Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything - all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.

The quote by Steve Jobs, "Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life," emphasizes the clarity that comes from contemplating mortality. Jobs suggests that the awareness of our finite nature serves as a powerful reminder to focus on what truly matters. When faced with the reality of death, many of the external expectations, pride, and fears that influence our daily decisions lose their significance, and we are left with a clearer sense of purpose and what is truly important in life.

Jobs’ perspective encourages us to strip away the distractions and societal pressures that often cloud our judgment. The fear of failure or embarrassment, which can hold us back from pursuing our passions or making bold choices, becomes irrelevant when we recognize that life is temporary. By confronting our mortality, we are forced to prioritize what truly brings meaning and fulfillment, allowing us to make decisions that align with our values and deeper aspirations.

The origin of this quote comes from Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, who was known for his visionary leadership and unique approach to both life and business. Jobs often spoke about the importance of following one’s heart and intuition, and he viewed his own impending death as a constant motivator to make decisions that were authentic and aligned with his core beliefs. His personal experience with cancer further deepened his understanding of mortality and the importance of living with intention.

In essence, Jobs’ quote serves as a reminder that death is an inevitable part of life and that acknowledging this fact can help us make more purposeful choices. By focusing on what is truly important and shedding the trivial fears and expectations that hold us back, we can live more authentically and make decisions that reflect our true desires and values.