Steve Jobs’ biological parents were Abdulfattah “John” Jandali and Joanne Carole Schieble. Though they did not raise him, their backgrounds and decisions played a significant role in shaping his life.
Who Were Steve Jobs’ Biological Parents?
Abdulfattah “John” Jandali
Abdulfattah Jandali was a Syrian immigrant born in Homs in 1931. He came to the U.S. to study at the American University of Beirut before moving to the University of Wisconsin to pursue a Ph.D. in Political Science. He later transitioned into business, holding various roles, including working in the hospitality industry.
Joanne Carole Schieble
Joanne Schieble was an American of German and Swiss descent. She was born in 1932 and grew up in a strict Catholic family. She met Jandali at the University of Wisconsin, where she was studying for her graduate degree in speech therapy.
Why Did They Give Steve Jobs Up for Adoption?
Schieble’s family disapproved of her relationship with Jandali due to his Syrian heritage. Her father was particularly against the idea of their marriage, so when she became pregnant, she was pressured to keep it a secret. As a result, she traveled to San Francisco and gave birth to Steve Jobs in 1955.
Initially, she had arranged for a wealthy Catholic couple to adopt him, but they backed out upon learning he was a boy. Paul and Clara Jobs, a working-class couple, then adopted Steve under one condition—Schieble insisted that they promise to provide him with a college education.
Influence of His Biological Parents on His Life
Though Steve Jobs was raised by Paul and Clara Jobs, his biological parents’ influence was felt in different ways:
Nature vs. Nurture
Jobs was known for his intelligence, charisma, and determination—qualities that may have stemmed from his biological parents. Jandali was a highly educated man with an interest in technology and business, while Schieble was a bright and independent thinker.
Abandonment and Identity
Jobs struggled with the idea of being given up for adoption. He often described feeling abandoned, which fueled his relentless drive to prove himself. This sense of rejection may have contributed to his perfectionism and intense ambition.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Jandali had a natural inclination toward business, which Jobs inherited despite never meeting him during his early years. Jandali later ran restaurants and managed businesses, showcasing a strategic mindset that paralleled Jobs’ approach to Apple.
A Complex Relationship
Later in life, Jobs learned about his biological parents. While he did reconnect with Schieble, he had little interest in building a relationship with Jandali, despite the latter expressing regret for giving him up. Interestingly, Jobs had unknowingly met his biological sister, Mona Simpson, a successful novelist, and the two formed a close bond.
Conclusion
Although Jobs was not raised by his biological parents, their actions and genetic traits played a role in shaping his personality, ambition, and drive for success. His experience of abandonment, combined with his adoptive parents’ support, fueled his relentless pursuit of innovation, making him one of the most influential figures in modern technology.
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