Recently, there has been a picture on Facebook which attempts to challenge the morals of individuals by questioning why millions cried for the demise of Steve Jobs while few would consider the plight of individuals who would need our affection more than a man who has completed his journey in the circle of life. While some may empathise with the picture and even take up positive action to alleviate the problem, others might simply pass it off as anti-capitalist. However, in this post, what I wish to talk about isn't the intended action of the picture; that can be inferred by any individual at a glance. Instead, what I wish to talk about is the reason why individuals behave the way they did as depicted in the picture.
In this world, and even more so in the "age of self", most individuals pursue their own personal interest, aiming to maximise their utility, or satisfaction by engaging in what they enjoy. Of course, to maximise our utility, is to give individuals the satisfaction that would ensure them a basic quality of life, and individuals who provide us with goods that do just that are able to tap into this new social norm to propel themselves into fame and power.
Steve Jobs is one such example. He created the iPhone and other Apple products which gave consumers the satisfaction they could derive from using the applications and functions of the phone. Few can argue about how much convenience his products can bring to individuals with its ability to access the internet, to use applications that allow individuals to play games, read the latest news updates and send emails. But more than that, he has changed the scene of the handphone market. If it had not been for Apple, Nokia would still be creating smartphones twice the size of the average phones of today to the wow of consumers, and Motorola would still be resting on its laurels after its success with the razr series handphones. Our concept of handphones would still be devices that send SMSes and make calls, and maybe allow individuals to use a few applications. But Apple pushed forth a revolution that made smartphones flatter, faster and more versatile through the use of smartphone application markets. Perhaps, what is even more commendable is the fact that smartphones no longer depend on the numeric pad, but qwerty keyboards on their digital displays. Even the fundamental details of a phone no longer hold now, thanks to the entrance of Apple into the market.
Thus, it is not impossible for us to realise why so many individuals shed their tears of sadness on the day of Steve Job's demise. He has impacted much of humanity in a way that seems so immeasurable. He has changed the way the handphone - product that has become a necessity to us - is being constructed. His impact on the numerous individuals in the developed world is so great, he is remembered for that contribution, and those who have benefited from the creation of his products mourn for him. Indeed, how much attention the world gives you is directly proportionate to what you have given to the world. The individuals in that Facebook picture were not remembered, or did not have many tear for them simply because their contribution to society is insignificant. Of course, some may argue that these people did not have the opportunity to shine like the much celebrated geniuses did, but whatever the process, the end result, is as observed, and as mentioned above.
Bottom line: a man is remembered for his contribution to society. If he does not impact society, he will not be remembered, and no one will mourn for him. But if he were to change society in ways we never imagined, he would go down in history as more than just someone worth remembering, but someone worth identifying with, someone people are proud to be associated to. So ask yourself today - what do I want to do for society? That question is something only an individual can answer for himself. And with the passing of time, perhaps, only those who have known him, would know if he has really contributed and be remembered in the way he had wished it to be.
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