"So when these people sell out, even though they get fabulously rich, they're gypping themselves out of one of the potentially most rewarding experiences of their unfolding lives. Without it, they may never know their values or how to keep their newfound wealth in perspective"

Steve Jobs reflects on the consequences that come with compromising one’s values for material gain, especially in the context of newfound wealth. While financial success is often celebrated and admired, Jobs challenges the notion that riches are the ultimate reward. He acknowledges that people can become “fabulously rich” when they “sell out,” presumably by prioritizing money over their principles, passions, or authenticity. Yet, this lucrative exchange comes at an often unseen cost: the forfeiture of a uniquely rewarding part of personal and professional growth.

Jobs argues that the pursuit and maintenance of core values, even in the face of great temptations, is among the most meaningful experiences one can have. The “potentially most rewarding experience” is not just the act of achieving external success, but the journey one takes to discover what truly matters, the internal work required to define and defend one’s own values. By surrendering to external pressures, such as the lure of quick wealth, individuals miss out on the opportunity for self-knowledge and personal integrity.

He further suggests that without a grounding in one’s own values, the vast wealth accumulated can become destabilizing or lose significance. Wealth is put into its proper perspective only when it is aligned with a sense of purpose and inner conviction. Otherwise, the riches may amplify uncertainty or dissatisfaction, since material gains alone cannot substitute for a clear understanding of oneself and what one stands for. Ultimately, Jobs presents a vision where the deepest reward lies not in outward success but in remaining true to core beliefs, gaining self-awareness, and letting those ideals inform one’s relationship with both success and money. Rather than measuring life’s meaning by the accumulation of riches, he encourages a focus on more enduring, intrinsic rewards: personal growth, authenticity, and the cultivation of values that offer genuine fulfillment.