Steve Wozniak: The Philosophy of Happiness Over Wealth

Steve Wozniak, one of the legendary co-founders of Apple and the lead designer of the innovative Apple II computer, is a pivotal figure in the history of computing. His influence was not limited to his groundbreaking technical achievements but extended to extensive philanthropic work and the founding of a variety of technology companies, most notably a company focused on reducing the increasing orbital debris around Earth. It's worth noting that this company, named Privateer, was announced in September 2021 with the goal of tracking and cleaning up space junk to ensure space sustainability (Source: Space.com, September 15, 2021). In a recent development on May 8, 2024, Privateer announced its acquisition of Orbital Insight in a move that strengthens its capabilities in space data analysis (Source: Satellite Today, May 8, 2024). What distinguishes Wozniak, on his seventy-fifth birthday, despite decades spent in the world of technology and accumulating immense wealth, is his unique ability to maintain his humble and natural persona, مما يجعله مختلفًا عن مسار مليارديرات التكنولوجيا المعاصرين مثل بيل جيتس أو لاري إليسون.

Recently, on his seventy-fifth birthday, Wozniak participated in a lively discussion on Slashdot about his decision to sell his Apple shares in the 1980s. This decision, which some considered "bad" given the enormous market value those shares would hold today, was met with a response from Wozniak that reflects his own philosophy of life: "I gave away all my wealth from Apple because wealth and power are not what I live for."

Steve Wozniak's Philosophy on Selling Apple Shares

Wozniak explained that he lives a life full of fun and true happiness, مؤكدًا على التزامه بدعم المجتمع من خلال تمويل العديد من المتاحف والمجموعات الفنية الهامة في سان خوسيه، مدينته الأم. وقد سُميت الشوارع باسمه تقديرًا لإسهاماته الكبيرة. ويضيف: "الآن أتحدث علنًا وقد وصلت إلى القمة. ليس لدي أي فكرة عن حجم ثروتي، ولكن بعد 20 عامًا من التحدث علنًا، قد تبلغ 10 ملايين دولار بالإضافة إلى منزلين. لا أبحث أبدًا عن أي نوع من التهرب الضريبي. أكسب المال من عملي وأدفع حوالي 55% ضرائب مجتمعة عليها. أنا أسعد شخص على الإطلاق. Life for me has never been about material achievement, but about personal happiness, which is smiles minus frowns. I developed these philosophies when I was 18-20 years old and have never wavered from them." This philosophy embodies a unique vision of life that differs radically from the frantic pursuit of wealth and power, and emphasizes that true happiness lies in personal values and positive contributions to society.