In Walter Isaacson's biography of Steve Jobs, the author highlights a quote from Picasso that reflects Jobs' philosophy on creativity and innovation. The phrase "good artists copy, great artists steal" illustrates the idea that successful artists and innovators build upon the ideas of others rather than merely imitating them. Jobs embraced this mindset, demonstrating a boldness in adopting and adapting great concepts to create something unique and impactful.
Jobs' approach to creativity emphasizes the importance of drawing inspiration from existing works while also transforming them into new, distinctive creations. He believed that true innovation often involved a synthesis of ideas, allowing for the emergence of groundbreaking products and designs. This attitude is essential in the world of technology, where continuous evolution and reinvention drive progress and success.