Apple's RDF Origin

The phrase "reality distortion field" originated from the tech world, specifically during the early years of Apple Inc. It was used to describe Steve Jobs' charismatic and persuasive ability to shape and influence people's perceptions of reality, making them believe in his grand visions and ideas. The term was popularized during Jobs' tenure at Apple in the 1980s and 1990s.

The concept of the "reality distortion field" was first mentioned by Bud Tribble, one of the original members of the Macintosh development team, during an interview with the author Michael Hertzlich for the book "The Little Kingdom: The Private Story of Apple Computer" (published in 1984). Tribble used this term to describe Jobs' persuasive powers and his knack for convincing others to believe in seemingly impossible tasks or ideas.

The term has since become associated with Steve Jobs and his management style, highlighting his ability to inspire and push his teams to achieve remarkable results, often in spite of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It's worth noting that the term "reality distortion field" is not a formal psychological or scientific term but rather a colloquial expression to describe Jobs' unique way of influencing those around him.