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CHM Live | Bill Gates and Patrick Collison: In Conversation at CHM
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[Recorded February 11, 2025] Join us for an extraordinary CHM Live event as we welcome Bill Gates to discuss his deeply personal new memoir, Source Code, in conversation with Patrick Collison, cofounder and CEO of Stripe. What You’ll Experience -A fireside chat with Bill Gates discussing his new memoir, Source Code, moderated by Stripe CEO Patrick Collison. -Lessons, insights, and stories from the formative early years of one of the world's most impactful leaders. About the Book The origin story of one of the most influential and transformative business leaders and philanthropists of the modern age The business triumphs of Bill Gates are widely known: the twenty-year-old who dropped out of Harvard to start a software company that became an industry giant and changed the way the world works and lives; the billionaire many times over who turned his attention to philanthropic pursuits to address climate change, global health, and U.S. education. Source Code is not about Microsoft or the Gates Foundation or the future of technology. It’s the human, personal story of how Bill Gates became who he is today: his childhood, his early passions and pursuits. It’s the story of his principled grandmother and ambitious parents, his first deep friendships and the sudden death of his best friend; of his struggles to fit in and his discovery of a world of coding and computers in the dawn of a new era; of embarking in his early teens on a path that took him from midnight escapades at a nearby computer center to his college dorm room, where he sparked a revolution that would change the world. Bill Gates tells this, his own story, for the first time: wise, warm, revealing, it’s a fascinating portrait of an American life. FEATURED PARTICIPANTS Speaker Bill Gates Chair, Gates Foundation, and Founder, Breakthrough Energy and TerraPower Bill Gates is a technologist, business leader, and philanthropist. In 1975, he co-founded Microsoft with his childhood friend Paul Allen and today he is chair of the Gates Foundation. Bill is the founder of Breakthrough Energy, an effort to commercialize clean energy and other climate-related technologies, and TerraPower, a company investing in developing groundbreaking nuclear technologies. He has three children. Moderator Patrick Collison Cofounder and Chief Executive Officer, Stripe Patrick Collison is cofounder and chief executive officer of Stripe, a technology company that builds financial infrastructure for the internet. Patrick and his brother, John, started Stripe in 2010 with the goal of making it simpler to accept payments on the internet. Today, millions of businesses from startups to global enterprises use Stripe to accept payments and manage complex businesses online. Patrick is also a cofounder of the Arc Institute, a biomedical research institute that is pioneering a new model for basic research. Catalog Number: 102809062 Acquisition Number: 2025.0002
Segments Timeline
Welcome to CHM Live
The event kicks off with a warm welcome to attendees and an introduction to the special program featuring Bill Gates in conversation with Patrick Collison. The host reflects on the significance of the event and the contributions of Bill Gates to technology and computing.
"[Music] uh well good afternoon everyone welcome to chm"
A Personal Connection
The host shares a personal anecdote about their long history with Bill Gates, highlighting their early experiences with Microsoft and the impact of Gates' work on the technology landscape. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Gates' life and contributions.
"to chm great thank you all for coming and live streaming and also on the C-SPAN book TV network welcome to the program today we have a special program Bill Gates in conversation with Patrick Collison ..."
The Evolution of the Museum's Mission
The host discusses the evolution of the Computer History Museum's mission, emphasizing the importance of preserving computing history while also exploring its implications on the human condition. This context underscores the relevance of Gates' contributions to the museum's goals.
"today um for those that I don't know my name is anel Luen I've been here at the museum for about seven years kind of as we speak uh and uh this to me is um has been announced that I'll be leaving in t..."
Decoding Bill Gates' Early Life
The conversation transitions to the focus of the event: decoding the beginnings of Bill Gates' life. The host emphasizes the significance of understanding Gates' early experiences and how they shaped his future endeavors in technology and philanthropy.
"long time ago when I was at Apple and the Apple 2 boot ROM was Microsoft basic it me meant a lot to me I wrote my first program that way and then uh 24 years ago I joined Microsoft uh and again met bi..."
The Impact of the Revolution Exhibit
The host invites audience participation, asking how many have visited the museum's Revolution exhibit. This moment highlights Gates' role in the founding of the museum and the importance of recognizing the technological advancements of the past 50 years.
"because after all Life as we know it doesn't exist without Computing and if there was a person on the planet who had a lot to do with that in terms of every person on the planet its Bill and so we owe..."
Introducing Patrick Collison
The host introduces Patrick Collison, co-founder and CEO of Stripe, emphasizing his significance in the tech industry. This introduction sets the stage for the upcoming conversation between Collison and Gates.
"afternoon we're really going to have a chance to uh listen to Patrick and Bill have a conversation and sort of decode the beginning of Bill's life uh and I think that's fitting uh again given the fact..."
A Conversation on Innovation
The host expresses excitement for the conversation between Gates and Collison, hinting at discussions around innovation in technology and the credit card ecosystem. This moment builds anticipation for the insights to come.
"had a lot to do with the founding of this Museum and the resources required to open that primary exhibit uh and I think it's it's it's kind of exciting um you know to to sort of appreciate what's happ..."
Bill Gates' Early Business Ventures
Gates reflects on his early entrepreneurial experiences, starting his first business at the age of 13. He shares anecdotes about programming and the challenges he faced, providing insight into his formative years in the tech industry.
"for joining us at this afternoon thank you to the Computer History uh museum for uh for hosting us for those of you who are here for the first time if you've not checked out their uh exhibitions I uh ..."
The Journey to Profitability
Gates discusses the financial aspects of his early ventures, including how he generated cash flow from programming work. This segment highlights the entrepreneurial spirit that drove Gates from a young age.
"when you started the first business um I'm 13 in eth grade when the computer funded by the mother's club shows up and that's uh time sharing basic but we spent money we didn't get uh paid for that but..."
The Unconventional Path of Young Entrepreneurs
Gates and Collison discuss the rarity of young entrepreneurs in their time, contrasting it with today's startup culture. Gates shares insights into the mindset of young innovators and the evolution of the tech landscape.
"you know these days um you know startups are kind of in the air and you know everyone's seen The Social Network um and uh and you know there's um it's kind of an understood concept was anyone else um ..."
The Influence of Early Computing
Gates reflects on the early days of computing and the impact of influential companies like Digital Equipment Corporation. He shares how these experiences shaped his understanding of technology and business.
"particularly soft well yeah having a company where you made money that was considered a bit strange um the idea of you know thinking ahead okay what what are you going to do how you make money how to ..."
The Internet's Early Days
Collison shares his experience growing up in rural Ireland and his first exposure to the internet. This personal story connects to Gates' narrative, illustrating the transformative power of technology.
"um in the uh in the sort of mid 90s um in in County tieri um we couldn't get the internet uh because um we we were too far from the phone exchange um and there was kind of too much noise on the phone ..."
Setting the Record Straight on 640k
Gates addresses the apocryphal claim about 640k of RAM being enough for anyone. He clarifies the context of this statement and discusses the evolution of memory in computing, providing insights into the technological advancements over the years.
"want to jump a little bit forward and kind of touch on some sort of uh well actually we're going to jump around a lot generally speaking uh but um since we're here in the valley um I just want to sort..."
The Relationship with Intel
Gates shares his experiences working with Intel during the development of early computer architectures. He discusses the challenges and innovations that shaped the computing industry, highlighting the collaborative nature of technological progress.
"you say you told them they were doing it wrong or whatever like the 286 was but you're like you're you're calling you know no I had a Andy gr a very uh uh tough relationship with Andy uh because he th..."
Visiting Xerox PARC
Gates recounts his visits to Xerox PARC and the groundbreaking innovations he witnessed there. He reflects on the influence of these experiences on Microsoft's development and the broader tech landscape.
"being ridiculously expensive to to incredibly cheap did you um did you ever visit zero Park you know Steve did and you you knew Steve well and but you did you ever visit Park I visited Park a lot more..."
The Legacy of the Homebrew Computer Club
Gates compares the Homebrew Computer Club to modern tech movements like crypto and AI. He discusses the fervent belief in personal computing and how it parallels today's tech culture, emphasizing the community aspect of innovation.
"Sam Alman uh and Greg when they came up to show uh chat gp4 which is now almost 3 years ago uh this was the most most mind-blowing demo I've seen since the night I spent with Charles Simone at Park uh..."
The Vision of Personal Computing
Gates concludes this segment by discussing Microsoft's vision of a computer on every desk and in every home. He reflects on the journey of personal computing and its transformative impact on society.
"struck you described visiting uh Homebrew Computer Club uh meetings um and today you know in the valley um and indeed in the technology sector generally you know to um two sort of uh uh influential uh..."
The Dawn of Personal Computing
Gates shares his experiences from the early days of personal computing, including the excitement of the Homebrew Computer Club and the vision of a computer on every desk. He discusses the cultural shifts that accompanied the rise of personal computers and the optimism that fueled innovation.
"power um you know does that remind you at all of the hu Computing movement or was that movement a very different kind of movement to these movements today how would you compare them yeah there's a lot..."
The Military and Counterculture in Tech
Gates contrasts the military influence on early technology development with the counterculture movements of the 1960s. He reflects on how these two forces shaped the environment of Silicon Valley and the ethos of the tech industry during its formative years.
"quote he did say that he did say that he actually did say that uh but there was a small group and some of them were fairly counterculture there was a thing called The People's computer uh company ther..."
The Role of Freedom in Innovation
Discussing his upbringing, Gates emphasizes the freedom he had as a child to explore and experiment, which he believes was crucial for his later success. He contrasts this with modern parenting styles, highlighting how societal fears have changed the landscape for today's youth.
"things whole earth catalog you know Etc um when you were coming here I guess in the 70s did it feel more military inflected military research the the fruits and the products of that SRI Etc or was it ..."
Parental Influence on Success
Gates reflects on the contrasting influences of his parents on his life. He discusses the high expectations set by his mother and the calm, steady guidance from his father, illustrating how these dynamics shaped his character and ambitions.
"computer and the list price for the chip is $70 but I mean $300 but mits for that computer got a $70 price and so they managed to sell the entire kit for 300 now if you really wanted to do something y..."
The Freedom to Explore
In this segment, Gates discusses the freedom he experienced as a child, including unsupervised hikes and late-night programming sessions. He contrasts this with contemporary parenting, expressing concern over the lack of freedom given to children today.
"where I'd push back you know stay in my room you know give her a hard time uh that type of of thing we had a lot of people come over to the house and I I sort of learned her value system in that after..."
The Impact of Tragedy on Growth
Gates shares a poignant story about the tragic death of his childhood friend, which profoundly affected him. He reflects on how such experiences, while painful, contribute to personal growth and resilience.
"uh but they don't do you no uh no you people are a lot more worried about safety the idea of safety that oh you know one in a million you might get hurt doing this or hurt doing that other than drivin..."
The Changing Landscape of Tech Founders
Gates discusses the current state of technology founders, noting the lack of prominent young leaders compared to previous decades. He reflects on the unique opportunities and challenges faced by today's entrepreneurs in a more mature tech landscape.
"freedom is not totally free right no that's right uh my friend Kent Evans there were four of us when the computer shows up at this High School uh at first everybody's in there including the teachers b..."
Innovation Amidst Established Giants
In this closing segment, Gates analyzes the challenges of innovating within a landscape dominated by established companies. He emphasizes the need for fresh insights and the importance of recognizing opportunities that larger firms may overlook.
"the dis storage and cheap memory chips all that stuff is changing what we can do with Computing the existing companies don't get it uh I mean IBM does do the IBM PC that's a long story but they essent..."
LSD and Creativity: A Personal Reflection
Bill Gates shares a humorous anecdote about his experiences with LSD and its perceived impact on creativity. He contrasts his experiences with those of Steve Jobs, who famously credited LSD with enhancing his design sensibilities. Gates reflects on how his own experiences did not lead to profound insights, emphasizing the subjective nature of such substances and their varying effects on individuals.
"newer and so it shows that okay there is some fluidity you know Intel did not do uh uh AI chips and you know who knows uh it's it's weird because Intel for me Intel is Mythic I mean they are the place..."
Diet Coke: Fueling Productivity
In a light-hearted discussion, Gates reveals his past consumption of Diet Coke and how it played a role in his productivity during the early days of Microsoft. He humorously recounts his unconventional eating habits and how caffeine helped him maintain energy levels during long work hours. This segment highlights the quirky habits of successful individuals and their impact on work efficiency.
"used to used describe in in sort of um in uh in public remarks and so forth how um dropping acid and doing LSD had influenced him and I don't know gave him a more Transcendent sense of I know Beauty a..."
Reflections on the 1970s: A Pivotal Decade
Gates reflects on the significant societal changes of the 1970s, a decade marked by economic growth and social upheaval. He discusses the impact of historical events and cultural shifts on his formative years, emphasizing how these experiences shaped his worldview. Gates connects the technological advancements of the era with the broader economic landscape, illustrating the interplay between innovation and societal change.
"worst thing was I one time I took it and I had a dental operation the next day and I decided that was a bad combination um um so um speaking of um you know pharmaceutically active substances um so wel..."
The Rise of Japan in Tech
In this segment, Gates discusses the competitive landscape of the tech industry during the 1970s, particularly focusing on Japan's emergence as a technological powerhouse. He shares insights into Microsoft's early business experiences in Japan and how it influenced their global strategy. Gates reflects on the lessons learned from operating in a rapidly evolving international market.
"um my main way of getting calories was I would get bottles of tting and instead of using water I would just pour the tting onto my hand and eat it so I would always have kind of an orange thing on my ..."
Nuclear Threats and Global Risks
Gates addresses the contemporary relevance of nuclear threats in the context of global risks. He contrasts the fears of nuclear war from his youth with today's concerns about climate change, bioterrorism, and AI. Gates emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant about nuclear risks, despite a perceived sense of security, and discusses the implications of modern technology on global safety.
"line inflected around uh around 1971 you see that maybe most basically in you know tfp and in total Factor productivity um but you also see it in you know things as diverse as fertility and just like ..."
The Impact of Autism on Innovation
In this thought-provoking segment, Gates explores the relationship between neurodiversity and innovation. He reflects on how individuals on the autism spectrum may excel in entrepreneurial roles due to their unique perspectives and focus. Gates discusses the importance of fostering diverse thinking in the tech industry to drive creativity and problem-solving.
"different ways of looking things the so-called silent majority and you know you have a lot of unrest in the inner city during uh the Summers that people are concerned about you you start the war on po..."
Concentration and Learning: A Personal Journey
Gates shares his personal journey of learning and concentration, discussing how his ability to focus on topics of interest has shaped his success. He reflects on his academic experiences and the importance of deep engagement with material. This segment highlights the value of curiosity and dedication in achieving mastery in any field.
"incredible the number of great companies over there Hatachi NEC that were buying our software and it was phenomenal and it was a very it for us it was fantastic because learning how to do business glo..."
The Nuclear Threat Landscape
Bill Gates discusses the current state of nuclear threats, emphasizing the high costs associated with modernizing nuclear arsenals. He highlights the dangers posed by non-state actors who can now create atomic bombs using undetectable methods, stressing the importance of addressing these threats in today's geopolitical climate.
"there you know the US government has a plan to I would say waste many hundreds of billions of dollars redoing not just one leg but all three legs with new weapons it's unbelievably expensive it causes..."
Autism and Concentration: A Unique Perspective
In this segment, Gates reflects on how being on the autism spectrum has influenced his ability to concentrate and excel in his pursuits. He shares personal anecdotes about his school years, discussing how his focus on subjects of interest helped him navigate challenges and ultimately succeed in his academic journey.
"easily um in the book uh you say at the end you say that um you know today you know if you're growing up today that you might have been diagnosed as on the autistic Spectrum or neurod divergent or som..."
Therapy and Self-Discovery
Gates recounts his experiences with therapy during his youth, revealing how it helped him understand his relationship with his parents and the outside world. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the role of supportive figures in guiding him towards personal growth and understanding.
"super valuable and so you know the mix of things that I got uh by almost certainly being on the Spectrum you know late social skills uh very fidgety you know I I rock sometimes that bothers some of th..."
Trust in Universities: A Declining Trend
Gates addresses the decline in trust towards universities, citing a Gallup survey that shows a significant drop in public confidence. He discusses the broader implications of this trend on society and the importance of universities as institutions that foster critical thinking and debate.
"at first that was frustrating to me but then I realized okay this guy is right this is a fake thing like when my parents would say you know go to bed at this time and I would say that is truly arbitra..."
The Role of Universities in Society
In this segment, Gates elaborates on the vital role universities play in advancing knowledge and research. He expresses hope for restoring trust in these institutions and highlights the Gates Foundation's support for medical research, emphasizing the need for thoughtful and long-term perspectives in academia.
"what do you think is going on well I I'd site two things there the first is a general phenomenon about trust you know so when when they ask the Chinese people do you trust your government uh you know ..."
Influence of Christian Science on Microsoft Culture
Gates reflects on how his upbringing in a Christian Science household influenced his values and the culture at Microsoft. He discusses the moral framework instilled by his grandparents and how it shaped his approach to business and leadership.
"a massive amount of medical research at places like Stanford the understanding of the immune system that's coming out of that group is not just for the the diseases the infectious diseases but for all..."
The Evolution of Business Communication
Gates compares past business communication methods with today's digital landscape. He discusses the challenges of constant connectivity and the importance of taking time to think deeply about strategies, contrasting it with the distractions of modern technology.
"mom's mother uh who was widowed when I was five so and my mom was the only child so she was very much in our family her sense of values and morals uh influenced me both through my mom but also very di..."
AI's Transformative Potential in Philanthropy
Gates explores the implications of AI for both Microsoft and the Gates Foundation. He discusses how AI can revolutionize healthcare and agriculture in developing countries, emphasizing the need for aggressive and innovative approaches to leverage AI for social good.
"forth are there are there any redeeming merits to those now antique Technologies um or you know is is you know are the new modes we use today just all a free lunch well I think it's even harder today ..."
Childhood Influences on Philanthropy
Gates discusses his upbringing and the strong values instilled by his parents, particularly their community involvement. He reflects on how these early influences shaped his eventual commitment to philanthropy and the values that guide his work at the Gates Foundation.
"along is there anything about your childhood if I'd known you uh when you were 16 that might have led me to predict that you would undertake the particular kind of philanthropy with the Gates Foundati..."
The Evolution of Focus
Gates shares insights into his early career, describing his monomaniacal focus on Microsoft during his 20s. He contrasts this with his later openness to broader learning and exploration, which he attributes to his experiences at the Gates Foundation.
"into my 30s my mindset was there's all sorts of other wonderful stuff going on I'd love to be polymathic I'm reading about the latest in many different Sciences but I going to focus on Microsoft and y..."
Addressing Global Health Challenges
Gates reflects on his philanthropic journey, particularly his significant contributions to malaria eradication. He discusses the challenges of addressing global health issues and the surprising opportunities that arose for impactful philanthropy.
"at the end of the panel Mitch said Bill's wrong but he works so much harder than us he's going to win and so we we should just give in and I thought well that's nice uh you know thank you uh but and y..."
Future of Energy: Nuclear and Beyond
In this segment, Gates discusses the future of energy, particularly the potential of nuclear fission and fusion. He emphasizes the need for advancements in energy technology to achieve cheaper, cleaner electricity and the challenges that lie ahead.
"work on uh so I think we can get a you know Microsoft like result I.E you know leverage of dollar spent will be gigantic uh even though it's it's weird that that that wasn't being taken care of you uh..."
The Challenge of Energy Storage
Gates addresses the complexities of energy storage, particularly for renewable sources like solar and wind. He discusses the importance of developing effective storage solutions to ensure a reliable energy supply and the progress being made in geothermal energy.
"floor to how cheap fishion or Fusion can be now people make fun of the fact that every such prediction in the past turned out to be utterly wrong uh and the nuclear industry basically went bankrupt be..."
AI's Impact on Labor and Economy
Gates explores the implications of AI on labor markets and economic systems. He discusses how AI could change the dynamics of job scarcity and the need for new economic models that support labor in a future where AI plays a significant role.
"makes it come together one of the first times I've ever met bill um I uh I sort of tentatively and nervously put forth my theory about you know the the uh the possible future success of solar um and u..."
The Future Tax System
In this segment, Gates outlines his vision for a future tax system that shifts focus from taxing labor to taxing capital. He discusses the implications of this shift for society and how it could support a transition to a more AI-driven economy.
"Society problem if we didn't have ai you could have fun thinking through how Jaan and China uh are on The Cutting Edge of something that other than Africa is happening in the entire world in those sca..."
Microsoft's Early Days and Strategic Decisions
Gates reflects on the early days of Microsoft, discussing the strategic decisions that shaped the company's trajectory. He shares insights into the competitive landscape and the unique approach Microsoft took to software development and hiring.
"transition four uh final questions um would Microsoft have been more or less successful if it had been started uh or had moved when you I guess moved from Albuquerque if You' moved to the Bay Area rat..."
Lessons from Competition
Gates shares his perspective on competition in the software industry, particularly regarding the spreadsheet market dominated by Lotus 1-2-3. He emphasizes the need to innovate and improve existing products rather than simply entering a market with a new offering. Gates discusses how Microsoft maintained its edge by focusing on customer feedback and continuous improvement.
"one two3 you have to run those macros you have to superset everything about it and somebody thought we should name our columns differently you know and that it was better for some theoretic reason and..."
Reflections on Childhood and Growth
In this reflective segment, Gates compares his childhood experiences with those of today's youth. He acknowledges the advantages of modern education and access to information while recognizing the challenges that come with it. Gates discusses the importance of nurturing environments and the role of technology in shaping learning experiences.
"how she'd win all the Games Etc is that why Windows has the card games yeah I mean I I the first thing that I actually figured out there were algorithms kind of hidden algorithms uh that if you though..."
The Future: Optimism and Challenges
Gates expresses optimism about the future, highlighting advancements in healthcare and technology. He acknowledges the significant challenges that lie ahead, including climate change and societal polarization. Gates emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues while remaining hopeful about the potential for innovation and improvement in the coming years.
"off if you want to learn something today they you could just go on and learn anything I had to read the world book and it's you know in this funny alphabetic form and there's no videos to really descr..."
Creativity and Reflection
In the closing remarks, Gates reflects on the nature of creativity and the value of time spent in contemplation. He shares a quote from Albert Einstein about creativity being the residue of wasted time, underscoring the importance of allowing space for ideas to develop. Gates concludes with gratitude for the audience's support and engagement.
"well was my pandemic book uh the climate book sold better than I expected but the P people were not interested in reading about by the time my book came up that was like no we're we had enough of that..."