The late Steve Jobs, renowned as the visionary mind behind Apple Inc., was celebrated for his unconventional lifestyle choices that set him apart from societal norms.
Jobs adhered to a strict diet that greatly impacted both his personal and professional life.
He often engaged in prolonged fasting periods, followed by consuming basic leafy greens and water.
Known for his repetitive consumption of specific foods like apples or carrot salads for weeks on end before abruptly changing or fasting altogether.
During a phase of following a fruitarian diet, Jobs famously visited an apple orchard, an experience that inspired the name Apple for his company.
This choice was deemed by Jobs as “fun, spirited, and non-intimidating,” sentiments shared by Apple Co-Founder Steve Wozniak, leading to the final selection of the name for their corporation.
Interestingly, Jobs’ fruit-based dietary preferences led to an unexpected consequence.
As detailed in Walter Isaacson’s biography, Jobs believed that regular showers were unnecessary for individuals consuming a pure, fruit-based diet, hence forgoing the use of deodorant.
This belief clashed with reality at Atari Corp., where coworkers raised concerns about his body odor, ultimately resulting in Jobs being relegated to the night shift.
This hygiene issue extended beyond Atari, as former Apple CEO Mike Markkula disclosed to Isaacson that Jobs was required to take showers before engaging in meetings, emphasizing the importance of conventional cleanliness practices in professional settings.
Aside from his unorthodox views on hygiene, Jobs exhibited other peculiar habits, including chronic nail-biting, potentially serving as a coping mechanism for the immense pressure and stress associated with his prominent role in the tech industry.
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A distinctive aspect of Jobs’ daily routine was his iconic attire: a black turtleneck, blue jeans, and New Balance sneakers.
This sartorial choice stemmed from his visit to Japan in the 1980s, where he found inspiration in the concept of a uniform after observing Sony employees.
Initially met with resistance when proposing a uniform policy at Apple, Jobs eventually embraced his personalized uniform, crafted by Issey Miyake.
He amassed a collection of over a hundred black turtlenecks, each priced at $175, streamlining his wardrobe decisions and establishing a visual identity synonymous with his brand.
From his unique approach to personal hygiene to his trademark minimalist wardrobe and nail-biting habit, Jobs’ idiosyncrasies offer insight into the multifaceted individual behind the Apple empire, illustrating the intricate nature of his character beyond his technological prowess.
These eccentricities underscore the notion that innovation and brilliance often accompany unconventional behaviors.
While Jobs’ technological legacy remains unparalleled, his quirks provide a deeper glimpse into the complexities of the man who reshaped the tech landscape, showcasing the depth that lies beneath a public persona.
