Everyone here has the sense that right now is one of those

"Everyone here has the sense that right now is one of those moments when we are influencing the future." With these words, Steve Jobs captures the essence of a powerful truth: the present moment holds immense potential, for it is in these very moments that we are laying the groundwork for the future. Jobs understood that history is shaped not by abstract forces, but by individuals who, through their actions, decisions, and innovations, create ripples that will echo far beyond their time. The moment we live in is always part of a larger continuum, and it is up to us to recognize that our choices today can shape the world of tomorrow.

In the ancient world, the awareness that the present moment could influence the future was deeply ingrained in the philosophies of great thinkers. Heraclitus, the Greek philosopher, famously said, "You cannot step into the same river twice," meaning that everything is in constant flux, and every action, no matter how small, contributes to the unfolding of the world. This idea of the present moment shaping the future was also echoed by Plato in his dialogues, where he often spoke of the philosopher-king—a ruler whose wisdom and understanding of the present world would enable him to shape the future of the state. Plato’s vision for a just society was built upon the idea that present actions, grounded in wisdom, could create a lasting and positive legacy for future generations.

In the Roman era, the idea of shaping the future through the present moment was seen in the actions of individuals like Julius Caesar. His military and political decisions were driven by a keen awareness of the power of timing and opportunity. Caesar's rise to power was not solely the result of his military might, but his ability to understand the significance of his decisions in real time, recognizing that his choices would influence the course of history. His famous crossing of the Rubicon was a moment of decision that not only changed the future of Rome but also signaled to the world that each moment holds the potential for great transformation.

Steve Jobs, in his own way, mirrored the actions of these great leaders. He was not only an innovator but also someone who understood that every small detail—whether it was the design of a product or the culture within his company—had the potential to influence the course of technology, society, and human behavior. Jobs famously once said, "The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do." This embodies his belief in the transformative power of the present—in the moment of creation, of taking action, there lies the potential to change everything. Apple’s rise, under Jobs’ leadership, was not just about creating products but about recognizing and seizing the moment to change how we interact with technology and how that technology shapes our lives.

One need only look to the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg to see how a single moment can change the future. Before Gutenberg’s press, books were rare and expensive, and literacy was confined to a small elite. Yet, the simple invention of movable type allowed for the mass production of books, democratizing knowledge in a way that altered the future of education, religion, and even politics. This invention, like Jobs' creations, was a recognition that the actions of today could have a profound impact on tomorrow.

The lesson of Jobs' quote is one of awareness and intentionality. It calls us to live fully in the present, recognizing that the choices we make today, however small they may seem, can influence the future in ways we might not immediately understand. Jobs’ words challenge us to embrace the power of now, to understand that each moment is pregnant with the possibility of change, and that greatness is often born from the willingness to take risks, seize opportunities, and shape the future through thoughtful action.

In practical terms, we must recognize that our daily decisions—whether in business, relationships, or personal growth—are not isolated moments. They are part of a larger tapestry, each thread weaving into the future. Let us not wait for the future to arrive before we take action, but rather, let us take responsibility for shaping the future today by the choices we make in this very moment. Whether we are launching a new project, innovating in a creative field, or simply seeking to better ourselves, let us do so with the understanding that our influence on the world begins with our decisions now. Through this, we can create a legacy, much like those before us, that will shape generations to come.