As news of the death of Steve Jobs spread Wednesday evening, tech luminaries and other public figures voiced their admiration for a man who, as US president Barack Obama said, was “brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it.”
Here are just some of the tributes that have been made so far. No doubt there will be many more to come.
Apple CEO Tim Cook: “Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being.”
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates: “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”
President Barack Obama: “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.”
Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg: “Steve, thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Thanks for showing that what you build can change the world. I will miss you.”
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak: “People sometimes have goals in life. Steve Jobs exceeded every goal he ever set for himself.”
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer: “I want to express my deepest condolences at the passing of Steve Jobs, one of the founders of our industry and a true visionary.”
Google co-founder Larry Page: “He was a great man with incredible achievements and amazing brilliance. He always seemed to be able to say in very few words what you actually should have been thinking before you thought it. His focus on the user experience above all else has always been an inspiration to me.”
Google co-founder Sergey Brin: “Steve, your passion for excellence is felt by anyone who has ever touched an Apple product (including the Macbook I am writing this on right now). And I have witnessed it in person the few times we have met.”
Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen: “We’ve lost a unique tech pioneer and auteur who knew how to make amazingly great products.”
Twitter CEO Dick Costolo: “Once in a rare while, somebody comes along who doesn’t just raise the bar, they create an entirely new standard of measurement.”
Yahoo co-founder Jerry Yang: “Steve was my hero growing up. He not only gave me a lot of personal advice and encouragement, he showed all of us how innovation can change lives. I will miss him dearly, as will the world.”
Dell CEO Michael Dell: “Steve Jobs was a great California innovator who demonstrated what an independent and creative mind can accomplish.”
Disney CEO Bob Iger: “Steve was such an ‘original,’ with a thoroughly creative, imaginative mind that defined an era. Despite all he accomplished, it feels like he was just getting started.”
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg: “Tonight, America lost a genius who will be remembered with Edison and Einstein, and whose ideas will shape the world for generations to come.”
