I've been thinking about politics, of course, and its dismal state; and the forthcoming iPad, and also watched on tv (CNBC, I think) part of a history of Apple Computer. And it hit me.
Steve Jobs' goal is to make good stuff. They don't do "market research" at Apple, they are not trying to please the customer. Actually, Apple makes good stuff for which there may be no clear customer. They don't try only to make the "best in the category," as with laptop computers for example, but they also invent whole new categories that didn't exist before, like the iPod, the iPod, and now the iPad. Even the Newton basically invented the PDA, although Palm and others gained the profits.
Similarly, Barack Obama just tries to do the right thing, to do good things. He isn't very "political," he doesn't pay a whole lot of attention to polls or focus groups. Perhaps it could be said that he is "strategic," but he isn't very "tactical." He isn't all that concerned with the November 2010 elections, really, as so many others are, and not in his own re-election in 2012, either. He just wants to stay at the task of addressing the nation's problems in the best ways that he and his people can figure out. Do a good job, as Apple does, and the "customers" (or voters) will follow.
The two do differ: Jobs is to some considerable degree a one man show, while Obama is a great compromiser. He listens to the thoughts and ideas of others; Jobs marches mainly to his own drummer. Although really, that is what Obama does too, after all the thoughts and info have been gathered.
Of course, they are similar in being brilliant. A lot smarter than you and me, and a lot smarter than nearly all of the people they have to deal with.
Anyhow, I know and knew that I admire both men, and I "appreciate their service." But I had never considered comparing them because they are involved in such different aspects of society. Now I have, and I do think they are rather alike.
What about Clint Eastwood, another man I admire? I am thinking about him at the moment, too. Hmmm. That needs some further consideration.
I do admire the Dalai Lama, too. Hmmm again.
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