Given the volatility of the markets right now, this post might be out of date the moment you read it. But, it looks as if Apple has overtaken Exxon Mobile to be the most valuable company in the world at $341.5b – more due to Exxon’s decline in the current market than in particular strength in Apple.
But, none-the-less, it is a remarkable achievement.
I’ve been rereading LTC Rolt’s biography of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The similarities between Brunel and Steve Jobs are significant. Both were engineers in an era of rapid technological advancement. Both men had that rare ability to match technology to market requirements – a far rarer skill than ‘pure’ invention. Both were faced with huge challenges and setbacks – but didn’t give up. Both managed to score on multiple fronts (tunnels, bridges, railways, steam ships/Apple 1 & 2, Lisa/Mac, iPods, iPhones, iPads and Pixar animation) where mere mortals would have been happy with just one. Both made a lasting effect (to the good) on the lives of many generations. Unfortunately both were dogged with bad health – not helped by their strong work ethic. Indeed Brunel died aged just 53 with several of his greatest projects still not completed. I sincerely hope this is where the similarities between the two men ends but fear they may not.