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Steve Wozniak, the revered co-founder of Apple, continues to captivate the tech world not just with his engineering brilliance but with his remarkably grounded philosophy on life and wealth. As he recently celebrated his 75th birthday, Wozniak made headlines for a strikingly candid comment on an online forum, reaffirming his unique perspective on prosperity.
Known affectionately as “Woz,” Steve Wozniak’s legacy extends far beyond his foundational work on the Apple II, a computer instrumental in shaping the early personal computing landscape. After departing Apple in the mid-1980s, Wozniak channeled his energy into a diverse array of philanthropic and innovative endeavors. He was instrumental in establishing the Electronic Frontier Foundation, supported the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, and has dedicated decades to public speaking and launching a variety of tech ventures, including one focused on space debris mitigation.
What truly distinguishes Wozniak from many of his tech billionaire contemporaries like Bill Gates or Larry Ellison is his consistent adherence to a down-to-earth persona, despite his access to significant wealth. This humble approach was vividly illustrated when he recently engaged in a Slashdot comment thread.
Wozniak’s Zen Reply on Wealth
The online exchange began with a discussion about Wozniak’s ongoing lawsuit against YouTube. However, one commenter pivoted the conversation, pointing out Wozniak’s decision in the 1980s to sell his Apple stock, which would be worth an astronomical sum today. The commenter wrote, “Smart man. Great engineer. Bad decision. Happens to all of us.”
In a move characteristic of his approachable nature, Wozniak himself popped into the thread to deliver a profound and “zen” reply. Using an account previously confirmed as his, Wozniak wrote:
“I gave all my Apple wealth away because wealth and power are not what I live for. I have a lot of fun and happiness. I funded a lot of important museums and arts groups in San Jose, the city of my birth, and they named a street after me for being good. I now speak publicly and have risen to the top. I have no idea how much I have but after speaking for 20 years it might be $10M plus a couple of homes. I never look for any type of tax dodge. I earn money from my labor and pay something like 55% combined tax on it. I am the happiest person ever. Life to me was never about accomplishment, but about Happiness, which is Smiles minus Frowns. I developed these philosophies when I was 18-20 years old and I never sold out.”
Wozniak’s statement underscores a philosophy he cultivated early in life: that true fulfillment stems not from accumulation or power, but from joy and positive contribution. His commitment to philanthropy, particularly in his hometown of San Jose, and his transparency about his earnings and tax contributions, highlight a unique path among tech industry pioneers. His enduring belief that “Happiness is Smiles minus Frowns” stands as a powerful testament to a life lived on his own terms, prioritizing personal contentment and giving back over the relentless pursuit of financial empire. It’s a perspective that offers a refreshing contrast in an era often defined by extreme wealth and ambition.