In his biography of Steve Jobs, Walter Isaacson recounts the unconventional hiring of a chain-smoking Marxist by Jobs in 1976. This individual was brought on as part of the early team at Apple, highlighting Jobs' willingness to embrace diverse perspectives and talents. This choice exemplified how Jobs valued creativity and innovation over conventional norms in the tech industry.
The hiring decision reflects the fervent culture of the time and Jobs' vision for Apple, where he sought people who could challenge the status quo. The dynamic between Jobs and his team members often involved contrasting ideologies, which fostered a unique environment that stimulated groundbreaking ideas and technological advancements within the company.