What I Learned From Steve Jobs

I was always a fan of Jobs and his death has saddened me more than I realized. He wasn't always a nice man. He could be cold, demanding and a micro manager. He was a perfectionist with a vision who never compromised on his dreams -- not the kind of person I would have enjoyed working for. Still, I had an enormous respect for him.

He was born the same year as me - 1955 - and graduated from high school the same year, too. I remember reading an article that said my generation had nothing going for it, that we had no ambition and lacked vision so it always made me feel good to think there was somebody out there like Steve Jobs- somebody from my generation I could point to and say, "There!"

Here are five things I learned from Jobs:

1. No knowledge is wasted. Some may consider it silly to take a class such as calligraphy, yet when Jobs left school that's exactly what he did. He later incorporated his knowledge of calligraphy into his computer programs which is why we now have such a wide spectrum of fonts to choose from when it comes to writing an article, a paper, a card or even an invitation. You never know when the knowledge you gained from that class on basket weaving or yoga may be put to good use.

2. Elegance can be one with function. Apple products are a little pricey, but well worth the extra bucks. Not only are they sleek, lightweight and attractive, but they work incredibly well. They're virtually virus proof and have innumerable designs that make them easy to use and offer great creative possibilities. Elegant? Oh yes!

3. It's okay to fail. Steve Jobs was fired from the company he founded. For a while, he was down and sort of out, (though only for a short time), but eventually he discovered that getting fired was actually a liberating experience that gave rise to one of the most creative periods in his life. Our lives are a roller coaster, a cross country course that undulates with as many ups as it does downs. If things aren't going well, be patient and wait for the upside. Surely it will happen.

4. Don't compromise on your dreams. Compromise, I've been taught, is what life is about. You can't have everything your way. Life is about give and take. Still, Steve Jobs didn't compromise - not one single inch. Perhaps it earned him some enemies, but his attitude is also what propelled him to fame and helped him change the way the world operates. And he wasn't inspired by money but by his singular vision.

5. Make amends with your past. Steve did, for the most part. In seeking out his birth mother, he learned he had a sister. When they finally met, they discovered they had more in common than either had imagined. They were both driven, smart and intense. Too bad Jobs never connected with his birth father, too. Ah well, none of us are perfect.

There are many more reasons to applaud Jobs but for me, these are the main ones.

Art Where You Don't Expect It

If I go to an art opening, I expect a show complete with paintings or sculpture, wine, cheese and crackers and other finger foods. I expect the prices to be steep and the people to be dressed up - at least relatively so - while they stand around and schmooze. Some people will know a lot about art while others will just pretend to know a lot. Sometimes I find lovely, inspiring art at an opening or gallery, but often, admittedly, I walk away unimpressed.

One of the things that delights me is stumbling across a piece of art in an unexpected place. This happened to me in Border's once. I used their restroom and as I was washing my hands I noticed a lovely print of a teacup and saucer hanging next to the sink. I stared at it for a while. It was so nicely done - such a small, ordinary object - but the artist had found a way to capture its elegant beauty. From thereon, every time I went to Border's, I went out of my way to use the bathroom so I could look at that picture.

Quite a number of years ago, I bought Jeff Smith's cookbook, The Frugal Gourmet Cooks American. Yes, I know he was accused of inappropriate sexual conduct and is now dead. Still, his book had some great recipes that I've used over and over again. The thing that impressed me most, however, was Christopher Cart's accompanying pencil drawings. They were snapshots of an earlier America and included pictures of barns, rolling fields, the seaside, a rowboat and a stone hearth, to name a few. They were well done and made that cookbook a visual delight for me. Every time I open The Frugal Gourmet Cooks American, I take a few minutes to once again pore over the drawings. It's a small treasure tucked away in my kitchen pantry.

As a librarian, I read a lot of picture books. I was constantly delighted by the vast richness and quality of the illustrations. Most people would never think of looking to picture books for inspiring art; nevertheless it is there. Take, for instance, Chris Van Allsburg's riveting illustrations or those of Marla Frazee, Barbara McClintock, Diane Goode, Tony DeTerlizzi , David Biedrzycki and so many others that I can't possibly list them all here. Some of the best artists in the world are the illustrators of children's books.

Likewise, some of the best music in the world isn't found in a concert hall but on a city street corner or in the subway. While in Paris, I paused to listen to an amazing cellist playing Bach in the Metro. She seemed oblivious to the rush of people around her and played her soulful instrument with heart and concentration. She was impressive.

Some of the best art in the world is free or for only a small fee. Next time when you're out, just keep your eyes and ears open.