Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Bill Gates reveals his 'one big regret' in advice tweetstorm for recent university graduates

Lesson took Microsoft multi-billionaire 'decades to learn', he admits

Jon Sharman
Tuesday 16 May 2017 18:24 BST
Comments
Bill Gates speaks during the Neglected Tropical Diseases Summit in Geneva, Switzerland
Bill Gates speaks during the Neglected Tropical Diseases Summit in Geneva, Switzerland (Reuters)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Bill Gates has revealed his "one big regret" in a stream of tweets giving advice to new university graduates around the world.

The Microsoft co-founder told his 35 million followers that "looking back on when I left college, there are some things I wish I had known".

His greatest regret was that "when I left school, I knew little about the world’s worst inequities," the multi-billionaire said. "Took me decades to learn."

Mr Gates added: "AI, energy, and biosciences are promising fields where you can make a huge impact. It's what I would do if starting out today.

"You know more than I did when I was your age. You can start fighting inequity, whether down the street or around the world, sooner.

"Meanwhile, surround yourself with people who challenge you, teach you, and push you to be your best self. As @MelindaGates does for me."

He also said "the world is getting better", citing cognitive scientist Steven Pinker and his book, The Better Angels Of Our Nature.

Mr Gates added: "Sounds crazy, but it’s true. This is the most peaceful time in human history.

"That matters because if you think the world is getting better, you want to spread the progress to more people and places.

"It doesn’t mean you ignore the serious problems we face. It just means you believe they can be solved.

"This is the core of my worldview. It sustains me in tough times and is the reason I love my work. I think it can do same for you."

Earlier this year Mr Gates was confirmed as the world's richest man for the fourth year running, with his estimated wealth totalling some $86 billion (£67 billion).

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in