Zen Buddhism and Steve Jobs

I understand now!  While reading the biography I found Jobs' sudden attitude change after high school to be odd.  Jobs' childhood was something to sympathize.  Perhaps because of this initial introduction into Steve's childhood I subconsciously sided with his controversial attitude.  I want to believe that the same socially awkward grade-skipper was indeed the arrogant, perfectionist of Apple.  Then I saw the video, Talks of Shunryu Suzuki Roshi at Tassajara Zen Mountain Center.  As Suzuki explains a few Buddhist words and their meanings I feel that Steve expertly portrayed some of the qualities.

     

Can you not hear Steve as the bird?  Steve lands into the offices of different companies and takes them as his own!  Steve's business etiquette, before he started wearing suits, was unprofessional and, honestly, plain unhygienic.  Not showering and not putting on deodorant is a turn off to many businessman and civilians alike.  For Steve to feel that he can come dressed  in any attire comfortable was surprising.  From this clip, it seems that his Buddhist practice supports the idea of taking a being and place as your own.  This perception that Steve had would either be taken or abhorred.  There are many cases of Jobs being taken as the dirty, smelly hippie with the bad attitude, for instance, when he landed in England right before his trip to India.  However, there are others that accept his behavior and even like it.  For instance, Al Alcorn allowed Steve to work at Atari after he refused not to leave and wore a robe with sandals.  Obviously, this behavior inspired by his Buddhist practice, was essential in his life and opened many new doors.

It is obvious that Jobs felt comfortable in his attire and  behavior but did he choose to act that way because of the inspiration of Suzuki and Buddhist practice? The qualities that set Steve apart from most businessmen at the time was his sense of style and his behavior.  Suzuki explains that we all have a reason for being here and that no two things are alike.  I think after graduation Steve developed a love for his search for enlightenment and when he came across similar Buddhist teachings he craved to be different.  Steve needed something that would set him apart from the rest.  Steve's clothing and lifestyle left a first impression worth remembering. 

Steve's search for enlightenment led him to different places like India and allowed him to meet different people.  It is apparent that Steve's journey and practice of Buddhism shows not only in his innovative appliances, but also in his personality and behavior.  

Here is the full video: