Fortune: The Trouble with Steve Jobs

moe wrote:
> Fascinating article on the fascinating personality of Steve Jobs. It
> starts with the decision not to divulge his pancreatic cancer and
> makes the full arc into what drives him.
>
> <http://money.cnn.com/2008/03/02/news/companies/elkind_jobs.fortune/index.htm?postversion=2008030513>
>
>
> The tyranny of CEOs is a fascinating topic. It's common to believe
> what Jean-Louis Gasse said in the article: "Democracies don't make
> great products. You need a competent tyrant." And we know examples --
> Jobs, Larry Ellison, Steve Ballmer, and a couple I know personally.
> Then there are the many political figures, including more than a few
> monsters.
>
> But then there are the counter-examples: Hewlett and Packard being
> the greatest examples, but I know a dozen others who, if not kind,
> are at least gentlemen.

There are tyrants and there are benevolent dictatorships. The problem is you usually can't tell in advance when or how one will or can be turned into the other. And the later only works when most of the masses under the dictator agree he's a good guy doing good things.

David Ross