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Re:Steve Wozniak: Life to me was never about accomplishment,... by delusional on Thursday August 14, 2025 @03:52PM (#44904860)
There's a pretty significant difference between the statements: "You shouldn't say Woz is naive, because what Woz is ought to not be seen as naive" and "You shouldn't say Woz is naive, because most other people wouldn't understand him as naive" and it's unclear to me which of those to statements you mean.

I too have been lucky enough to hear him speak, and he very much does have this naivete of youth in the way he speaks. He has this very simple and straight forward way to view his contribution, along with a very simple motivation of "it makes me happy" that does feel naive.

I don't think he's nearly as naive as he comes off, but I think he wants to be seen as naive, because his personal philosophy is one that places naivete in high regard. He wants to follow happiness, and happiness can oftentimes be a little naive.

Re:Steve Wozniak: Life to me was never about accomplishment,... by antonvs on Thursday August 14, 2025 @03:55PM (#44904897)
> along with a very simple motivation of "it makes me happy" that does feel naive.

Why does that feel naive to you, though? To me, that seems like an issue with your definition of naivety.

Re:Steve Wozniak: Life to me was never about accomplishment,... by Swizec on Thursday August 14, 2025 @04:16PM (#44905151)
[delayed]
Re:Steve Wozniak: Life to me was never about accomplishment,... by deeg on Thursday August 14, 2025 @04:28PM (#44905284)
I debated with myself on whether to use "naive" but it seems the most appropriate description. I barely know Woz outside of a 3-hour lecture but it appears that Jobs took advantage of his naivete, lying to him on multiple occasions. It worked out (financially) for Woz and he seems to have a great attitude about it, one of the reasons I admire him. He seems to successfully walk the line of not caring if people take advantage of him while not getting wrecked. I think it fair to consider that a facet of being naive.
Re:Steve Wozniak: Life to me was never about accomplishment,... by petsfed on Thursday August 14, 2025 @06:26PM (#44906429)
I think "innocent" and "guileless" also bracket the sense you're going for, but they don't quite fit either.

Like, he doesn't see the malice in other people, but its not because he's innocent/naive of such intents, nor does he lack the skills to look for it (guileless), but because (as you say) he doesn't care if people take advantage of him, up to a limit.

Properly calibrated, that's really admirable.

Re:Steve Wozniak: Life to me was never about accomplishment,... by toomuchtodo on Thursday August 14, 2025 @04:34PM (#44905386)
I think “grounded” might be a better term vs being naive in this context. People can suck, sometimes a person who sucks is going to take advantage of you, and it’s a choice to handle it in a mindful, positive way. Monk vibes.
Re:Steve Wozniak: Life to me was never about accomplishment,... by bearl on Thursday August 14, 2025 @06:07PM (#44906261)
It’s not being unaware (naive) but rather a lack of cynicism. I think that’s an important distinction to make. It takes an extra dose of intelligence to avoid cynicism when you are at that level. Cynicism isn’t wisdom, and its absence isn’t naïveté.
Re:Steve Wozniak: Life to me was never about accomplishment,... by kragen on Thursday August 14, 2025 @06:44PM (#44906602)
He's a lot better off than Jobs now!
Re:Steve Wozniak: Life to me was never about accomplishment,... by m463 on Thursday August 14, 2025 @08:21PM (#44907292)
I think sometimes people are seen as vulnerable, when they are sincere, or earnest, or open or wear their heart on their sleeve.

But being vulnerable is sort of an important part of being authentic.

And authentic people might have more opportunities to connect with others, especially with the limited time we have on this planet.

Re:Steve Wozniak: Life to me was never about accomplishment,... by jibal on Friday August 15, 2025 @02:41AM (#44909274)
"naive" puts this on Wozniak, rather than on Jobs where it belongs. The OP quote expresses a very aware ethic, not naive at all.
Re:Steve Wozniak: Life to me was never about accomplishment,... by techpineapple on Thursday August 14, 2025 @06:00PM (#44906203)
I've long highly valued this kind of naivety, so if it's not naivety, it's a shame.
Re:Steve Wozniak: Life to me was never about accomplishment,... by CommenterPerson on Thursday August 14, 2025 @07:45PM (#44907049)
> but I think he wants to be seen as naive

Where does this need come from, to be skeptical or suspicious? Of someone so clearly above board?

Wozniak doesn't need to prove himself to anyone. Maybe he feels comfortable enough in his shoes to be very open about himself, and so motivate people to be true to themselves. At least that's my interpretation.