Steve Jobs 1955-2011 / The Superslice

Steve Jobs, Innovator, Pioneer, Human Zeitgeist, Genius, Hero, 1955-2011

Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.

In a separate statement, his family said, “Steve died peacefully today surrounded by his family. In his public life, Steve was known as a visionary; in his private life, he cherished his family. We are thankful to the many people who have shared their wishes and prayers during the last year of Steve’s illness.”

Here are some responses we’ve come across from our friends around the world:

RIP Steve Jobs. Thank you for being so influential in shaping the way we use (and love) our technology and products. – Alejandra L.

A powerful innovator who transcended his generation of ‘idealistic’ ‘baby boomers’ to be a visionary for not only a new model of American ingenuity and business but for society and how we all relate to technology. RIP Steve Jobs. -Eric C.

“Galileo. Newton. Edison. Daimler. Braun. Jobs. Steve Jobs, I am holding your legacy in my hand. RIP” Sent from an iPhone –Richard W.

There should be a Hall of Fame where it’s just Steve Jobs. “Hall of Jobs” –Tony T.

RIP, Steve Jobs . . . you revolutionized media and technology and made me a fanboy. –Kris C.

…You’re dead now, Steve, you crazy round peg in the square hole, you handsome bastard, you insufferable and unrepeatable genius you, you awesome man with The Vision. Deal with it, because now the world will suck a bit more without your love for perfection, your hyperbolic obsession with magical devices, your insanely great ideas and boomsand one more things. –Gizmodo

The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come. For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it’s been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely. –Bill Gates

Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs. Steve was among the greatest of American innovators – brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it.

By building one of the planet’s most successful companies from his garage, he exemplified the spirit of American ingenuity. By making computers personal and putting the internet in our pockets, he made the information revolution not only accessible, but intuitive and fun. And by turning his talents to storytelling, he has brought joy to millions of children and grownups alike. Steve was fond of saying that he lived every day like it was his last. Because he did, he transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world.

The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Steve’s wife Laurene, his family, and all those who loved him. –President Obama

The corporation is the most powerful tool we’ve ever invented. It’s typically used as a club or a lever. Steve Jobs used it as a paintbrush. –@gabrielroth

Sad to hear about Steve Jobs. My Apple II and Mac 128 so helped me to think/believe differently. –@johnmaeda

Wow, never seen a twitter feed with so many unified messages. Steve Job’s legacy will live forever. RIP. –@scoutregalia

I don’t miss people. But I’ll miss Steve Jobs. –@CobraCommander

fuck cancer –@steveaoki

The genius we didn’t deserve, but the one we needed. Farewell, Steve Jobs. –@God_Damn_Batman

Steve Jobs has shut down all the snark on my Twitter feed. Wow. Great, great man. –@sepinwall

RIP Steve Jobs. You left your mark on our desks, on our ears & in our hands. –@darrenrovell

R.I.P. Steve Jobs. All-in on Apple, & never let down. Took my brand loyalty to all new heights. Sad times, but a great legacy. –@BastardMachine