We’re all flawed, but it’s those flaws that make us human. Everyone has inherent imperfections, and these imperfections contribute to our shared humanity.
I’ve always been captivated by the persona of Steve Jobs. In the 2015 movie Steve
Jobs, the character of Jobs, portrayed by Michael Fassbender, is depicted
as a deeply complex and often difficult person, grappling with his own flaws
and the impact of his personality on those around him.
One of my favorite dialogues from the movie is when Michael Fassbender, as
Steve Jobs, says:
Steve Jobs: "I’m poorly made, Johnny. I’ve built
all of this—Apple, the products, the brand—but I’ve neglected the most
important thing: myself. I’ve hurt people, pushed them too hard, all in the
name of perfection. But deep down... I’m flawed. Imperfect. Just like everyone
else."
To this, Johnny Ive responds:
Johnny Ive: "We’re all flawed, Steve. But it’s
those flaws that make us human. You’ve always been driven by a vision, and yes,
you’ve made mistakes. But that doesn’t make you poorly made. It just makes
you... you."
Full dialogues ……….
[At Apple Headquarters – during
night]
The room is dimly lit. Steve Jobs sits alone at his desk, staring at a
prototype of the first iPhone. The office is quiet, the only sound being the
faint hum of computers and the ticking of a wall clock. Suddenly, the door
creaks open, and JOHNNY IVE, Apple’s chief designer, enters the room.
Johnny Ive: (hesitantly) Steve, you’re still here. It’s
late. We’ve done everything we can for tonight.
Steve Jobs: (without looking up) I know, Johnny. But it’s
not enough. It’s never enough.
Johnny Ive: (sighs) We’ve pushed the boundaries, Steve.
This is revolutionary. People will love it.
Steve Jobs: (finally looking up) Will they? Or will they
see right through it? Will they see through me?
Johnny Ive looks puzzled, unsure of what Steve is getting at.
Johnny Ive: What are you talking about?
Steve Jobs: (pauses, then speaks quietly) I’m poorly made,
Johnny. I’ve built all of this—Apple, the products, the brand—but I’ve
neglected the most important thing. Myself. I’ve hurt people, pushed them too
hard, all in the name of perfection. But deep down... I’m flawed. Imperfect.
Just like everyone else.
Johnny sits down across from Steve, a look of empathy in his eyes.
Johnny Ive: We’re all flawed, Steve. But it’s those flaws
that make us human. You’ve always been driven by a vision, and yes, you’ve made
mistakes. But that doesn’t make you poorly made. It just makes you... you.
Steve Jobs: (sighs) Maybe. But sometimes I wonder if I’ve
done more harm than good. If all of this—(gestures around the room)—is just a
reflection of my own insecurities.
Johnny Ive: (firmly) No, Steve. This is a reflection of
your brilliance. You’ve changed the world. And yes, you’ve had your struggles,
but that doesn’t define you. Your legacy does.
Steve Jobs nods slowly, absorbing Johnny’s words. The weight of his
self-doubt still lingers, but there’s a hint of resolve in his eyes.
Steve Jobs: (softly) Thanks, Johnny. I just hope... I hope
it’s worth it in the end.
Johnny Ive stands up, placing a reassuring hand on Steve’s shoulder.
Johnny Ive: It already is, Steve. It already is.
With that, Johnny leaves the room, leaving Steve alone with his
thoughts. He looks back at the prototype, a mixture of pride and uncertainty on
his face. The clock ticks away, the night growing deeper, but Steve’s mind is
still racing—questioning, wondering, yet ever driven by the pursuit of
something greater.
[FADE OUT]