Introduction to the Friendship Between Steve Jobs and Daniel Kottke

Steve Jobs and Daniel Kottke had a significant and complex relationship during the early days of Apple Inc. Kottke was one of Jobs' early friends and collaborators, meeting him while both were students at Reed College. Their bond grew stronger through a spiritual journey in India, where they both sought enlightenment and were deeply influenced by the experiences they shared. This article explores the impact of this relationship on early Apple and looks at the challenges and betrayals that strained their friendship.

From Friends at Reed to Collaborators at Apple

Kottke and Jobs met at Reed College, a formative stage in both of their lives. Their shared experiences, especially a spiritual journey to India in the early 1970s, profoundly influenced their philosophical outlooks and approaches to life. Upon returning, they began working on the Apple I and Apple II computers, with Kottke becoming one of the first employees at Apple. Together, they helped shape the early vision of Apple, a tech company that would revolutionize personal computing.

The Growing Tension and Kottke's Departure

However, as Apple grew and became more corporate, the dynamics between Jobs and Kottke began to change. This transformation was marked by a series of events that strained their friendship to the breaking point. In the late 1970s, tensions escalated, leading Kottke to leave Apple, disillusioned with the direction the company was taking and the leadership style of Steve Jobs.

The Baby Controversy and the Loss of Contact

A significant turning point in their relationship occurred when Steve Jobs was involved with Chrisann Brennan, who had a child out of wedlock. Jobs denied being the father, a decision that deeply affected Kottke. When Time Magazine requested an interview with Kottke about the baby, he confirmed that it was indeed Jobs' child. This revelation was seen as a betrayal by Jobs, who subsequently never spoke to Kottke again and denied any benefits, including stock options, to him.

The Long-term Impact on Their Friendship

The loss of contact was a significant blow to both men. In later years, Kottke reflected on their friendship with a mix of nostalgia and critique. He acknowledged Jobs' vision and charisma but also noted the challenges in their relationship. The story of this complex friendship is often seen as emblematic of the intense and tumultuous nature of the early tech industry. While Kottke would go on to defend Jobs, his comments about engineers and stock options offer a poignant insight into the competitive realities of the industry at that time.

Conclusion

The friendship between Steve Jobs and Daniel Kottke was a significant chapter in the history of Apple Inc. It highlights the complexities of personal relationships in the tech industry, where visionary leadership and technical expertise often collide. Steve Jobs and Daniel Kottke's story serves as a reminder of the human side behind the success and challenges of one of the most influential tech companies in history.