There is a lot of genuine sadness about the loss of Steve Jobs. Even if the man himself wasn't a tangible presence in your life, his influence is. Like a contemporary Leonardo Da Vinci, Jobs had a creative, progressive vision that was beyond the scope of anyone else in the world - and he successfully turned his vision into something real that you can hold in your hand.  He converted even the most technophobic, change-fearing individuals into card carrying Apple devotees by making technology fun, beautiful and accessible.  He is the person responsible for breaking the 'computer geek' stereotype by making computers cool.

 

The reach of his influence is simply extraordinary, evidenced by the tributes flowing from all corners of the world.  Here's a few of them, starting off with a personal message from Bill Gates:

 

 

 

Barack Obama: "Michelle and I are saddened to learn of the passing of Steve Jobs...Steve was among the greatest of American innovators -- brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it."