The Rise of Bill Gates: A Biography

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Nov 21, 2024

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Many people associate Bill Gates with computers, and for good reason. As the founder of Microsoft, his software has become a part of daily life for millions, from students in schools to large global companies. But Gates isn’t only known for creating easy-to-use software. He’s also a philanthropist, humanitarian, and one of the world’s most influential figures. With unmatched wealth and a generous spirit, Gates stands as a leading innovator and global change-maker. But how did he get there?

Founder of the World’s Largest Software Company

Bill Gates and his colleague Paul Allen founded Microsoft in 1975, which would go on to become the largest software company in the world. Gates led the company to worldwide success and served as CEO until 2000. After stepping down from that role, he followed his true passion for software development, creating the position of Chief Software Engineer, which he held until 2014. Microsoft gained its reputation for user-friendly software, offering programs that made everything from school projects to corporate operations simpler and more efficient.

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One of the World’s Wealthiest People

Since 1987, Bill Gates has consistently appeared on Forbes’ list of the world’s wealthiest people. This list ranks billionaires based on their known assets, and Gates has topped it for most years from 1995 to 2017. Although he was overtaken by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos in more recent years, Gates’s financial success has cemented his status as one of history’s most notable billionaires.

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A Committed Philanthropist

Gates’s contributions go beyond technology. He founded the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the largest private charitable organizations in the world. The foundation has donated billions to initiatives aimed at improving global health, education, and nutrition. Gates also partnered with Warren Buffett to create the Giving Pledge, where billionaires commit to donating at least half of their wealth to charitable causes. His philanthropic work shows that his influence isn’t limited to business; he’s dedicated to making the world a better place.

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Meeting His Wife at Microsoft

Bill Gates met Melinda French at Microsoft in 1987, where she worked as a project manager and software developer. Their professional connection soon turned personal, and they married in Hawaii on January 1, 1994. A tragic loss in Gates’s family the following year prompted the couple to take time off from their demanding work to travel and focus on family. Together, they have three children—two daughters and one son—whom they have raised with values of compassion and ambition.

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A Recognized Influencer

It’s no exaggeration to say Bill Gates is one of the most influential people of the 20th century. Millions have used Microsoft’s software, and countless lives have been improved through his charitable work. Time magazine included Gates in its list of the 100 most influential people of the century and named him Person of the Year in 2004, 2005, and alongside Melinda in 2006. His impact stretches far beyond technology, reaching into global health and humanitarian efforts.

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Bestselling Author

Bill Gates’s influence isn’t limited to technology or philanthropy—he’s also a bestselling author. His first book, The Road Ahead, co-written with Nathan Myhrvold, was published in 1995. It explored the personal computing revolution and its societal impact, predicting the rise of the “information superhighway,” now known as the internet. His second book, Business @ the Speed of Thought, released in 1999, provided insights into how technology can enhance business efficiency and competitiveness. Both works highlight his forward-thinking approach and understanding of technology’s role in society.

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A Young Programmer

Gates’s journey into technology started early. While attending Lakeside Preparatory School, he wrote his first computer program: a simple game of tic-tac-toe that could be played against the computer. Recognizing his talent, the school even asked him to create a scheduling program for student classes. In true Gates fashion, he added a twist by programming it to place him in classes with more “interesting girls.”

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A Surprising Record

Gates’s life hasn’t been all tech and philanthropy; he has a surprising record. In 1977, at age 22, Gates was arrested in New Mexico for running a red light and speeding. This traffic violation earned him a brief booking and a mugshot that still circulates online today, serving as a reminder that even the most accomplished people have their youthful missteps.

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Flying Coach Until 1997

Despite his immense wealth, Gates didn’t always live extravagantly. Until 1997, he flew in coach. His first big splurge was purchasing his own private jet, which he now refers to as his “guilty pleasure.” His $40 million Bombardier BD-700 Global Express can seat up to 19 people. This and his Porsche are among the few luxury items he indulged in, despite becoming the youngest self-made billionaire at age 31.

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Children’s Inheritance

Gates’s children won’t be following in his billionaire footsteps—at least not through inheritance. Gates has stated that each of his three children will inherit just $10 million, a modest amount compared to his vast fortune. He believes that his children should find their own path and work hard, much like he did. The majority of his wealth will go to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, ensuring that it continues to fund initiatives that make a difference around the world.

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