Connecting the dots going backward
Steve Jobs' iconic speech at Stanford University remains etched in history as one of the most profound graduation addresses ever delivered. His words, encapsulated in that transformative 2005 speech, were nothing short of a revelation, evoking a profound sense of emotion and inspiration that transcended the confines of science.
For those familiar with Jobs' speech, the narrative unfolded in distinct phases, each recounting a facet of his remarkable journey. From his humble beginnings as a college dropout at Reed College to the ebbs and flows of love and loss, marked by his expulsion and subsequent return to Apple, and his contemplations on death—Jobs laid bare the raw essence of his life.
This week, my exploration led me to amusing comments disparaging the significance of joining the national digital skill acquisition initiative championed by NITDA, known as #3MTT. This program seeks to empower graduates, non-graduates, professionals, and young enthusiasts with a diverse range of tech skills. In a country like Nigeria, with an economy as intricate as Chinese algebra, addressing the escalating unemployment crisis becomes imperative.
#3MTT, if harnessed to its full potential, could bridge the digital skill capacity gap not only in northern Nigeria but across the entire nation. Yet, many fail to grasp the profound long-term impact, fixating instead on trivial formalities that serve as mere symbols of pessimism in the realm of ignorance.
Now, let's digress for a moment and revisit the story of Steve Jobs—not to mythicize him but to draw parallels that may fortify my argument. In this part of the world, we tend to marvel at stories of individuals perceived to be born with extraordinary abilities. However, I firmly believe, from personal experience, that no knowledge or experience is ever wasted.
Steve Jobs once emphasized the idea that you cannot connect the dots going forward but only backward. He underscored the importance of recognizing that success often hinges on past experiences, shaping and molding our trajectory into the future. When Jobs dropped out of Reed College, he enrolled in a calligraphy class—an apparently unrelated choice at the time. A decade later, while designing the first Macintosh computer, the knowledge from that seemingly impractical calligraphy class resurfaced. Apple infused the Mac with exquisite typography, setting it apart.
Jobs reflected on how his seemingly unrelated learning experience had become an invaluable asset. Had he not delved into calligraphy, the Mac might never have featured the captivating typefaces and beautifully spaced fonts. Moreover, the subsequent emulation by Windows arguably set the standard for personal computer typography.
Connecting the dots for Jobs was a challenge during his college years, but looking backward, a decade later, the clarity was undeniable.
The crux of my argument is straightforward: the future might appear uncertain for some, especially those grappling with the decision to acquire tech skills. Here, the story of Steve Jobs serves as a guiding beacon—a reminder to think through the choices we make.
Our world is fiercely competitive and undergoes rapid transformations. To ascend to the pinnacle, a coveted skill set is imperative. In my humble opinion, a multivariate tech skill set is the compass that navigates the unpredictable graph of ups and downs.
PS: Stay tuned for "Connecting the Dots Going Backward: My Personal Experience" next week. Mark your calendar and share this piece with your friends and family if you find my insights valuable. Thank you for being part of this journey.