DISQUS

Blue · 2 years ago

I think the most telling sentence in Gates' address (echoed, in its own way, in Forbes') is "If I had spoken at your orientation, fewer of you might be here today."

The NYT of course likes to run stories about twenty-somethings trapped in student-loan debt and they always make some kind of comment like "so-and-so planned to work with XYZ Humanitarian World Relief Organization, but they did not pay enough to satisfy her loan payments, so she took a job at XYZ Soulless Corporation."

Point being -- wouldn't we all be able to follow the second half of Gates' and Forbes' urgings if we had once the foresight to follow in the first half (leave out formal education, sit in on interesting classes, etc.)?????

perspective inc · 2 years ago

"You have more than we had; you must start sooner, and carry on longer."

I absolutely loved this speech.. it struck a chord somewhere..

rathi · 2 years ago

Just so inspiring! Every once in a while, when the crazy pace of this world goes ballistic, it helps to just ponder; to let go of one's cravings and ravings and just ask 'What can I do that is meaningful to the world or maybe just a couple of disadvantaged people'. Sometimes the answers are just not easy.

Chandra · 2 years ago

Really a good speech.
Steve Jobs speech is more inspiring about professional life.
Bill Gates speech is really thought provoking and is more about the inequities.

Krishna · 2 years ago

It was certainly a good speech. But how is Bill any different from the previous generations of robber-barons? Sin early , repent at leisure?

I mean Carnegie did more for "making a difference" than almost any other before him- built universities, museums, etc. And people don't forget his ruthless attacks on labour. Nor do they forget Rockefeller's elimination of competition.

Will people paper over Bill's highly questionable business ethics and buy Bill 2.0. Or will they realise, that much like his software, just releasing a new version doesn't excuse the sins of the past. Also while Bill has often Talked about giving away most of his money, only Buffet seems to have actually done so. As with all MS propaganda, "show me the money"

To look to people to truly admire, I would suggest Hewlett and Packard. Good ethics and sense of responsibility both during and after their corporate careers. And they helped build Silicon Valley!

Bayard · 2 years ago

Did you find that whenever Steve and Bill appeared on a stage together, Steve's charm and genuineness dominated Bill's eliteness? This speech is really adorable and thoughtful. The difference is that Steve's speech was made of storytelling, personal touch, and connections, whereas Bill's speech is made of specific experiences, lessons, and provoking thoughts. Steve's speech had the answers and Bill's speech has the questions. Though, this speech shows us a different Bill Gates, Bill of BMG foundations who previously belonged to MS.

Thanks for sharing! cheers! :)