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I have to wonder if Steve was just alpha-scum in the right place at the right time. In the short term, luck can make anyone look like a fool or a genius, even

I have to wonder if Steve was just alpha-scum in the right place at the right time. In the short term, luck can make anyone look like a fool or a genius, even though the reality is usually somewhere in between. However, Steve was highly successful over a number of decades. He ultimately created one of the most valuable enterprises in the history of the world. It seems that he was an unrepentant asshole, but I don't think that all of his success came down to just being in the right place at the right time.

reeses 13y ago
The "luck" over the long term is, as you say, more than just the equivalent of finding a quarter on the street. Nearly everyone I've observed with long-term "luck" has been mostly successful at recognizing and acting on opportunities. The a-hole contingent merely has another tool to widen the funnel of opportunities. By eliminating compromise and being willing to divest others of their benefits, one can increase the likelihood of eventual success. It just takes timing to stumble on one gold-making opportunity. It takes an approach to repeat it with consistency. I had a conversation with a drill instructor who encapsulated (hah) the role by asking if I thought he really had that level of anger over untied bootlaces. Many a-holes use every opportunity to send the message that not following their way will lead to dire consequences. It doesn't have to appear rational in the moment, but it is generally intended to achieve end results that the a-hole is unwilling to communicate.
incision 13y ago
>"It seems that he was an unrepentant asshole, but I don't think that all of his success came down to just being in the right place at the right time." Sure. Again relating this more to what I've experienced than any desire to try and peg exactly what Jobs was or wasn't - I don't think these people are living on luck. I think it's quite the opposite, they're absolutely deliberate in siphoning the talents everyone in their sphere of influence to their own ends. Like other comment here laid out so clearly they're able to take maximum personal advantage of every opportunity. What being in the right place at the right time would do is present historically unique opportunities and possibly people to pursue/exploit, leading to a bigger sphere encompassing more opportunities.
krisgenre 13y ago
You don't have be a good guy to become successful. Just look at all the politicians and religious leaders, at least in my country they are highly corrupted but have a massive following. If you can deceiving exploit people then its usually good enough.

reeses 13y ago

The "luck" over the long term is, as you say, more than just the equivalent of finding a quarter on the street. Nearly everyone I've observed with long-term "luck" has been mostly successful at recognizing and acting on opportunities. The a-hole contingent merely has another tool to widen the funnel of opportunities. By eliminating compromise and being willing to divest others of their benefits, one can increase the likelihood of eventual success. It just takes timing to stumble on one gold-making opportunity. It takes an approach to repeat it with consistency. I had a conversation with a drill instructor who encapsulated (hah) the role by asking if I thought he really had that level of anger over untied bootlaces. Many a-holes use every opportunity to send the message that not following their way will lead to dire consequences. It doesn't have to appear rational in the moment, but it is generally intended to achieve end results that the a-hole is unwilling to communicate.

incision 13y ago

>"It seems that he was an unrepentant asshole, but I don't think that all of his success came down to just being in the right place at the right time." Sure. Again relating this more to what I've experienced than any desire to try and peg exactly what Jobs was or wasn't - I don't think these people are living on luck. I think it's quite the opposite, they're absolutely deliberate in siphoning the talents everyone in their sphere of influence to their own ends. Like other comment here laid out so clearly they're able to take maximum personal advantage of every opportunity. What being in the right place at the right time would do is present historically unique opportunities and possibly people to pursue/exploit, leading to a bigger sphere encompassing more opportunities.

krisgenre 13y ago

You don't have be a good guy to become successful. Just look at all the politicians and religious leaders, at least in my country they are highly corrupted but have a massive following. If you can deceiving exploit people then its usually good enough.