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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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iWoz summary
Steve Wozniak and Gina Smith
Computer Geek to Cult Icon: How I Invented the Personal Computer, Co-Founded Apple, and Had Fun Doing It
Brief summary
'iWoz' is an autobiographical account of Steve Wozniak's life as the co-founder of Apple. The book discusses his innovative creations, including the Apple I and Apple II, and provides insight into the early years of the company.
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iWoz
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Wozniak’s childhood passion for electronics and his fierce competitiveness shaped his later success.
Chances are, you’re reading this on a computer, a smartphone or a tablet. That’s because today, computers are ubiquitous, powerful and astonishingly portable. But that wasn’t always the case!
In fact, when Stephan Gary Wozniak was born, in the year 1950, computers were massive (huge enough to fill entire rooms!) and inaccessible to the non-specialist public.
But although Wozniak didn’t grow up with smartphones and laptops, he was nonetheless passionate about electronics from an early age. At six, he built his first crystal radio; at eleven, he engineered a house-to-house intercom with some friends.
The intercom proved to be an early indicator of Wozniak’s ingenuity: after acquiring some wire from a local phone guy, Steve drew a scheme that made sense of the interconnected “plus” and “minus” wires. Then he and his friends tracked down microphones and buzzers to complete their secret intercom system, allowing for covert, middle-of-the-night conversations.
It’s worth noting that Wozniak was never a classic superstar student. He was extremely competitive, however, and also an avid reader.
It was precisely this love of books that gave him a role model: Tom Swift, the protagonist of a series of adventure books that chronicled the world-saving exploits and dazzling inventions of the teenage scientist and engineer. Whenever there was a crisis, Swift sprang into action. Plus he had his own laboratory and a best friend to accompany him on his adventures. To Wozniak, this seemed a perfect life.
And as previously mentioned, Steve had a fierce competitive streak. For instance, in the third grade, he realized he was good at math after winning a competition. And once he recognized his own talent, it motivated him to study even harder and practice ever more diligently, in an effort to surpass his classmates.
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What is iWoz about?
iWoz (2006) is the story of Steve Wozniak, who co-founded Apple, the first trillion-dollar company in the world. The authors explain how Wozniak’s early life shaped his later success and illuminate his deeply ethical approach to life and work.
iWoz Review
iWoz (2006) is an enlightening memoir that takes us on the journey of Steve Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple. Here's why this book is worth a read:
- It gives a firsthand account of the birth of Apple and the creation of the first personal computer, providing valuable insights into the tech industry's early days.
- The book offers a glimpse into Wozniak's brilliant engineering mind and showcases his remarkable ability to think outside the box and innovate.
- Through engaging storytelling and personal anecdotes, Wozniak shares his passion for technology, making the book a captivating exploration of his life and achievements.
Who should read iWoz?
- People interested in Steve Wozniak’s life and work
- Anyone who wants to learn about the history of technology and computers
- Those curious about the origins of Apple.
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iWoz FAQs
What is the main message of iWoz?
iWoz is a memoir that tells the story of Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, and his journey to revolutionizing the computer industry.
How long does it take to read iWoz?
The reading time for iWoz varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is iWoz a good book? Is it worth reading?
iWoz is a captivating and insightful book that offers a unique perspective on the birth of Apple and the genius of Steve Wozniak. It is definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of iWoz?
The authors of iWoz are Steve Wozniak and Gina Smith.
What to read after iWoz?
If you're wondering what to read next after iWoz, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Anarchy by William Dalrymple
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- Hardcore Self Help by Robert Duff
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- She/He/They/Me by Robyn Ryle
- Millennial Money Makeover by Conor Richardson
- Indistractable by Nir Eyal
- Maps of Meaning by Jordan B. Peterson
- Elevate by Joseph Deitch