Interview of Steve’s biological father
2 Mar 2011 | in Steve Jobs history
Check out this interview of Steve Jobs’ biological father, 79-year-old Abdul Fattah “John” Jandali. This is the first time I’ve read any public comment from him.
Steve Jobs is a biological Arab-American with roots in Syria
Interesting excerpts:
“My father was a self-made millionaire who owned extensive areas of land which included entire villages,” Jandali said.
“My daughter Mona is a famous writer, and my biological son is Steve Jobs, the chief executive of Apple. The reason he was put up for adoption was because my girlfriend’s father was extremely conservative and wouldn’t let her marry me, and she decided to give him up for adoption. Steve is my biological son, but I didn’t bring him up, and he has a family that adopted him. So if it’s said that I’m the ‘father of invention’, then that’s because my biological son is a genius and my daughter a brilliant writer
“I think that if my son Steve had been brought up with a Syrian name he would have achieved the same success. He has a brilliant mind. And he didn’t finish his university studies. That’s why I think he would have succeeded whatever his background. I don’t have a close relationship with him. I send him a message on his birthday, but neither of us has made overtures to come closer to the other. I tend to think that if he wants to spend time with me he knows where I am and how to get hold of me.
I’m proud of my son and his accomplishments, and of my work. Of course I made mistakes, and if I could go back in time I would have put some things right. I would have been closer to my son, but all’s well that ends well. Steve Jobs is one of the most successful people in America, and Mona is a successful academic and novelist.”
I don’t know how I feel about this. :-/ Isn’t the story that he abandoned Mona and she wrote a book about not having a dad?
Paul and Clara Jobs are Steve’s parents.
You’re perfectly right Karen. Yet I think it’s interesting to know why he abandoned Steve and Mona. It’s covered in the article.
I also think it’s interesting to learn about his background and life. You know, when Steve discovered Mona, he was thrilled she was a writer i.e. also had an ‘artistic’ penchant. He talked in interviews how he became fascinated by the importance of genes, nature vs. nurture, etc. He hates his biological father, understandably so, but I think the guy’s background explains some of Steve’s abilities.
I would understand why they abandoned Steve. But why did Mr. Jandali abandon Mona? Both cases are not traditions of arabs. Arabs do not abandon their children!
Although I understand the genes of Steve and Mona very well, I think the atmosphere in America helped them shine. Had they lived in Syria, they would not have been so successful.