The FBI files just released about Apple co-founder Steve Jobs say that he dabbled in illicit drugs in his youth and alienated colleagues yet commanded universal respect.
The files offer a clinical look into the private life of the man many hailed as one of the greatest technology visionaries of his generation.
Under President George H.W. Bush, the FBI in 1991 began questioning Mr Jobs and associates as the increasingly high-profile CEO of Next Inc began to be considered as a candidate for sensitive, presidential appointments.
A series of interviews with friends and associates -- whose names were redacted by the bureau - painted a familiar picture of a technology visionary who intimidated associates and insisted on getting his way, but whose drive and vision inspired admiration.
Mr Jobs himself admitted in a 1991 interview, days before his wedding, that he had experimented with hashish and LSD in his youth.
One of those interviewed confirmed his use of drugs.
'(The unnamed interviewee) was aware that Mr. Jobs used illegal drugs, including marijuana and LSD, while they were attending college,' the report says.
This find does not come as a massive surprise, as Mr Jobs confirmed his drug use in a previous public interview.
He called his use of such drugs, particularly LSD, 'one of the two or three most important things [he had] done in my life'.
According to the FBI, other interviewees called into question his personal integrity and said that he was difficult to work with -- no surprise to those familiar with a life story that emerged over the decades of an intensely private individual.
'Several individuals questioned Mr Jobs' honesty stating that Mr. Jobs will twist the truth and distort reality in order to achieve his goals,' the report summarized.
The report also discussed his first child that he had with a girlfriend. The girlfriend, Chris Ann Brennan, raised their daughter Lisa on her own for the first two years after Lisa was born because Mr Jobs denied paternity.
'(Interviewees) also commented that, in the past, Mr. Jobs was not supportive of (the mother of his child born out of wedlock) and their daughter; however, recently has become more supportive,' it read.
The majority of those interviewed recommended Mr Jobs as fit for government.
Another interesting point in the files is that the investigators found it important to note that 'Based on the background information furnished by Mr Jobs, he has no close relatives residing in communist-controlled countries'.
The report coincided with the end of the Cold War, which is formally acknowledged as ending in 1991- the same year that the FBI began investigating Mr Jobs.
Mr Jobs died in October after a years-long struggle with pancreatic cancer.
He was recognized for his enormous impact on the media, music and technology industries through such innovations as Apple's iPod and iPhone.
THE FBI'S SECRET FILE: DRUGS, FAMILY DRAMA, BUSINESS DEALINGS
Drugs:
'(The unnamed interviewee) was aware that Mr. Jobs used illegal drugs, including marijuana and LSD, while they were attending college'
This find does not come as a massive surprise, as Mr Jobs confirmed his drug use in a previous public interview.
He called his use of such drugs, particularly LSD, 'one of the two or three most important things [he had] done in my life'.
Family:
'In the past, Mr. Jobs was not supportive of (the mother of his child born out of wedlock) and their daughter; however, recently has become more supportive'
The child in question is Lisa Brennan-Jobs, who was born in 1978. Her mother was Chris Ann Brennan, Mr Jobs' long-time girlfriend. Ms Brennan raised their daughter Lisa on her own for the first two years after Lisa was born because Mr Jobs denied paternity.
Business:
'Several individuals questioned Mr Jobs' honesty stating that Mr. Jobs will twist the truth and distort reality in order to achieve his goals'
Well before the file was released, Mr Jobs had established his reputation as a strong-willed and often times stubborn boss that was extremely demanding.
Read through the report here
Source: Dailymail.co.uk
