Steve Jobs FBI File: Ex-Hippie And Computer Genius

[webfact]

Steve Jobs FBI File: Ex-Hippie and Computer Genius

On Thursday the FBI responded to a freedom of information request and released a secret report on the late Steve Jobs that detailed an investigation into his suitability for an export and trade advisory role in George W. Bush senior’s government in 1991. The 191-page document shines a light on many aspects of his personal life and business affairs, but are there any real revelations contained in the report?

Full story: http://www.nettechbl...-jobs-fbi-file/

-- nettechblog.com 2012-02-13

[BigJohnnyBKK]

> even though many people held a negative view of his moral character and integrity.

The only people for whom this isn't equally true are the few saints among us, and then only after they've become publicly acknowledged as such, especially once they've passed on.

> It’s widely known that he experimented with cannabis and LSD in his college years (he said taking LSD was one of the most important experiences of his life)

IMO and that of many this has nothing to do with morality - why was it brought up in that context? Those that experiment in that way in my experience are usually much more truly and thoughtfully moral people than those who just slavishly follow their current society's mores and laws, or God forbid the rules of some established institutional religion.

> claimed that he was callous, shallow, narcissistic, stubborn, and liked to get his own way.

Again, little to do with "morality" except at the level of those striving for sainthood.

> Perhaps these are all essential character traits necessary to become a highly successful CEO of a multinational company.

He didn't "become a CEO", he started the company from scratch (along with others) and of course having supreme self-confidence, being driven by single-minded obsession and focus on worldly goals is required for such success. He had his character flaws, but those who chose to be in his life on a personal basis had their own reasons for doing so. He had his flaws as a business manager, but it seems they were minor compared to his skills, and many would be willing to put up with inappropriate abuse in order to hitch a ride with such a rising star.

May he rest in peace. . .

[nikster]

Well - it's the FBI. That's why the LSD thing is important to them even though nobody else cares, etc. And that's why I didn't read this. I don't have a high enough opinion of the FBI to consider whatever they think important.

That reminds me... once, in a martial arts training camp, we were treated to an official internal FBI trainings video. Whatever respect I had for the organization was gone after that. It was a completely ridiculous paranoia-fest. The message was: Anyone and everyone is out to get you. To kill you, in fact. It was ridiculous. But did explain why the cops in the USA are super paranoid and prone to pull out their guns at any routine traffic stop...