Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the

Hearken, children of the ages yet to come, and heed the timeless wisdom of Steve Jobs, who proclaimed: “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it.” In these words lies a profound meditation on purpose, passion, and the pursuit of excellence, teaching that life’s fulfillment flows not from idle labor, but from devotion to what the soul recognizes as worthy.

Jobs’ reflection reminds us that work is not merely a task or a means to survival, but a calling that occupies a vast portion of existence. The ancients understood this as well: Plato spoke of the soul’s need to engage in meaningful activity, Aristotle of the fulfillment found in praxis aligned with virtue. True satisfaction arises when labor transcends mere necessity, becoming a manifestation of one’s deepest values and vision. To pursue greatness, one must first love the path one walks.

Consider the life of Leonardo da Vinci, whose devotion to painting, invention, and observation of the natural world exemplified this truth. He did not toil merely for sustenance or fame, but out of fascination and passion. Each sketch, each discovery, was an act of love, and it is this devotion that made his work timeless. Jobs’ counsel echoes this ancient principle: great work springs from love, and love ignites both perseverance and brilliance.

Yet he also cautions against complacency: “If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle.” The soul must remain restless in its pursuit of purpose. History is filled with those who settled for mediocrity, only to feel the gnawing void of unfulfilled potential. Conversely, those who pursued their calling with unwavering resolve—such as Marie Curie, who dedicated her life to science despite hardship—found not only achievement, but meaning. Passion fuels persistence, and persistence transforms passion into greatness.

Jobs likens the discovery of one’s work to the matters of the heart, teaching that the recognition of one’s vocation is intuitive, a moment of clarity felt deeply. The ancients spoke of this as the alignment of soul and action, a harmony that resonates within the spirit. When one’s labor aligns with passion, time and effort are transformed into joy, and the mundane becomes extraordinary. This is the essence of fulfillment and true artistry in life.

From this reflection emerges a lesson for all who seek a meaningful life: do not pursue work for mere reward, status, or convenience. Seek the endeavor that stirs your spirit, challenges your mind, and awakens your creativity. Let love guide your choice, for without it, effort becomes burdensome, and accomplishment hollow. As Jobs instructs, the pursuit of great work is inseparable from the pursuit of heartfelt devotion and authenticity.

Practical guidance flows naturally: explore vocations with curiosity, experiment with paths until one resonates, and devote yourself fully when you discover it. Avoid the trap of convenience or fear, and honor the intuition that signals your purpose. Surround yourself with mentors and communities that support your pursuit, and allow your labor to be a reflection of both passion and integrity. Greatness is cultivated, but it begins with love for what you do.

Children of the ages, let Steve Jobs’ wisdom anchor your hearts: do not settle for the ordinary, do not follow duty alone, but seek that work which sets your spirit alight. When love and labor meet, the soul finds fulfillment, and the fruits of such endeavor endure beyond the span of a single life. Pursue what you love, commit with courage, and let your work be both a reflection and an extension of the greatness within you.

If you wish, I can also craft a more narrative, poetic version, evoking the rhythm of exploration, discovery, and passion, turning Jobs’ teaching into a spoken tale that rises and falls like the pursuit of a lifelong calling. Do you want me to do that?