20 Years Later: Why Steve Jobs’ Stanford Speech Still Matters
Two decades ago, on June 12, 2005, a black-turtlenecked Steve Jobs took the stage at Stanford University to deliver what would become one of the most iconic commencement speeches in modern history. Now, 20 years on, the world continues to quote, study, and draw inspiration from his words—a speech that has become a rite of passage for entrepreneurs, students, and innovators alike.
To mark the 20th anniversary of the speech, The Steve Jobs Archive has released a newly enhanced, higher-resolution video of the full address. Apple CEO Tim Cook also honored the moment with a reflective social media post, saying,
"It's hard to believe it's been 20 years since Steve told Stanford graduates to stay hungry and stay foolish. His powerful advice still rings true, and I hope it helps guide this year's new grads as they begin their journey to become tomorrow's leaders."
The Origin of a Legendary Speech
What many don’t know is how deeply personal and meticulously crafted the speech truly was. In the weeks leading up to the ceremony, Jobs, who had never finished college himself, was emailing speech ideas to himself. The result wasn’t a traditional commencement address, but three personal stories—raw, vulnerable, and profoundly human.
Each story peeled back the layers of a man who was known for his intensity and vision, revealing a deeper message about life, death, passion, and purpose. He didn’t just offer graduates career advice—he offered them a blueprint for courageously living an authentic life.
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Timeless Quotes That Changed Mindsets
Among the memorable lines that still circulate in boardrooms, classrooms, and coffee mugs around the world are:
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“Stay hungry, stay foolish.”
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“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.”
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“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”
These weren't empty words. Jobs spoke candidly about dropping out of college, battling cancer, and risking everything to pursue work he believed in. He even joked that leaving college was one of the best decisions he ever made—a rebellious message that landed with both humor and impact.
A New Generation, The Same Message
In an era dominated by artificial intelligence, instant gratification, and startup hype cycles, Jobs’ message is more relevant than ever. It cuts through the noise to remind us of the deeper questions: Are you doing what you love? Are you listening to your inner voice? Are you wasting time pretending to be someone you're not?
As new graduates step into a world shaped by rapid technological change and uncertain futures, Jobs' words still act as a compass. His legacy is more than the iPhone or Apple—it’s the philosophy that bold, fearless thinking can change the world.
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Watch the Legacy in HD
The Steve Jobs Archive has uploaded the full 2005 Stanford commencement speech in enhanced quality on its official website and YouTube. Whether you're watching it for the first time or the 100th, the message continues to resonate. It’s not just a speech—it’s a call to action.
