Steve Jobs' witty response to a fan requesting his autograph in 1983 letter is iconic in every way

Many prominent personalities dream of the day their autographs are regarded as valuable assets by the world. However, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs had contrary beliefs. He refused to give autographs and wasn't a fan of signing, per an X post from @stem_feed. When one of his admirers dared to ask for the same, he gave him the most iconic response that has won the hearts of millions. The fan was L.N. Varon from Imperial Beach, California, per My Modern Met. 

The man looked up to the ever-growing technology Jobs had started and wanted to have something to hold on to. He had written to the co-founder in hopes of receiving an autograph. However, Jobs politely declined the man’s request but gave him much more than he had bargained for. He wrote back to Varon, explaining that he wasn’t big on signing and giving out autographs. Using a then-Apple letterhead, he typed a personalized letter to the man. It was dated May 11, 1983, and addressed to Varon. It read, “Dear Mr. Varon, I’m honored that you’d write but I’m afraid I don't sign autographs.” 

The letter had delivered the verdict but ironically required a salutation and formal ending as the format demanded. Right enough, Jobs signed off with his name, credentials and the one thing Varon had wanted - his signature! A lowercase handwritten “steve jobs” marked the end of the letter - it was a dream-came-true moment for Varon.

The letter was sold off at the RR auction for $479,939 along with a few other items signed by Jobs. These included a business card sold for $181,183, an autographed iPad sold for $40,000, and Jobs' 1976 computer prototype sold for $677,196 among others. Astonishingly, Jobs even signed a movie ticket stub from "Pirates of the Caribbean," which was sold for over $14,000. People applauded the late entrepreneur for his witty response and were stunned by his intelligence. The post on X went viral and received over 34,000 likes and hundreds of comments. @HugonetX said, “Excellent. I had never seen this one.”

@WayneLee1078 wrote, “An autograph on a personalized letter, much nicer.” @htom6047 said, “A true nerd reply…but an autograph included!” @LucianFick added, “It's interesting how Jobs signed his name using lowercase letters. He was thinking differently.” @coreyrailey pointed out, “Actually smart… huge security risk, especially for the rich. Never know what you are signing as it’s very easy to switch the page without someone noticing.” @rizzburgh added, “I miss that man. Apple would look so different today if he was around.” Steve Jobs died in October 2011. 

This article originally appeared 3 months ago.