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Bill Gates, once the world's richest man, has spent much of his fortune fighting global poverty and disease. In a recent interview, Gates revealed that he has donated over $100 billion through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, with plans to give away even more.
Gates co-founded Microsoft and revolutionized personal computing, but his focus has shifted to global health, education, and climate change. His foundation, started with his ex-wife Melinda, has been instrumental in eradicating diseases like polio and malaria.
Despite his generosity, Gates insists that his lifestyle hasn't changed much. "I made no personal sacrifice," he says. "I didn't order fewer hamburgers or watch fewer movies." However, he acknowledges that he has discussed inheritance with his three children, ensuring they will be comfortable but not extravagantly wealthy.
Gates' childhood shaped his competitive nature. His mother set all the clocks in their home eight minutes fast to instill punctuality, and his grandmother taught him to outsmart the competition in card games. His passion for technology started early, leading him to sneak out of his home at night to use a school computer.
Reflecting on his life, Gates believes he might be on the autism spectrum, citing his intense focus and obsessive tendencies. However, he sees these traits as strengths, especially in Silicon Valley. "Neurodiversity is certainly overrepresented in tech," he says.
As Gates continues his philanthropic work, he remains deeply concerned about misinformation, particularly regarding vaccines. He criticizes tech leaders who fail to combat false information online and supports restricting social media access for children.
For Gates, the mission is clear: using his wealth to make the world a better place. While he could have chosen to hoard his fortune, he instead follows his mother's philosophy—"With wealth comes the responsibility to give it away."
