Bill Gates

Microsoft co-founder

Contemporary influential 114 sayings

Sayings by Bill Gates

The computer industry is the only industry that is more fashion-driven than women's fashion.

1994 — Interview, 'The New York Times'
Controversial Unverifiable

We’ve done a lot of incredible things. We’ve had a huge impact on the world. And we’re just getting started.

2000 — Microsoft shareholder meeting
Controversial Unverifiable

The Internet is a wave. It's a big wave. And it's going to change everything.

1995 — Internal Microsoft memo, 'Internet Tidal Wave'
Controversial Unverifiable

If you are born poor it's not your mistake, but if you die poor it's your mistake.

Unknown — Quote widely attributed to him, often shared online
Controversial Unverifiable

I really had a lot of fun, and I think I learned a lot. I learned a lot about how to build a company, and how to build a product. And I learned a lot about how to deal with all the challenges that come with that.

2008 — Interview, 'CBS News'
Controversial Unverifiable

The world needs people who can make a difference. And I think that technology can be a powerful force for good.

2009 — TED Talk
Controversial Unverifiable

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

2009 — TED Talk
Controversial Unverifiable

Our modern society depends on software, yet it's been the least regulated area of human endeavor.

1997 — Interview, 'BusinessWeek'
Controversial Unverifiable

The PC will be the center of the universe for most people. And we will be the ones that deliver that vision.

1980s (approx) — Internal Microsoft meeting
Controversial Unverifiable

I can understand wanting to have a good life, a nice house, a good car. But what I don't understand is why people want to have more than they need. What's the point?

1994 — Interview, 'Playboy' magazine
Controversial Unverifiable

The great thing about a computer is that it's a tool. It's a tool that can help you do anything you want to do.

1994 — Interview, 'The New York Times'
Controversial Unverifiable

I believe in capitalism. But I also believe in the idea that if you have a lot of wealth, you have a responsibility to give back to society.

2006 — Interview, 'Charlie Rose Show'
Controversial Unverifiable

The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.

Unknown — Quote widely attributed to him, often used in motivational contexts
Controversial Unverifiable

Our vision is a computer on every desk and in every home.

1980s (approx) — Early Microsoft mission statement
Controversial Unverifiable

The Internet is a platform for innovation. It's a platform for creativity. It's a platform for change.

1996 — Speech at Microsoft's 'Internet Strategy' conference
Controversial Unverifiable

The market doesn't care about your feelings. It cares about results.

Unknown — Quote widely attributed to him
Controversial Unverifiable

I'm a great believer that any tool that helps you get the job done faster and better is a good tool.

1994 — Interview, 'The New York Times'
Controversial Unverifiable

The future of computing is in the cloud.

2005 — Speech at Microsoft's 'Professional Developers Conference'
Controversial Unverifiable

I think the Internet is like a big library. It's a place where you can go to find information, to learn, to connect with people.

1998 — Interview, 'Charlie Rose Show'
Controversial Unverifiable

The world is getting better. But it's not getting better fast enough.

2015 — TED Talk
Controversial Unverifiable