All One Farm

The name "Apple" was inspired by Steve Jobs’ time working in the apple orchard at All One Farm, where he followed a fruitarian^[2] diet and admired the simplicity and purity of apples.^[6] During a car ride back from the All One Farm, Jobs suggested the name "Apple Computer" while brainstorming with Steve Wozniak on potential company names.^[7]

Jobs favored the name "Apple" because it felt fresh and friendly – a stark contrast to the technical-sounding names of other computer companies at the time. He wanted a name that was "fun, spirited, and not intimidating."^[6] He also liked that Apple would come before Atari in the phone book, giving them an edge over their former employer.^[6] Although Wozniak initially hesitated due to concerns about Apple Records (The Beatles’ label), they ultimately settled on the name.^[8]

While attending the All One Farm, Jobs worked at Atari along with Steve Wozniak.^[9] The farm's influence on Jobs is reflected in official Atari records. A manuscript on Atari letterhead, which was later auctioned at Sotheby’s,^[10] featured hand-drawn circuit diagrams by Jobs, along with an "All One Farm" stamp and Jobs’ signature.^[11] This item highlights the connection between his time at All One Farm and his work at Atari.

The All One Farm was managed by Robert Friedland, a charismatic future billionaire mining mogul,^[12] who introduced Jobs to persuasive leadership, Zen Buddhism, and psychedelics—influences that contributed to Jobs' renowned “Reality Distortion Field."^[13] Though Jobs later distanced himself from Friedland, the lessons from All One Farm remained foundational to his career.