In Walter Isaacson's biography of Steve Jobs, a notable quote is attributed to Picasso: "Good artists copy and great artists steal." This phrase highlights the idea that while many artists may imitate others, the truly great ones take inspiration and transform it into something uniquely their own. It reflects the creative process where innovation often builds on existing ideas, pushing boundaries and redefining them.
Jobs, known for his groundbreaking contributions to technology and design, embodied this philosophy throughout his career. He believed that to excel, one must not only learn from others but also innovate upon those influences, creating original works that resonate more deeply with audiences. This mindset contributed to Jobs’ success and the evolution of his projects at Apple.