Member Avatar for happygeek

With the Boy God announcing he is to step down from the Microsoft helm in a couple of years, and devote more time and energy to his philanthropic efforts, it begs the question: how will the world remember him?

For all his faults, and dubious Microsoft business practise, I have a funny feeling that he will be remembered as the richest man in the world who gave most of his riches back to it. If his third world plans come to fruition, then Gates will deserve to go down in the history books as one of the good guys.

Discuss. :)

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This thread frames Bill Gates as two different, often conflicting legacies at once: the software entrepreneur who shaped how millions use computers and the philanthropist investing large sums and time into global health and education. and lean toward seeing philanthropy as redemption; calls out monopoly and greed; wants fresh leadership at Microsoft; questions the phrase “open-minded”; points to alternative platforms. Those reactions capture the core split in how people evaluate him.

A practical way to judge legacy is to separate three questions. First, technological impact: did his work expand access, create durable platforms or ecosystems, and move the industry forward? Second, market conduct: did Microsoft’s tactics hamper competitors or spur broader innovation and consumer choice? Third, philanthropic effectiveness: did giving produce measurable, lasting improvements in health, education, or institutional capacity, and was it done with transparency and proper evaluation? Emphasis should be on long-term, independently verified outcomes rather than rhetoric or intentions.

Both praise and criticism are valid. Large-scale giving changes incentives and can save lives; it does not automatically erase earlier business practices or their consequences. Equally, building dominant platforms brought both widespread benefits and real costs. Historical judgment will rest on durable results — whether more people gained opportunity and better services, whether systems became fairer or more concentrated, and whether institutions now exist that will outlast any one person. The debate among , , and others is the right frame: legacy is complex and should be measured by outcomes, not slogans.

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Member Avatar for 'Stein

Heck, even though many people hate Gates 'cause of Microsoft's problems, you have to ask yourself something.

Where the heck would we be if Gates wasn't here?

And plus, the philantropy (sp?) of his Foundation doesn't hurt his image one bit. I, personally, applaud him. He's definitely not in the breed of the Kennedys or the Rockefellers, who (again, personal opinion) horde their money.

And yes, I definitely agree with ya Davey:

I have a funny feeling that he will be remembered as the richest man in the world who gave most of his riches back to it. If his third world plans come to fruition, then Gates will deserve to go down in the history books as one of the good guys.

Couldn't say it better myself :)

Member Avatar for extofer

I think it's time though... Gates needs to leave the future of computer software to newer, more open minded people. He is a great guy, he is doing good, and Microsoft won't sink without him.

Member Avatar for Dani

What exactly is Bill Gates not open minded about? Perhaps the word you meant to say was innovative or creative?

Member Avatar for Chaky

Open minded? Bill Gates? For all I see, he is one greedy tight-ass TV selesman.

Explanation:

Tight-ass - 1PC - $100 tax to him. Made it trough copyright law. Let's not forget where the NT came from and how did the MS-DOS - 3.11 - 95 - 98 - ME streak ended. If he was so open-minded, he would make Windows free of charge and not necessity to operate PC. Not even a MS-DOS is free of charge (still charging $20 although it is obsolete). Yup, the ultimate monopoly.
Only drawback in that case is there would not be a LINUX response to his "open-mindedness".
Imagine paying Tesla $100 for every power socket in your home.

TV salesman - his EVERY interview I saw on TV (CNN's Larry King Live included) is about some product where he starts showing how inventive and easy-to-use it is. 2 words: TV salesman.


Greedy - How much money does that man need? 1 billion is more than enough for next 50 generations of Gates family tree. That is the amount that he is "generous" to put in that foundation of his. Keeping 50 BILLION USD!!!! Generous? Nope, greedy as hell. The greediest man alive.

Member Avatar for happygeek

Er, actually the foundation has an endowment of $29.1 billion, has made commitments of $10.5 billion since it was founded in 2000, and made grant payments of $1.36 billion last year alone.

But don't let the facts get in the way of your ranting :twisted:

Member Avatar for Dani

And isn't he only giving his kids something like 3% of his fortune and giving away the rest?

Member Avatar for caperjack

I think Bill Gates is and ok person

If he was so open-minded, he would make Windows free of charge and not necessity to operate PC. .

you know and i know you don't need windows to operate a computer , you don't even need a harddrive to operate one .! Linux and others ,and no hdd Knoppex and others , live cd

Member Avatar for Chaky

I know (doh!) that you don't NEED windows to operate PC, but you NEED it to run 99% of software that has nothing to do with Bill Gates nor Microsoft, except using the platform. Therefore, you NEED windows to operate PC. I never once saw a PC game nor any piece of software in stores where I live that don't require Microsoft Windows.

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