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1. Early Card Games Sparked a Lifelong Pursuit of Mastery

In my family there was no faster way to win favor than to be good at games, especially card games.

Family tradition. Bill Gates's maternal grandmother, Adelle Thompson ("Gami"), instilled in him a love for card games, which became a central part of his family culture. Gami's card-playing prowess was legendary, and young Bill was initiated into this world early, learning Go Fish at age five.

Learning from the best. Gami's mastery of cards fascinated Bill, who sought to understand how she achieved such skill. He realized that her success wasn't just luck or talent, but the result of training her brain and developing strategies. This realization sparked Bill's own interest in learning and improving his card-playing abilities.

Transferable skills. Through card games, Bill learned valuable skills such as tracking opponents' hands, calculating probabilities, and making strategic decisions. These skills would later prove invaluable in his career in computer programming and business.

2. Family Values Shaped a Drive for Excellence and Civic Engagement

A life well-lived meant living simply, giving your time and money to others, and, most of all, using your brain—staying engaged with the world.

Principled upbringing. Gami instilled in Bill a strong personal code of fairness, justice, and integrity. She emphasized the importance of living simply, giving back to others, and using one's intellect to stay engaged with the world.

Civic duty. Bill's parents, particularly his mother, Mary Maxwell Gates, were deeply involved in community nonprofits and civic organizations. They instilled in him a sense of responsibility to contribute to the betterment of society.

Striving for success. Bill's parents expected their children to excel in school, sports, and social activities. They communicated these expectations through their actions and conversations, creating a culture of achievement and ambition within the family.

3. View Ridge Upbringing Fostered a Techno-Optimistic Worldview

Technology was progress and, in the right hands, it would bring peace.

Post-war confidence. Bill's childhood in View Ridge, Seattle, was marked by a sense of optimism and confidence in America's future. The country was booming, and technology was seen as a force for progress and peace.

World's Fair influence. The 1962 Seattle World's Fair, with its focus on science, technology, and space exploration, had a profound impact on Bill. It instilled in him a belief in the power of technology to solve problems and improve lives.

Limitless potential. The climate of limitless potential in the 1960s shaped Bill's early life and ambitions. He grew up believing that anything was possible with hard work and ingenuity.

4. Lakeside School Ignited a Passion for Computers and Collaboration

On the surface, the difference between hiking and programming couldn’t have been greater. But they each felt like an adventure.

Early access to computers. Lakeside School provided Bill and his friends with rare access to a mainframe computer in the early 1970s. This opportunity sparked a passion for programming and set him on a path that would change the world.

Finding his tribe. At Lakeside, Bill found a group of like-minded individuals who shared his interest in computers. This community fostered collaboration and competition, pushing him to develop his programming skills.

Beyond the classroom. Lakeside's teachers encouraged students to explore their interests beyond the classroom. This freedom allowed Bill to pursue his passion for programming and develop his unique talents.

5. The Allure of Free Computer Time Transformed Teenagers into Programmers

I channeled the same intensity that drew me into solving the puzzle of Gami’s card skill into anything that interested me—and nothing that didn’t.

Opportunity knocks. A deal between Lakeside School and Computer Center Corp. (CCC) provided Bill and his friends with free access to a powerful PDP-10 computer. This opportunity transformed them from casual users into dedicated programmers.

Learning by doing. With limited instruction, Bill and his friends learned to program by experimenting, making mistakes, and figuring things out on their own. This hands-on approach fostered creativity and problem-solving skills.

The power of focus. The free computer time allowed Bill to immerse himself in programming, developing a level of focus and intensity that would become a hallmark of his career.

6. A Tragic Loss Catalyzed a Shift from Competition to Collaboration

You have to respect us.

Kent's influence. Kent Evans, Bill's close friend, instilled in him a sense of ambition and a desire to make a difference in the world. Kent's tragic death served as a catalyst for Bill, prompting him to refocus his energy and collaborate with others.

Finding common ground. After Kent's death, Bill and Paul Allen, despite their differences, found common ground in their shared grief and their passion for computers. This shared experience strengthened their bond and set the stage for their future partnership.

A new perspective. The loss of Kent helped Bill realize the importance of collaboration and the value of human connection. He began to shift his focus from individual achievement to building something meaningful with others.

7. Harvard Beckoned, but the Call of Micro-Soft Proved Irresistible

I was at war with my parents.

A difficult decision. Bill faced a difficult choice between pursuing a traditional education at Harvard and dedicating himself to his passion for computers and his fledgling company, Micro-Soft.

The lure of the unknown. Despite the prestige of Harvard, Bill was drawn to the excitement and potential of the emerging personal computer industry. He saw an opportunity to make a real impact on the world.

A leap of faith. Ultimately, Bill decided to take a leave of absence from Harvard and pursue his dream of building a software company. This decision marked a turning point in his life and set him on a path that would lead to extraordinary success.

8. The Open Letter Marked a Stand for Fair Compensation in Software

To me, the most critical thing in the hobby market right now is the lack of good software courses, books and software itself.

Theft of software. Bill's open letter to hobbyists was a passionate defense of intellectual property rights. He argued that software developers deserved to be compensated for their work, just like hardware manufacturers.

A controversial stance. The letter sparked a heated debate in the early personal computer community, where the prevailing ethos was that software should be free and openly shared.

A vision for the future. Bill's stance on software licensing was prescient, anticipating the importance of intellectual property in the software industry and laying the groundwork for Micro-Soft's future success.

9. Early Partnerships Forged a Path to Industry Leadership

I’m sure you recognize you have a wonderful talent and we’re all proud of your creativity and diligence in pursuing each idea.

Paul Allen's role. Paul Allen was a key figure in Bill's early career, providing technical expertise, business acumen, and a shared vision for the future of computing. Their partnership was essential to Micro-Soft's early success.

Ric Weiland's contributions. Ric Weiland played a crucial role in Micro-Soft's early days, contributing his programming skills and business acumen. His decision to leave the company marked a turning point, prompting Bill to take on a more active leadership role.

The power of collaboration. Despite their differences, Bill, Paul, and Ric were able to achieve great things by working together. Their collaboration demonstrated the power of teamwork and the importance of diverse skills and perspectives.

10. The Power of Mentors and Educators in Shaping a Future

You’re a lucky kid.

Gami's influence. Bill's grandmother, Adelle Thompson ("Gami"), instilled in him a love for learning, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to ethical behavior. Her guidance played a crucial role in shaping his character and values.

Lakeside teachers. Teachers at Lakeside School, such as Fred Wright and Gary Maestretti, provided Bill with intellectual stimulation, encouragement, and the freedom to explore his interests. Their support was essential to his development as a programmer and a thinker.

Industry professionals. Individuals such as John Norton at Bonneville Power Administration and Bud Pembroke at ISI provided Bill with valuable mentorship and guidance, helping him develop his skills and navigate the challenges of the business world.

Last updated: March 6, 2025