Steve Jobs was known for his bold vision, sharp design sensibility, and relentless pursuit of innovation. But what’s less known is how one book shifted his entire way of thinking—far beyond business strategy or tech.
That book was Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda. He first read it as a teenager and re-read it many times throughout his life. In fact, it was the only book loaded onto his personal iPad and the one given to everyone who attended his memorial.
Here’s how this spiritual classic influenced the mind of a tech icon—and why its message still resonates with entrepreneurs today:
1. It Introduced Him to the Power of Inner Clarity
The book’s core theme is self-realization—knowing who you are beneath ambition, stress, or ego. For Jobs, this wasn’t just philosophy. It influenced how he made decisions, stayed focused, and stripped distractions away from his work.
Simplicity in Apple products wasn’t just design—it was a mindset.
2. It Helped Him See Business as a Form of Art
Jobs often spoke about technology intersecting with the humanities. This book reinforced his belief that great work comes from depth of thought, spiritual alignment, and emotional awareness—not just market research or numbers.
He saw building a company as an act of creation, not just execution.
3. It Encouraged Him to Trust Intuition
Jobs once told Stanford graduates: “Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” This wasn’t a cliché—it was how he operated. Autobiography of a Yogi helped him embrace stillness, reflect deeply, and trust the quiet voice behind his biggest moves.
That instinct led to bold decisions others couldn’t see coming.
4. It Shifted His Perspective on Success
Instead of defining success by wealth or scale, Jobs began seeing it as impact, meaning, and alignment with purpose. This view helped him take risks others feared—like returning to Apple after being fired, or launching the iPhone without a physical keyboard.
It gave him long-term vision in a short-term world.
5. It Reminded Him That Growth Is Internal First
At its core, the book is about discipline, consciousness, and becoming better—not just achieving more. Jobs internalized this, focusing deeply on personal growth as the foundation for professional innovation.
To lead others, he first had to lead himself.
Action Step
Pick one book that’s shaped the way you think—not just about business, but about life. Revisit it this month with fresh eyes. Like Jobs, you may find that the insights that once sparked you can still guide your next leap—this time, with deeper clarity.
