Bill Gates, the former head of Microsoft, isn’t just thinking about the future. He pledges to give away more than 90% of his wealth through the Gates Foundation by 2045. This decision shows the world how serious Gates is about philanthropy. As he begins to think about his legacy he knows that he is quite possibly one of the richest people in the world.
Gates, born in Seattle and a child prodigy, co-founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen, and was its chief executive until 2000. He continued to serve in active roles with the firm, not relinquishing the chairmanship until 2014. Under his leadership, Microsoft grew into the world’s preeminent technology company. This is not the first time that Gates has turned his attention to humanitarian issues.
The Gates Foundation was started by Bill Gates and his then-wife Melinda. Since then, it has disbursed over $100 billion to advance global health and development. The global health foundation seeks to end preventable diseases that disproportionately affect mothers and children. It plays an important, active role in combatting infectious diseases like malaria and measles. Besides that, the overarching goal is to end poverty for at least 300 million people around the world.
Here’s how Bill Gates found inspiration from fellow philanthropist Warren Buffett. He was influenced by the legendary Andrew Carnegie’s mighty essay, “The Gospel of Wealth.” That is why he responds so profoundly to Carnegie’s claim that “the man who dies thus rich dies disgraced.” This point of view has inspired Gates’ promise to use the vast majority of his wealth for philanthropic purposes.
“People will say a lot of things about me when I die, but I am determined that ‘he died rich’ will not be one of them.” – Bill Gates
Gates envisions the foundation investing another $200 billion in the next 20 years. This funding would make a world of difference for them to realize their mission. Still, he is undeterred in his quest to make sure that the effects of his contributions are seen around the world.
The foundation hasn’t shied away from their focus on solving key global health challenges. “The picture of the world’s richest man killing the world’s poorest children is not a pretty one,” Gates has stated, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with great wealth.
In recent discussions, Gates expressed concerns over funding cuts from various sources, indicating how these decisions can affect vulnerable populations. He shared his hope that Musk would come and meet the children who are living with HIV now. This is only the case because Musk slashed the funding that would’ve supported them.
Indeed, Bill Gates just took over as the fifth-richest man in the world by Bloomberg’s most recent calculations. His wealth, once viewed primarily through the lens of corporate success, is now increasingly seen as a tool for global change.