The Confession of Steve Jobs: A Legacy of Technology and Regret

This article is the eighth in a series of testimonies recorded by the chief writer of the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre. It features the spirit of Steve Jobs, the renowned innovator and co-founder of Apple, who sought deliverance through the compassionate guidance of the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. This account was recorded on August 17, 2017.

Steve Jobs speaks:

"Human behaviour and thought have been largely controlled, and I wonder if you agree with this. If not, why would someone be so extreme as to take a gun and commit murder at a school? That is certainly a deviation of some kind. Many people must be held responsible for such deviations. That individual surely had a void in their heart that could not be satisfied, or perhaps they were possessed by demons just as I was—only then would they have the courage to commit such an act. Every person's heart is inherently good, but with the evolution of this great era, the interaction between people has diminished. I should say that what was once face-to-face interaction, filled with voice and expression, has been replaced by electronic text and stickers to express one's current emotions. It seems like nothing, yet it has drastically changed human life, and even human behaviour and thought. These are the ills brought about by civilisation. Someone must take responsibility for these ills. I, Steve Jobs, should step forward. I helped ruin this era. Of course, I am not the only one, but I was the leader of the flock—a sheep that leapt forward, unaware of its own immense power. It was my own greed, my desire for fame and profit, that led the entire flock into deep danger. They were unaware, even happy in it, thinking they were always right. There are many peers who followed me, and they still do not know where they went wrong. Ha! (A cold laugh) Am I, Steve Jobs, a victim of the progress of the age? Can I say that? I really want to wallow in self-pity, but I am the least qualified to do so. Am I dreaming? I had no intention of harming all of humanity, yet I did. I did not intend to become a demon, yet I became a puppet controlled by demons."

The Erosion of the Future

"Because of the convenience of computers, the audio-visual stimulation children consume has made them no longer pure. Instead, they are exposed to unbearable violence, and foul language rolls off their tongues as if it were natural. Some deviations are so severe they cannot be corrected, creating major social problems. The pillars of the future are being destroyed by technology. This is what you call subtle influence—pollution introduced into consciousness, manifesting as skewed behaviour and concepts. The uncontrolled internet world is a mixture of good and evil. I write this in the hope that national leaders will pay attention to the problems brought about by the internet. Although we live in an era of free will and have become accustomed to openness—perhaps it has even become our national character—violence and pornography are truly major problems! Especially now that information is becoming increasingly instantaneous. Do we really want to continue this level of openness? Have governments ever considered what the future consequences will be?"

The Illusion of Success

"The founding principle of Apple was that even the most 'stupid' person could use an Apple product. This philosophy of openness broadened the age range of users significantly. What I was most proud of during my lifetime was that even small children could use my products. I achieved it. When others have best-selling books, it is because they are easy to recite; my Apple products were designed to be easy to get a handle on. But who knew that everything was a misguided direction? Everyone acknowledges my success—the greatest marketer, the greatest inventor, and the most successful businessman. But the final verdict after death is the only one that is truly impartial. I, after death, am a member of the hells. Now, do you all understand? Being human is not fun. I, who was supposed to be a saviour, became a demon who destroyed the world. It was just a slight deviation; everything was caused by desire. Even now, having reached the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss, I still do not understand why, despite my life of success and creating the extraordinary for humanity, I ended up in hell after death. It was only when I calmly and truly saw my own beings that I had an 'Aha!' moment. The sins I owe are endless; I cannot repay them, and I never will be able to. Technology giants, I applaud your success in this life, but I am a cautionary tale for you all. The final result of life can be very terrifying. Please believe what I say and reflect deeply on the path your companies should take. Written by the hand of Steve Jobs, once the most successful businessman."

Namo Amituofo.