I was a big fan of Steve Jobs. He inspired many people, including me, and all the effusive praise is well justified. But aren't we going a bit too far in describing him, as an Oct. 8 article does, as "The man who dented the universe"?

What about Nobel laureates who have worked hard and made extraordinary progress in medicine for the benefit of mankind? What about many others who worked silently, achieved much but were never recognized? Why does no one write their obituaries or even if they do, without much adulation? Is it just because they are not as fashionable, or as rich, or from a developed nation? Doesn't this tell something about how we think and value things these days? Can an iPhone be as essential or better technology than medicine, light bulb or laser used in surgery?

It just convinces me that in this world outward looks are all that matter most of the time. I am sure a large section of the gushing fans actually do not even understand why they worship Jobs, the iConic merchant of Apples (most people I know who have an iPhone have never used 90 percent of the features), which is sad indeed and may not make him as proud.

Doesn't he deserve a trifle better than this?

The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.

srajdeep seth