Read Tim Cook's memo to employees on Apple's 50th anniversary

Today, Apple turns 50. It’s a landmark year for a landmark company. In addition to the various celebratory events around the world and an employee swag bag, Apple CEO Tim Cook is marking the occasion with a special memo to employees.

In it, he reflects on the humble beginnings of Apple, its phenomenal growth, and the opportunities in the future. Those hoping for some hint at future products or services, or a unique insight into the technology world of today, won’t find it in this memo, though he does offer his usual vague look at "opportunities ahead".

Team,

Today officially marks Apple’s 50th anniversary. And as we’ve celebrated that milestone this month, I’ve been reflecting on some powerful words from Steve.

"When you grow up, you tend to get told that the world is the way it is," he said. "But life can be much broader once you discover one simple fact: everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you. You can change it, you can influence it, you can build your own things that other people can use. Once you learn that, you’ll never be the same again."

This is the ethos that brought Apple into the world in 1976 – and for fifty years, it’s what has drawn the smartest, most passionate, most creative and most committed people to this company.

We come here to do the best work of our lives, and to reach beyond what any of us...