Reality Distortion: Inside the FBI File on Steve Jobs

Yes, the "Reality Distortion Field" is in there.

John Lennon, Malcolm X and Steve Jobs?

Yes, we've learned that the FBI had a file on the late Apple co-founder and CEO.  To be honest, it's not all that explosive, but it is interesting.  Jobs, who was considered for a presidential appointment back in 1991 (under then-President George H.W. Bush - for the Export Council), has already admitted to things like drug use and being fired by the company he started.

Interestingly, the file mentions that some of his former employees found him less than trustworthy.  The file actually contains the famous "reality distortion field" comment about Jobs, stating that "Mr. Jobs will twist the truth and distort reality in order to achieve his goals."

It also mentions a bomb threat against him in February of 1985, allegedly called in from a San Francisco airport parking garage.

The file was initially marked "secret," but has since been made open.  Back when the interviews took place for the file, Jobs was running Next, and was also the CEO and chairman of Pixar.

If you've read the Jobs' biography, you won't find this file all that revealing.  Still, how many Silicon Valley leaders have FBI files on them?   I guess we won't know for a while.

Scott can be found on Twitter:  @scottbudman

Contact Us