Get an intimate look at the formative years of Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, as he shares his life story in ‘Source Code’. From his privileged upbringing to the founding of Microsoft, this memoir offers a captivating glimpse into the making of a tech giant.
The Making of a Tech Giant: A Glimpse into Bill Gates‘ Early Years
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and one of the most influential figures in the tech industry, has finally shared his life story with the world. The first volume of his memoirs, ‘Source Code’, takes readers on a journey through his formative years, from his birth in 1955 to the founding of Microsoft in 1975.
Bill Gates co-founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen.
He became one of the youngest billionaires in history after the company's initial public offering (IPO) in 1986.
Gates served as CEO until 2000, when he transitioned to a part-time role.
He is known for his philanthropic efforts through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has donated billions to global health initiatives and education programs.
Gates stepped down from Microsoft's board of directors in 2020.
A Lucky Lad
Gates’ code is a reflection of his fortunate upbringing. Born into a wealthy family, he had access to top-notch education and resources that allowed him to develop his social skills and pursue his passion for computer programming. His parents, Bill Snr and Mary Gates, provided the perfect balance of support and pressure, giving him room to grow emotionally and intellectually.
However, being a high-IQ, arrogant, rebellious, and insecure child was not without its challenges. Gates’ parents struggled to understand why their son became obsessed with certain projects, missed social cues, and exhibited rude behavior ‘without seeming to notice the effect on others.’ In fact, his mother had very clear ideas about how life should be organized, which often clashed with her son’s free-spirited nature.
The Power of Early Exposure
Gates’ education at Lakeside School was a turning point in his life. The school’s relaxed and liberal atmosphere allowed him to thrive, and the introduction of computer programming in the 1960s gave him an unparalleled opportunity to develop his skills. He and his friends, including Paul Allen, began writing software for companies in the Seattle area, laying the foundation for their future success.
The Birth of Microsoft
Gates’ time at Harvard University was marked by a mix of academic rigor and entrepreneurial spirit. He and Allen even wrote an interpreter for the Basic programming language using a software emulation of the MITS machine, which would eventually become the foundation of their business. However, their unauthorized use of university resources led to Gates being disciplined – a precursor to ‘Mark Zuckerberg’s own scandalous behavior years later.’
A Tragic Loss
One of the most poignant moments in Gates’ account is his description of the sudden death of his best friend and fellow programmer, Kent Evans. The loss was a devastating blow that left an indelible mark on Gates’ life. He recalls the stricken expressions on Evans’ parents’ faces and the realization that their grief would never be the same.
A Glimpse into the Future
The present volume may only scratch the surface of Gates’ story, but it provides a fascinating glimpse into the making of a tech giant. The reflectiveness of his account is striking, offering insight into the challenges he faced and the people who shaped him into the person he became.
As we wait for the next installment of his memoirs, ‘Source Code’ offers a captivating look at the early years of one of the most influential figures in modern history.
- theguardian.com | Source Code by Bill Gates review – growing pains of a computer geek
