I'm so glad to have seen this picture. This picture, more than any of Steve's great speeches, accomplishments, or products, makes me feel that we are in some way kindred spirits. I have spent countless nights enjoying a very similar living situation while starting tech businesses over the past decade. With absolutely no arrogance or pretense, I will say that although I am saddened to see Steve pass, I am heartened to know that the visionary spirit and drive lives on in me and in many others.

Be sure to notice the enormous speakers hiding in the background.

Those are electrostatic speakers. They are only about 2 inches thick. I think they are acoustat model 3. Probably cost $1000 in 1985. The man clearly liked his music... and not cats, as those speakers were known for electrocuting cats.

Thanks for pointing out. I found an image for those speakers (Acoustat Model 3 Medallion).

Image: http://usr.audioasylum.com/images/y2011/02/45177/TT_032.jpg

Indeed. Enormous, yet almost invisible.

I have been looking for a higher resolution version of this photo forever. Anyone have one?

Didn't see any larger ones online, but it looks to be from this book of portraits: http://www.amazon.com/Bigger-Picture-Thirty-Years-Portraits/...

Not mentioned in other comments but I think I recall the lamp was from Tiffany.

Quite surprised by this unexpected commonality.

I am by no means minimalist, or spartan, in fact unimpeded space does not come cheap. I value empty space a lot, and believe that if something takes up space it should enrich me.

A thin mattress on the floor works just fine, and actually feels kinder to my back than a bed. I like my speakers on the floor or raised a couple of inches above it. That way I can sleep between them, that is usually when they sound the best.

People often enter my room and say "Man, it's really well organised and simple in here" and I immediately "Yeah, but I wish I could get rid of even more stuff.."

I love this photo.

I spent a while living in a near empty apartment in the Philippines with a mattress on the floor and a small stand next to it, a basic cupboard with clothes, a study desk and a few things in a suitcase. The apartment was near the beach and every night had a cool, sea-breeze roll in... I miss it.

I'm the same way; unfortunately, my fiancee is very much not, and it's a continuous source of friction between the two of us.

One of my favorite feelings in the world is an empty room, because it's as empty of objects as it is full of possibility.

As an adherent to minimalisim, I agree- to an extent. I find living long-term in a room that feels barren makes life, feel lifeless, and it becomes difficult to maintain vigor and zest.

I suspect it's a big part of why monks are always so somber. But if I need help with anything, it is being alive- I have enough somber in me for a whole monastary.

Possibly the last hippy that took his LSD experiences and actually changed the world.

PCR machine?

He must have hated that cord between the lamp and the wall. On the other hand it does somehow emphasize the emptiness of the room.

The design of his apartment in this is very much like the design of everything Apple ships. What a cohesive life this man led.

Possibly contrived but sums everything nicely.

Reminds me very much of the scene from film Stop Making Sense of David Byrne singing and dancing with a lamp:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cqg_ZGcuybs

This was returning an empty document for me, but http://digitaljournalist.org.nyud.net/issue0712/y_walker08.h... works.

very good photo ! Is there any way to get this in better quality ?

I found one today among Diana Walker's favorite photos.

Here's the link: http://timethemoment.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/11101713001...