Documents depict the Apple founder as a complex person of both 'integrity' and 'suspect' moral character
The FBI has released its files on Steve Jobs, Apple co-founder and icon of the business world, painting a picture of a complex man who is described both as "a deceptive individual" and one of "high moral character and integrity".
The documents, released in response to a Freedom of Information Act request, were compiled by the FBI when Jobs was being considered for political office in the president's export council under George Bush Sr's administration.
Some of the tidbits revealed in the 191 pages of documents include the fact that he was a negligent father who would "twist the truth and distort reality in order to achieve his goals," according to documents released by the FBI.
The FBI interviewed Jobs and people who knew him as part of a background check.
"Several individuals questioned Mr Jobs' honesty stating that Mr Jobs will twist the truth and distort reality in order to achieve his goals. They also commented that, in the past, Mr Jobs was not supportive of [redacted] and their daughter; however, recently has become supportive," according to the documents.
Another source characterised Jobs as "a deceptive individual who is not completely forthright and honest".
The files paint a picture of a complicated man, full of contradictions. One man interviewed by the FBI, who identifies himself as a former "good friend" of Jobs, said that while the Apple boss was "basically an honest and trustworthy person, he is a very complex individual and his moral character is suspect." He said that Jobs "alienated a large number of people at Apple as a result of his ambition."
Jobs travelled to India in the mid-1970s and became fascinated by Zen Buddhism, he practised meditation for the rest of his life. One FBI source said Jobs "had undergone a change in philosophy by participating in eastern and/or Indian mysticism and religion. This change apparently influenced the appointee's personal life for the better."
According to the source, Jobs' religious leanings led him to live "more of a spartanlike and at times even monastic existence" that had "apparently influenced the appointee's personal life for the better".
The FBI can make its records public after a person's death. Jobs died in October after a long battle with a rare form of cancer. Apple, the maker of the iPhone, iPad, iPod and Mac, is now the world's most valuable company.