Steve Jobs :: Walter White

Reading the Isaacson book was enlightening. I thought I knew and understood Jobs before. I was wrong.

There is a common theme beginning with the Macintosh, and continuing through the first iPhone: Jobs inability to accept “no” for an answer. From anyone. Most notably is his communication with Corning Inc. regarding the original iPhone’s Gorilla Glass screen. The CEO of Corning insists it is impossible to retool his factories, and produce enough of that glass in time for launch. Jobs convinces him it is possible. “Don’t be afraid,” he says. “Yes, you can do it.” The rest is history (sorry I know clichés are obnoxious).

We are now halfway through the final season of Breaking Bad. (SPOILER) A recent episode includes Walter White ordering hits on several prisoners, and, to be successful, they have to be completed within a couple minutes. The person in charge of the mission claims this is impossible. White, with his usual arrogance, refuses to listen.

“It can be done exactly how I want it. The only question is… are you the man to do it?”

See a similarity? I recognize that this may be a stretch. Comparing the manufacturing of hardware to fictional murders is of course silly. However, it’s intriguing to ponder.

Note: While searching for the exact quote from Walter White, I found an article in which the author says “Heisenberg is in his full Steve Jobs mode again.” I suppose I’m not the only one who sees a connection.