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Introduction
In a world driven by ambition, talent, and innovation, one fundamental habit often gets overlooked—asking. Recently, billionaire Harsh Goenka reignited this conversation by sharing a classic yet powerful clip of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. In the short video, Jobs passionately speaks about how success often hinges on the courage to ask, to act, and to fail. This timeless advice has sparked wide engagement on X (formerly Twitter), with people from all walks of life reflecting on their own fears and failures when it comes to simply asking. Let’s dive into the essence of this message and what it really means in today’s success-obsessed culture.
the Original
Business tycoon Harsh Goenka posted a compelling clip on X featuring legendary innovator Steve Jobs. In this one-minute video, Jobs recounts a life-defining story from his childhood. At just 12 years old, he reached out to Bill Hewlett—yes, the co-founder of Hewlett-Packard—to ask for spare parts to build a frequency counter. Instead of being dismissed, Jobs was not only given the components he needed but also offered a summer internship at HP. That early experience didn’t just fuel his curiosity—it set him on the path to becoming one of the greatest tech icons of all time.
Jobs uses this story to highlight a universal truth: most people never ask for what they want. They hesitate, doubt themselves, and ultimately settle for dreams that remain unfulfilled. He draws a stark line between dreamers and doers—not based on talent or intelligence, but on the simple willingness to act, to reach out, and to risk failure.
Goenka’s post struck a nerve. Comments poured in supporting the idea that the fear of rejection keeps people from opportunities. Some users appreciated the motivational message, while others pointed out cultural differences. One commenter remarked that such boldness is more accepted in the U.S. than in India, where hierarchical systems and gatekeeping often discourage such initiative. Still, the message resonated: you lose nothing by asking, but you risk everything by staying silent.
What Undercode Say:
Steve Jobs’ message is more relevant now than ever. In a digital world brimming with resources, tutorials, and networking platforms, the barrier to entry is no longer lack of access—it’s fear. Fear of rejection, fear of embarrassment, and fear of failure keep countless individuals from reaching out for help, advice, mentorship, or collaboration.
Here’s the real truth:
People want to help more than you think.
Experts, CEOs, and leaders often respect curiosity and initiative, especially when it comes from younger minds or those outside the mainstream.
The worst-case scenario is a “no.” The best-case scenario? A career-changing opportunity.
Jobs’ childhood anecdote also underlines the idea that access doesn’t always come from privilege—it can come from persistence. He didn’t have connections. He made one by dialing a number. That principle still applies in the age of DMs, emails, and community forums. You’re one message away from your next opportunity.
But let’s also acknowledge the cultural context. As one user on X noted, asking isn’t universally accepted. In some regions like India, hierarchical systems, rigid corporate structures, and lack of transparency make it harder to reach decision-makers. That’s not just a cultural issue—it’s a systemic one. If we want a culture of innovation, we must create a culture that supports asking—without mocking or blocking those who do.
Moreover, Jobs’ emphasis on embracing failure is crucial. Schools and workplaces often penalize failure, when in reality, it’s the backbone of growth. By framing failure as an essential part of the process, Jobs dismantles the perfectionist mindset that often paralyzes progress.
From a growth hacking and entrepreneurial lens, this advice is gold. Cold emailing, pitching to investors, beta-testing ideas—all of these involve a level of asking and risk. The “ask culture” is embedded into every successful startup story.
In sum, Steve Jobs’ lesson isn’t about building gadgets—it’s about building character. It’s about showing up, making the call, sending the email, pitching the idea—despite knowing you might crash and burn.
✅ Fact Checker Results
✅ Steve Jobs’ story about calling Bill Hewlett is real—confirmed by multiple interviews and biographical accounts. 📞
✅ Harsh Goenka did share this video on X, and the clip matches Jobs’ past interviews. 📽️
✅ User reactions and cultural critiques on asking culture are documented and valid. 🌍
🔮 Prediction
As tech and entrepreneurship culture continues to expand globally, we’ll likely see a shift toward embracing the “power of asking” in regions traditionally bound by hierarchical norms. Platforms like LinkedIn, X, and startup communities will help flatten access barriers, especially for Gen Z and upcoming innovators. Within the next five years, expect more institutional support—such as mentorship incubators, open office hours, and direct-access panels—that normalize and reward the act of asking. The future belongs to the bold, not just the brilliant.
References:
Reported By: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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