‘Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish’ speech turns 20: Apple CEO Tim Cook on why Steve Jobs’ powerful advice is still relevant

Steve Jobs

Two decades ago, Steve Jobs took the stage at Stanford University’s commencement and delivered what would become one of the most iconic graduation speeches of all time. His now-legendary advice —“Stay hungry, stay foolish” — has since echoed across classrooms, boardrooms, and startup garages around the world. This week, Apple CEO Tim Cook marked the 20th anniversary of that moment with a heartfelt tribute, reflecting on the enduring power of Jobs’ words and their continued relevance for today’s graduates.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since Steve told Stanford graduates to stay hungry and stay foolish,” Cook posted on social media platform X. “His powerful advice still rings true, and I hope it helps guide this year’s new grads as they begin their journey to become tomorrow’s leaders.”

Jobs’ 2005 address wasn’t just another speech—it was a personal meditation on life, failure, creativity, and mortality. He structured it around three stories from his life. The first was about connecting the dots — how dropping out of college allowed him to take a calligraphy class that eventually influenced the Macintosh’s elegant typography. “You can’t connect the dots looking forward,” he said. “You can only connect them looking backward.”

His second story, on love and loss, was about getting fired from Apple at 30 — a company he founded. Rather than fall into despair, Jobs said, “The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again.” That moment of personal upheaval, he explained, led to his most creative period. He went to become a founder of NeXT and Pixar, and ultimately returning to Apple.

But it was the third story — about death — that left the most lasting impact. Jobs candidly spoke about his cancer diagnosis and how contemplating mortality shaped his approach to life. “Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose,” he told the crowd.

Then came that final crescendo: “Stay hungry. Stay foolish.” A phrase he borrowed from the back cover of The Whole Earth Catalog, but made his own through sheer cultural force.