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I visited Jobs for the last time in his Palo Alto, Calif., home. He had moved to a downstairs bedroom because he was too weak to go up and down stairs. He was curled up in some pain, but his mind was still sharp and his humor vibrant
Walter Isaacson
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects the resilience of the human spirit even in the face of physical decline.

Walter Isaacson's reflection on his last visit with Steve Jobs emphasizes the tenacity and vibrancy of Jobs' mind and humor, despite his physical weakness and pain. It speaks to the power of the human spirit to remain engaged and full of life, even when one's body is failing, highlighting the enduring nature of intellect and personality.

Themes

CourageStrengthResilienceSpiritHumor

In practice

Example use cases

In a eulogy celebrating a loved one's life, highlighting their strength in adversity.

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