That Bill, you gotta love him.
By James Milstid
Bill Gates recently made a rare appearance at the University of Washington. He talked about how technological advances are coming together for major advances in a couple areas he cares most about these days; education and efforts to help the poor people of the world.
The ensuing question and answer session was most memorable when a student asked him how she could become rich like him.
His answer?
“I can understand wanting to have millions of dollars, there’s a certain freedom, meaningful freedom, that comes with that. But once you get much beyond that, I have to tell you, it’s the same hamburger. Dick’s has not raised their prices enough,” he said, referring to the Seattle-area fast-food chain. “But being ambitious is good. You just have to pick what you enjoy doing.”
I truly appreciate his candid answer. Of course, it’s easy for him to say… he’s worth billions; somewhere around $49 billion. But with all the protests against greedy corporate executives these days, it’s refreshing to hear Mr. Gates speak honestly about being uber-rich.
His philanthropy is inspiring. It’s an enviable position to be in; Gates and his wife Melinda have so far given $28 billion to their foundation, the largest in the United States.
A few weeks ago, I went to my granddaughter’s softball game. There were no grandstands; no place to sit because of state budget cuts. I remember wishing that I was wealthy enough to donate the money for grandstands. A drop in the bucket for even the moderately wealthy. Perhaps a foolish wish; I’m sure most people could think of far better ways to spend my money. But it would be a very big deal to the recipients. And I like that idea.
Yes, I envy people like Bill Gates. Not necessarily because I want to be uber-wealthy, although I wouldn’t mind at all. I’d just love to be in a position to give, to help in a big way.
Altruistic? Probably more selfish… I want the joy of knowing I made a difference.
It’s an enviable position.
Source: GeekWire.com
Source: Reuters
Tags: people