It's narrated looking back years, so probably the conversation had been slightly different. I agree that pouncing like that on "know" vs. "believe" seems over t

It's narrated looking back years, so probably the conversation had been slightly different. I agree that pouncing like that on "know" vs. "believe" seems over the top. But he probably used some different way to express himself. Maybe he even told Jobs that they had a better offer but was obviously bullshitting. With that much shame involved, some ego-protection would be expected.