Steve Jobs' Academic Journey at Reed College: His Major and Influences

Steve Jobs is widely recognized for his impact on the tech industry, but even before founding Apple and becoming a household name, he had a unique academic journey at Reed College, particularly in terms of his major in literature.

Initial Decision and Choice of Major

When Steve Jobs enrolled at Reed College in 1972, he initially chose to pursue a major in literature. This major was undoubtedly reflective of his passion for the arts and humanities. Reed College, known for its rigorous and interdisciplinary curriculum, offered Jobs a robust environment to explore his literary interests.

Dropping Out and Auditing Classes

However, despite his initial enthusiasm, Steve Jobs did not stay long in the education system. He only spent a short time at Reed before dropping out after just one semester. This decision was not uncommon at Reed, as the college does not require students to declare a major until the end of their sophomore year. Instead of abandoning his studies entirely, Jobs continued to audit courses that interested him, taking a more independent approach to his educational path.

Impact and Lessons from Other Subjects

One of the classes that Jobs pursued despite not having a formal major was a calligraphy course. This class had a significant impact on Jobs, as it would later influence the design of Apple's products. In an interview, Jobs highlighted how the lessons he learned in calligraphy came into play when Apple was developing the first Macintosh computer. He explained, "When Steve Jobs was there, it was the period when we were coming up with what all the tools of the Macintosh interface would these flourishes and emphasis on type design, which worked into my design of the Finder and after that into the browser and desktop and many other things. [The calligraphy class] was very important to me."

Interestingly, during his time at Reed, Jobs also studied physics and poetry, further enriching his intellectual life and providing a diverse base of knowledge. This interdisciplinary approach seems to have been a recurring theme throughout his life, influencing his creative and innovative spirit.

Academic Influence and Life Lessons

Another noteworthy aspect of Jobs' experience at Reed was the influence of a professor named Robert Friedman. It was here that Jobs allegedly picked up what he later called his "Reality Distortion Field", a term that refers to his ability to persuade and influence people to believe almost anything. This skill played a significant role in the success of Apple, as Jobs was known for his charismatic and persuasive leadership style.

Conclusion

Steve Jobs' time at Reed College, while short-lived, was a rich and influential period in his life. His decision to pursue a major in literature at a young age, his involvement in auditing various classes, and his exposure to different fields of study all contributed to his development as an individual and a thinker. His journey at Reed not only set the stage for his future endeavors but also exemplifies the value of interdisciplinary learning and individualized education.