Searching for the search feature on the iPhone, was it forgotten?

I wonder if Steve Jobs forgot to add a feature to the iPhone - a search tool that lets you search the entire contents of the device. I don't think it is hidden, seems like they might not have put it in for one reason or the other.

There is no search function in the individual applications such as contacts and mail.

Does Apple think that users can find stuff more quickly through alphabatetized directories? Why would Apple leave out easier to use search functions? I must be one of the only ones who thinks that it has been left out on purpose, or am I not?