Bill Gates’ wise words

Bill Gates may look like a dull librarian, but the man had become a billionaire before his 32nd birthday. Here are some of his best quotes.

“At Microsoft there are lots of brilliant ideas but the image is that they all come from the top – I’m afraid that’s not quite right.”

– On the font of Microsoft’s creativity.

“Be nice to nerds. Chances are you’ll end up working for one.”

– Sticking up for his fellow nerds.

“I believe that if you show people the problems and you show them the solutions they will be moved to act.”

– On what motivates people to buy.

“I think it’s fair to say that personal computers have become the most empowering tool we’ve ever created. They’re tools of communication, they’re tools of creativity, and they can be shaped by their user.”

– On the revolutionary impact of computers.

“If you can’t make it good, at least make it look good.”

– On the value of form.

“People always fear change. People feared electricity when it was invented, didn’t they? People feared coal, they feared gas-powered engines… There will always be ignorance, and ignorance leads to fear. But with time, people will come to accept their silicon masters.”

– A tongue-in-cheek reference to the attitude some have towards progress.

“Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can’t lose.”

– On the importance of the occasional failure.

“Until we’re educating every kid in a fantastic way, until every inner city is cleaned up, there is no shortage of things to do.”

– On charity.

“Windows 2000 already contains features such as the human discipline component, where the PC can send an electric shock through the keyboard if the human does something that does not please Windows.”

– A frightening view of the future.

“I have 100 billion dollars… You realize I could spend 3 million dollars a day, every day, for the next 100 years? And that’s if I don’t make another dime. Tell you what – I’ll buy your right arm for a million dollars. I give you a million bucks, and I get to sever your arm right here.”

– On the fun that can be had when you’re a billionaire.

“It’s pretty incredible to look back 30 years to when Microsoft was starting and realize how work has been transformed. We’re finally getting close to what I call the digital work-style.”

– On the impact Microsoft has had on the working day.

“Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.”

– On the value of complaints.

“Let’s face it, the average computer user has the brain of a Spider Monkey.”

– Insulting spider monkeys.