Bill Gates is in a period of reflection—and the balance sheet is overwhelmingly positive when it comes to generosity. Through his foundation, which focuses on charitable work, he has concentrated on areas where support is vital. To date, the total amount he has donated is around US$100 billion, invested in long-term, concrete and effective efforts to reduce poverty and prevent disease.
When Gates says, “I have donated more than US$100 billion through various programs of my foundation, but I still have much more to give,” he is referring to a figure so large that it is difficult for the average person to grasp—an amount more relatable, perhaps, to the expertise of an economy minister of a country like Bulgaria. Indeed, that sum is equivalent to the current size of Bulgaria’s national economy.
The Microsoft co-founder and Warren Buffett, his partner at the Gates Foundation, are now working to channel and merge their fortunes through the foundation Gates created with his former wife, Melinda. Despite personal circumstances, they remain fully committed to the conviction that there is still much to be done, many causes to support, and countless lives to change.
The Gates Foundation recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. During this milestone, Gates emphasized that for the rest of his life, he intends to continue on the path he began long ago—the path of giving. He also noted that he genuinely enjoys planning and directing his resources toward programs that improve the well-being of people and society at large.
Values instilled from early childhood
Given the enormous sums disclosed, many have wondered how this level of giving has affected Gates’s personal finances—what dreams or plans may have been set aside in favor of helping others. According to Gates, the answer is simple: in daily life, he has noticed no significant change.
“I estimate that I’ve given a lot, certainly, but it hasn’t affected my lifestyle in a meaningful way. To be precise, I haven’t made any real personal sacrifices. I haven’t gone to the theater or the movies less, nor have I ordered less fast food or fewer of my favorite hamburgers,” he said.
It was his mother who taught young Bill and his two sisters to live simply, be grateful and share. Although the family was comfortable, they were far from wealthy; values around responsible use of money were central to the Gates household. His father was a respected attorney, and his mother, Mary Ann, was a teacher, civic activist and later director of a nonprofit organization. With strong social consciousness, both parents instilled in their children the principle that would later shape Bill’s business and philanthropic life: wealth comes with the responsibility to give it away.
Of course, Gates does allow himself certain luxuries to make his life as an entrepreneur and philanthropist more efficient. For example, owning a private jet streamlines a demanding schedule that often requires travel across continents. During his trips, he meets with students, shares his business experience, and personally reviews the impact of foundation programs. Yet, above all, what he values most about travel is the people he encounters—the true driving force behind his philanthropic role.
Regarding his intention to donate almost all his wealth, some have wondered whether his children objected. Gates has made it clear they did not. They were raised with the same values around money, fully support his philanthropic decisions, and will not be left destitute.
“They absolutely won’t be,” Gates said when asked. “My children will be fine financially, in absolute terms. But technically, in percentage terms, it’s not an enormous amount—and they’re perfectly fine with that. They are proud of what we’ve achieved so far and clear that they must work toward their own goals.”
