Apple CEO Tim Cook invokes 1918 epidemic in virtual commencement address

Apple boss Tim Cook delivered one on Sunday virtual start address In Ohio State Graduation Class 2020, he said he was sorry they could not all be together for the special event, but expressed optimism that they would face the challenges they face when leaving school.

Because of the Corona virus Outbreak, Ohio state officials announced on April 3 plans to hold a virtual start to meet the restrictions on large gatherings.

Cook’s speech was a century old and discussed the achievements of future President Franklin D. Roosevelt, pioneer aviator Amelia Earhart and poet T.S. Eliot as they tackled the challenges of the 1918 flu epidemic.

It can be difficult to see the whole picture while you are still in the frame, but I hope you are wearing these unusual circumstances as a badge of honor.

Those who face times of historical challenges with open eyes and hearts – forever troubled and forever striving – are also those who have the greatest impact on the lives of others.

At every age, life reminds us frustratingly that we are not the only authors of our history. We have to share the loan, whether we like it or not, with a difficult and selfish employee who describes our circumstances.

And when our glittering plans are mixed up, as will often be the case, and our dearest hopes are dashed, as will sometimes happen, we have a choice. We can curse the loss of something that would never be … Or we can see reasons to be grateful for the jerk on the neck by lifting our eyes from the story we wrote for ourselves and instead turn a newly made world.

Cook went on to describe how happy he felt when he was hired by Steve Jobs for Apple in 1998 and how heartbreaking it was when Jobs died.

“But fate comes like a thief in the night. The loneliness I felt when we lost Steve was proof that there is nothing more eternal or powerful than the impact we have on others,” Cook said the graduates.

“Those of us who can look back on this time and remember inconvenience and even boredom can count themselves lucky. Many more will know real need and fear. Others will still be cut to the bone,” he said.

“And as we turn to our loved ones and friends to comfort us, think carefully about those whose effects on your life are more distant but no less significant.”