Probably not many people around the world are unfamiliar with Apple computers -- and for good reason. The computers and other popular devices created by Apple have spread to virtually every corner of the globe, transforming our lives and businesses in many evident and not-so-evident ways.
The primary genius behind Apple was, of course, Steve Jobs -- who was as successful at marketing the company's products as he was at developing them.
Jobs was, in fact, an amazing testament to the free market system's ability to reward and promote individual initiative -- for everyone's advantage. To put Jobs' prominence in perspective, Apple is today the world's most successful technology company. It has a market value of more than $350 billion.
Though the prosperous are often derided and denounced, it would be impossible to calculate fully the benefits that Jobs' and Apple's successes have bestowed on hundreds of millions of people. Their products have helped governments, businesses and households operate more efficiently, and Apple has created economic development directly by employing countless workers.
Sadly, the bright light of Jobs' ingenuity has been extinguished. At the age of only 56 -- and despite the liver transplant he had just two years ago -- Jobs succumbed this week after a long battle with cancer and other ailments.
His legacy of innovation will be greatly missed.