By Jonathan Ive
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
"It's very easy to be different, but very difficult to be better." This Jonathan Ive quote about excellence cuts to the heart of what so many of us wrestle with today. Whether you're an artist, a business professional, a student, or simply someone trying to grow, the urge to stand out is everywhere. This quote captures a key challenge: not just being unique, but striving for something more meaningful. The distinction Jonathan Ive points to remains deeply relevant for anyone who wants their difference to really matter.
What Does This Quote Mean?
At first glance, Jonathan Ive's statement draws a line between two kinds of ambition: being different and being better. The surface message is about the difference between standing out and standing above. It may seem easy to go against the grain, dress differently, think outside the box, or take another route — but those acts alone don't guarantee any real improvement or value. The deeper meaning of this Jonathan Ive quote about excellence lies here: original ideas or appearances have their place, but it is a much tougher challenge to improve things, to raise quality, or to genuinely make a positive impact.
Ive's words caution against confusing novelty with advancement. Being different is simple — a matter of changing form, color, method, or opinion, sometimes only for the sake of attention. But being better involves discipline, learning, critique, and persistence. It's about digging beneath surface-level change and pushing for actual growth, usefulness, and beauty. Ive, who played a huge role in designing iconic Apple products, speaks from experience. In his world, originality had to work hand-in-hand with improvement — every curve or feature had to serve a higher purpose, not just look unusual.
This quote also reminds us that the world values both difference and quality, but the latter is rarer and harder won. It is an encouragement to not settle for being merely unusual or rebellious, but to bravely aim for true improvement — whether for yourself, your work, or the world around you. It's a call for depth over flashiness, and for striving that is both creative and conscientious.
How Can You Use This Quote in Life?
1. When Starting a New Project
If you are tempted to shake things up just for the sake of it, pause and consider: is this change really making something better? Use this Jonathan Ive quote about excellence as a mental checkpoint. Before altering an existing path, ask yourself whether your idea actually adds quality, solves a problem, or just makes you stand out. This helps avoid change for its own sake and encourages you to dig deeper into what brings real improvement.
2. In Friendships and Social Groups
It can be appealing to act out, dress wildly, or adopt contrarian opinions to get attention or mark yourself as unique. But the long-lasting relationships often form when we treat people better, listen more, and support others. Apply Ive's wisdom here: instead of focusing purely on standing apart, look at how you can be a more generous, honest, or reliable friend. That takes more patience and effort, but brings far greater rewards.
3. At Work or in Your Studies
It's not hard to propose wild ideas in meetings or offer unexpected takes in class. But what makes a lasting impression is when your idea solves a real need, improves efficiency, or raises quality. Ask: How can I not just be the most original thinker, but the most helpful contributor today? Excellence comes from a steady, sometimes difficult, commitment to value, not just novelty.
4. In Personal Growth
You might be drawn to new habits, styles, or routines just because they're different from what you did before. Change is tempting, but it's harder to stick with routines that stretch you and actually help you become healthier, kinder, or more skilled. Instead of chasing constant variety, focus on bettering yourself in ways that matter to your values or long-term goals.
5. When Facing Criticism or Feedback
Sometimes, we feel misunderstood and try to act out, choosing difference over dialogue. Instead, use feedback as a tool to be better, not just different. Let critique shape and sharpen your efforts at true improvement, rather than just pushing you to be more unconventional or rebellious.
The world encourages uniqueness, but what it really needs is quality, growth, and usefulness. Again and again, this quote pulls us back to genuine progress — not just creating noise, but adding value in whatever sphere you move.
✨ The Motivation Message
You've got something special inside you — not just the power to be different, but the strength to be better! Every day you make choices that can move you closer to real excellence. Sure, it's simple to change for the sake of standing out, and there's nothing wrong with being unique. But when you reach for better — whether in kindness, skill, effort, or courage — you step into a place where few people go. That's where growth happens!
Don't let the fear of hard work or the temptation of shortcuts distract you. Real progress is built slowly: one thoughtful decision, one honest effort at a time. You're not here to outshine others for attention; you're here to become your best self and lift the people around you! 🌟
So shift your focus: look for ways to add value, to dig deeper, and to make improvements that last. The challenge is real, but so are your abilities. Believe in your own capacity and take that next bold step today — you are ready for it! 🚀
About Jonathan Ive
Jonathan Ive, who was born in 1967, is a world-renowned designer best known for his influential work at Apple Inc. As Chief Design Officer, he shaped the look and feel of products that changed technology, including the iMac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Raised in London and educated in design, Jonathan Ive brought a distinctive blend of simplicity, functionality, and beauty to all his creations.
His approach was never about just being flashy or unusual. For Jonathan Ive, true design was about thoughtful improvement: making things work better and feel more intuitive. He rejected change for its own sake and constantly asked, "Does this make it better?" His quote reflects a career dedicated to pushing beyond surface-level difference and aiming for genuine excellence.
Jonathan Ive's world view emphasizes substance over spectacle, usefulness over mere originality. By living this philosophy, he demonstrated that the hardest, most rewarding work is not to stand apart, but to raise standards in ways that really matter. His legacy is about improvement through purpose and care, inspiring generations to choose better over just different.
