Steve Jobs, the visionary co-founder of Apple, was known for his innovative ideas, but he also had a few unusual habits that set him apart. Here are some interesting and quirky facts about Steve Jobs:

Barefoot at the Office

Jobs had an eccentric habit of walking barefoot around the Apple office, even during meetings. He believed it helped him stay grounded and connected with his creative energy. His preference for simplicity and minimalism in his lifestyle was reflected in his barefoot walks and his unique approach to work.

Fruitarian Diet

Jobs was a strict fruitarian for a large portion of his life, meaning he only ate fruits, nuts, and seeds. He was so committed to this diet that it even inspired the name Apple for his company! He believed that eating only fruits would cleanse his body and eliminate the need for regular showers. In fact, his fruitarian phase was so intense that he sometimes ate only one type of fruit for weeks, like apples or carrots.

Lavish Zen Influence

Jobs was deeply influenced by Zen Buddhism, which shaped both his personal life and his approach to business. He often meditated, practiced mindfulness, and embraced a minimalist philosophy. This Zen-inspired simplicity was evident in the sleek, minimalist design of Apple’s products. Jobs even traveled to Japan and considered becoming a Zen monk at one point!

Obsession with Perfection

Jobs was notorious for his obsession with perfection. He would scrutinize the tiniest details of Apple products, from the design of the circuit boards (which the average user would never see) to the packaging of products like the iPhone and iPad. He once said, "The back of a drawer, even if you never see it, should still be as beautiful as the front." This relentless pursuit of perfection was both admired and feared by his colleagues.

Extreme Focus Meetings

Jobs was famous for his intense focus in meetings. He would often cancel meetings with little notice if he felt they were unnecessary or unproductive. He believed in small, tight-knit teams and was known to cut down ideas ruthlessly. His laser-sharp focus meant that many meetings were walking meetings—he preferred walking outside while discussing ideas, which he believed stimulated creative thinking.

He Practiced Fasting

Steve Jobs would go through periods of fasting, not just for health reasons but also because he believed it helped with mental clarity. He thought that abstaining from food sharpened his mind and increased his creativity. This practice, combined with his strict diet, gave him a unique and disciplined approach to both life and business.

Passion for Calligraphy

Jobs took a calligraphy class in college, which had a profound influence on him. He said that learning about fonts, typography, and the beauty of letters inspired the sleek typography that became a hallmark of Apple products. Without that class, he said, the Mac’s distinctive fonts and aesthetic design might never have existed!

Always in Black

Jobs famously wore a black turtleneck, jeans, and New Balance sneakers almost every day. This wasn’t just a fashion statement—it was a deliberate move to eliminate the need to think about what to wear each day, allowing him to focus entirely on more important decisions. The iconic turtleneck was designed by Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake, and Jobs reportedly owned hundreds of them!

Unusual Negotiating Tactics

Jobs had some unconventional negotiating habits. He was known to stare intensely at people during negotiations without saying a word, creating an uncomfortable silence. His belief was that this would push the other person to speak first, often giving him the upper hand. His unique approach to negotiations earned him a reputation as a formidable dealmaker.