Ahead of Twitter's looming IPO, the business and media worlds have a newfound fascination with Twitter founder and Square CEO Jack Dorsey. In the space of a few weeks, he’s been the subject of a lengthy New Yorker profile, a new book by New York Times technology reporter Nick Bilton and countless blog posts questioning his actual role in the creation of Twitter.
Perhaps it's Dorsey's reserved, seemingly stoic nature that is turning him into something of an enigma. Whereas Apple founder Steve Jobs' explosive personality was the stuff of legends, Dorsey is, in person, almost unreadable — and on paper, a sort unfinished sketch. The New Yorker's 10,000-word-plus profile of the 36-year-old billionaire entrepreneur offers some insight, but is also filled with Dorsey’s own endearing aphorisms, bits of wisdom and observations that could go over well in the board room or at dinner parties.
See also: The Complete Guide to Twitter Etiquette
I've collected my favorites from the New Yorker profile below, illustrated by some of Jack own tweets.
"i drive a yellow Volvo, '86 submarine..." Not really. Testing Twitter's ability to handle various marks of punctuat ...
— Jack Dorsey (@jack) October 30, 2006
Attempting to finally get through all of my email lag from the holidays. I have a new special tool I'm trying out to help...
— Jack Dorsey (@jack) January 10, 2013
I spent some money today. Lots of some money.
— Jack Dorsey (@jack) June 4, 2006
Does this camera work? pic.twitter.com/4s0MhTV3ww
— Jack Dorsey (@jack) September 6, 2013
He also, apparently, feels the same way about notebooks:
The best notebook, just like the best camera, is the one you have with you.
— Jack Dorsey (@jack) December 7, 2012
While it's awesome to have, the payment experience in NYC taxis is terrible. There, I said it. #unbiased
— Jack Dorsey (@jack) April 21, 2010
All entrepreneurs who strive for the small details, precision, team rhythm, engaging experiences, & hard work, should watch "This Is It."
— Jack Dorsey (@jack) July 12, 2010
agreeing with sara that limon is indeed delicious (and so close!). I find myself dining there often. weekly?
— Jack Dorsey (@jack) May 25, 2006
agreeing with sara that limon is indeed delicious (and so close!). I find myself dining there often. weekly?
— Jack Dorsey (@jack) May 25, 2006
"In general, the shift toward a cashless society appears to improve economic welfare." http://t.co/jCo5lzQU
— Jack Dorsey (@jack) August 15, 2012
Wearing the wrong shoes.
— Jack Dorsey (@jack) January 24, 2008
Wearing the wrong shoes.
— Jack Dorsey (@jack) January 24, 2008
Wearing the wrong shoes.
— Jack Dorsey (@jack) January 24, 2008
@noradio mainly a guideline to help me make decisions and go deeper.
— Jack Dorsey (@jack) January 4, 2013
Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images