different on this one: I hope Steve is restless and relentless in his next life. I hope he continues to piss excellence and inspire us to do the same.

Even in death, I’d like to think Steve has a final “one more thing” left in him; reminding us that 56 years can be transformed into eternity if we work hard enough. In 56 years anything can happen and the world can be changed, singlehandedly. 56 years is scary and unfairly short only if you let it be; so, be fearless instead. That’s the reminder I need every day, and it’s a helluva “one more thing.”

Don’t rest too long, Steve.