Apparently an apple a day…means nothing when you are Steve Jobs.

Steve Jobs is claiming his bad health is simply a hormone imbalance; if you believe that you probably also believe that Pamela’s Anderson’s chest was a gift from puberty to a small town Canadian girl destined for “great” things (such as marrying Tommy Lee Jones). Here’s a [slightly controversial?] Newsweek article discussing Steve’s/Apple’s grudging press release regarding his health.

I’m of two minds about this.

Perspective one: If you aren’t going to tell the truth, don’t say anything at all. A flimsy lie insults the public, inflames their curiosity, and makes them more investigative and vicious than ever. When you make yourself the face of your brand rumors and unwanted intrigue are an unavoidable byproduct (especially when your health is under scrutiny).

Perspective two (which I am more drawn to): A person’s poor health is a difficult personal struggle and if Steve doesn’t want to give the entire world a play-by-play of his doctor’s room consult that is his right and it should be respected. He’s given us sleek and sexy creative devices that feel like an extension of our personalities and have defined a generation—what more do people want from him?

There’s got to be nothing worse than:
Steve Jobs: “I don’t know how to tell you this but…I have cancer again.”
Close friend of Steve Jobs: “Oh no! Is it terminal this time? I need to know so I can sell my stock ASAP if need be.”

It’s a cold and lonely world at the top of a pile of shiny, lightweight Mac books.

Photo Credits
Joi, Flickr