World And Business Leaders Mourn Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs: A Flood Of Sentiments

Since the news came yesterday of Steve Jobs death, the tributes have been pouring in -- and many of the messages came via the very devices that Jobs himself pioneered, as some mourners aptly pointed out.

On Twitter, #iSad, and #thankyousteve were among the top trending topics of the day, as fans of the visionary CEO left their condolences. The remembrances at times overwhelmed the microblogging site; some users reported seeing the #Failwhale, the infamous error message that means Twitter is temporarily overloaded. And in China, nearly 35 million online tributes to Jobs were posted overnight. Here’s what some of the world’s most influential leaders are saying about Steve Jobs via Twitter and other social media sites.

President Barack Obama

’Steve was among the greatest of American innovators - brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it,’ the President said in a statement posted via Twitter.

’By building one of the planet’s most successful companies from his garage, he exemplified the spirit of American ingenuity. By making computers personal and putting the internet in our pockets, he made the information revolution not only accessible, but intuitive and fun. And by turning his talents to storytelling, he has brought joy to millions of children and grownups alike. Steve was fond of saying that he lived every day like it was his last. Because he did, he transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world.

’The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented.’

Bill Gates

"Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of more than half our lives," said Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.

"Melinda and I extend our sincere condolences to Steve Jobs’ family & friends. For those of us lucky enough to get to work with Steve, it’s been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely."

Paul Allen

’We've lost a unique tech pioneer and auteur who knew how to make amazingly great products,’ said Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. ’Steve fought a long battle against tough odds in a very brave way. He kept doing amazing things in the face of all that adversity. As someone who has had his own medical challenges, I couldn't help but be encouraged by how he persevered.’

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair

’As much as anyone in any walk of life in the early 21st century he changed people's lives simply by imagination and determination. His memory will serve as a symbol of what the human mind can achieve.’

U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron

"Steve Jobs transformed the way we work and play; a creative genius who will be sorely missed."

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev

"People like Steve Jobs change our world," Medvedev tweeted. "I am conveying my sincere condolences to his relatives and everyone who appreciated his smartness and talent.’

Jobs gave the Russian leader an iPhone during his 2010 visit to the states, which he later gave to his teenage son. Medvedev is often seen working on his iPad.

Google Co-Founder Sergey Brin

’From the earliest days of Google, whenever Larry [Page] and I sought inspiration or vision and leadership, we need to look no farther than Cupertino," Brin wrote on Google +. "Steve, your passion for excellence is felt by anyone who has ever touched an Apple product (including the MacBook I am writing this on right now). And I have witnessed it in person the few times we have met. On behalf of all of us at Google and more broadly in technology, you will be missed very much.’

Google Co-Founder Larry Page

"I am very, very sad to hear the news about Steve. He was a great man with incredible achievements and amazing brilliance," said Page, writing on Google +. "He always seemed to be able to say in very few words what you actually should have been thinking before you thought it. His focus on the user experience above all else has always been an inspiration to me."

California Gov. Jerry Brown

"Jobs was a great California innovator who demonstrated what a totally independent and creative mind can accomplish. Few people have made such a powerful and elegant imprint on our lives"

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg

"Tonight our City – a city that has always had such respect and admiration for creative genius – joins with people around the planet in remembering a great man and keeping Laurene and the rest of the Jobs family in our thoughts and prayers."

AT&T's CEO Randall Stephenson

"Steve was an iconic inventor, visionary, and entrepreneur, and we had the privilege to know him as partner and friend."

AT&T was the first mobile carrier to offer the iPhone to consumers.

Salesforce.com CEO Marc Benioff

’Steve Jobs was the greatest leader our industry has ever known,’ Benioff tweeted.

"I am really sad. It's such a terrible loss for the whole world. I will never forget him. He did so much for me," he wrote again, in a later tweet.

HP CEO Meg Whitman

"Steve Jobs was an iconic entrepreneur and businessman whose impact on technology was felt beyond Silicon Valley. He will be remembered for the innovation he brought to market and the inspiration he brought to the world."

Intel CEO Paul Otellini

"True genius is measured by the ability to touch every person on the planet. Steve did that, not just once, but many, many times over his amazing life. We at Intel were privileged to have known him and worked with him as he brought his creations to life."

Yahoo Executive Vice President Blake Irving

"Inspirational leader. Uncompromising visionary who brought meaning. Unduplicated individual who created religion. Thanks Steve,’ Irving wrote on Twitter.

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Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg

’Steve, thank you for being a mentor and a friend. Thanks for showing that what you build can change the world. I will miss you,’ Zuckerberg wrote in a post on Facebook

News Corp CEO Rupert Murdoch

’Today, we lost one of the most influential thinkers, creators and entrepreneurs of all time. Steve Jobs was simply the greatest CEO of his generation,’ said Murdoch in a statement. ’While I am deeply saddened by his passing, I'm reminded of the stunning impact he had in revolutionizing the way people consume media and entertainment.’

Walt Disney Co. CEO Robert Iger

’Steve was such an 'original,' with a thoroughly creative, imaginative mind that defined an era. Despite all he accomplished, it feels like he was just getting started. With his passing the world has lost a rare original, Disney has lost a member of our family, and I have lost a great friend.’

Senator Chris Dodd, CEO And Chairman Of The Motion Picture Assn. Of America

’The genius of Steve Jobs, a man I've known for 40 years, not only brought to life the visual magic and brilliant storytelling of Pixar, but brought the world one of the most innovative and successful platforms to make movies and TV available online at the click of a mouse. He was a pioneer, and helped all of us better understand how technologists and creators can work together to enrich and enliven our shared world. If anyone ever wonders whether one person can make a difference, the answer is Steve Jobs.

Dick Costolo, CEO Of Twitter

’Once in a rare while, somebody comes along who doesn't just raise the bar, they create an entirely new standard of measurement. RIP SteveJobs.’

Michael Dell, CEO Of Dell Inc.

’Today the world lost a visionary leader, the technology industry lost an iconic legend and I lost a friend and fellow founder. The legacy of Steve Jobs will be remembered for generations to come.’