Bill Gates: Reflecting on $100bn charitable giving and family legacy

Articles , English , Snippets , / Monday, February 3rd, 2025

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Bill Gates has revealed that his charitable foundation, dedicated to combating preventable diseases and reducing poverty, has spent over $100 billion so far. Despite this massive donation, he insists, “I still have more to give.” Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and one of the wealthiest individuals globally, said his mother instilled in him the belief that “with wealth came the responsibility to give it away.”
As the Gates Foundation prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary, Gates reflects on his lifelong commitment to philanthropy. Having already contributed $60 billion of his personal fortune to the cause, Gates remains steadfast in his belief that giving back is essential. Despite the size of his donations, his day-to-day lifestyle hasn’t changed significantly. He has no intention of living modestly, still enjoying luxuries like his private jet and vast homes. Gates maintains that giving his money away has not required any personal sacrifice on his part, as he has not altered his habits or preferences.
While Gates plans to give away the “vast majority” of his fortune, he has had ongoing discussions with his three children about how much to leave them. He assures them that they won’t be poor after his death, but they will not inherit a significant percentage of his wealth. This pragmatic approach reflects his deep understanding of numbers, something shaped by his early passion for mathematics.
In an intimate reflection on his childhood, Gates shared that he likely would have been diagnosed on the autism spectrum today. Despite eccentricities such as hyperfocus and obsessive behavior, his sisters recall his unique qualities growing up and how they often felt protective of him.