Bill Gates: We've given away $100bn, but my children won't be poor when I'm gone

Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, has made headlines recently by revealing that he has given away over 100 billion dollars through his charitable foundation. This staggering amount, which is equivalent to about 80 billion pounds, is comparable to the entire economy of Bulgaria or the cost of constructing the HS2 rail line in the UK. Gates, who has been a prominent figure in the tech industry for decades, shared this information during an exclusive interview with the BBC. He emphasized that despite his immense generosity, he still has more resources to contribute to various causes. Gates has always believed in the importance of philanthropy, a value instilled in him by his mother, who often reminded him that 'with wealth came the responsibility to give it away. ' As the Gates Foundation approaches its 25th anniversary, Gates expressed his enjoyment in donating his wealth to help combat preventable diseases and alleviate poverty. He has personally contributed around 60 billion dollars to the foundation, and he does not feel that his lifestyle has changed significantly as a result of his charitable giving. Gates stated, 'I made no personal sacrifice. I didn't order less hamburgers or less movies,' highlighting that he still enjoys a luxurious lifestyle, complete with a private jet and multiple homes. When discussing his children, Gates mentioned that he has had extensive conversations with them about the amount of wealth he plans to leave behind. He reassured that they will not be poor after his passing, saying, 'They will not,' with a smile. He explained that even a small percentage of his fortune would still leave them in a very comfortable position. Gates has always had a strong affinity for mathematics, excelling in the subject from a young age. He was recognized as one of the top math students in his region while attending Lakeside School in Seattle. This early success in math has shaped his analytical thinking and decision-making skills throughout his life. During our conversation, Gates reflected on his childhood home, a mid-century modern house in Seattle where he grew up with his sisters, Kristi and Libby. They reminisced about their experiences in the house, including their mother's unique ways of getting them out of bed for breakfast, such as using an intercom system to sing to them. Gates fondly recalled how his mother would set their clocks eight minutes fast to encourage punctuality, a tactic he initially resisted but later appreciated. He attributes his competitive nature to his grandmother, who taught him to think strategically through card games. As we explored the house, Gates led me to his old bedroom, which is now a guest room. He shared that he spent countless hours in that room, often lost in thought. His mother once became so frustrated with the mess that she confiscated his clothes and charged him to get them back, a lesson that made him start wearing fewer clothes. Gates's passion for technology began at a young age when he and his friends gained access to a computer at their school. They were among the few students who had the opportunity to learn programming during the early days of the tech revolution. Gates's determination to learn led him to sneak out of his bedroom at night to use the computer without his parents' knowledge. He humorously demonstrated how easy it would be to do it again today. Now nearing 70 years old, Gates remains playful and engaged with his past. In his memoir, 'Source Code: My Beginnings,' he candidly discusses his childhood and how he might have been diagnosed on the autism spectrum if he were growing up in today's world. He acknowledges his ability to hyperfocus on subjects of interest and his struggles with social interactions. His sisters, who have always been protective of him, recognized his uniqueness from a young age. Gates has not pursued a formal diagnosis, believing that the positive aspects of his neurodiversity have greatly benefited his career. He also noted that many successful individuals in Silicon Valley share similar traits. Gates expressed concern about the impact of social media on children, emphasizing the need for careful usage. He believes that social networking can consume a lot of time and create anxiety about social approval. Gates's upbringing was not one of hardship; his family was financially stable, but they made sacrifices to provide him with a quality education. His early access to computers played a crucial role in his development, ultimately leading to the creation of Microsoft with a school friend. As we walked through Lakeside School, Gates reflected on the friendships he formed and the dreams he had with his late best friend, Kent Evans. Together, they explored what made people successful, and now Gates has written his own story. He believes that much of who we are is shaped by our early experiences, and his journey from a curious child to a tech pioneer is a testament to that belief.