D269 Task 1 Template

Grace J.
November 8, 2025November 8, 2025
BSN, D269, Western Governors University

Student Name

Western Governors University

D269 Composition: Writing with a Strategy

Prof. Name

Date

Steve Jobs: ‘You’ve Got to Find What You Love,’ Jobs Says

Summary

Steve Jobs’ commencement address at Stanford University in 2005 is a deeply personal and inspirational speech. In it, Jobs shares three significant stories from his life. The first recounts his decision to drop out of college, an unconventional choice that eventually led to unique opportunities, such as taking a calligraphy class that influenced the Macintosh’s iconic design. The second story reflects on his unexpected firing from Apple, the company he co-founded, which, although painful, spurred him to create NeXT and Pixar—ventures that ultimately contributed to Apple’s revival. The final story deals with his confrontation with mortality after being diagnosed with cancer, which reinforced his belief in living authentically and with purpose. Through these anecdotes, Jobs emphasizes the importance of pursuing what you love, trusting your instincts, and not wasting time living according to others’ expectations.

Purpose

The primary aim of Jobs’ speech is to inspire graduates to embrace their individuality and pursue their true passions. By sharing his personal experiences, he encourages listeners to learn from failures, be resilient, and prioritize what truly matters in life. The speech is a motivational call to action, urging young people to live courageously and authentically rather than following conventional paths that do not resonate with their inner desires.

Context

The speech took place during a pivotal era in both technological innovation and cultural attitudes toward career and life fulfillment. In 2005, Apple was undergoing a significant transformation, redefining the tech industry with its innovative products. At the same time, there was a growing cultural movement towards valuing creativity, purpose, and personal meaning over traditional career success. Jobs’ address tapped into this zeitgeist, offering guidance to a generation seeking deeper significance in their professional and personal lives.

Audience

Jobs delivered this speech primarily to the graduating class of Stanford University, their families, and faculty members. The address was tailored to young graduates on the cusp of entering the workforce and making critical life decisions. While the core audience was students, the message’s resonance extended to anyone interested in self-improvement, resilience in the face of challenges, and the intersection of technology and creativity. Jobs spoke directly to those ready to take risks and carve out fulfilling careers.

Appeals

Steve Jobs expertly uses rhetorical appeals to engage and persuade his audience. These include:

Rhetorical Appeal	Examples	Explanation
Ethos (Credibility)	Jobs shares his personal setbacks, such as being fired from Apple, which builds his credibility as someone who has faced and overcome adversity. He also describes how dropping out of college and trusting his instincts led to meaningful experiences.	This appeal establishes Jobs as a trustworthy and relatable figure, reinforcing his authority on the topic of following one’s passion.
Pathos (Emotion)	Jobs evokes emotion by discussing his confrontation with death and how it motivated him to live life to the fullest. He also conveys the joy and fulfillment he found by doing what he loved.	Emotional storytelling helps the audience connect deeply with Jobs’ message, inspiring them to act with authenticity and urgency.
Logos (Logic)	Jobs logically explains how failure can lead to growth, using his firing from Apple as an example. He also illustrates how seemingly unrelated experiences, like a calligraphy class, can unexpectedly contribute to success, such as influencing Macintosh’s design.	This appeal strengthens his argument by providing clear, rational examples that demonstrate the benefits of embracing life’s uncertainties and following one’s passion.

Through this combination of credibility, emotional connection, and logical reasoning, Jobs creates a compelling and memorable speech that motivates listeners to pursue meaningful and authentic lives.