As a passionate reader, Bill Gates has selected five books that offer a unique perspective on global issues such as climate change, education and gender equality.
The co-founder of Microsoft and leading member of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is known as a lover of reading. According to reports, he reads about 50 books a year and takes a bag full of books with him on vacation. Gates encourages young people who want to make a positive impact on the world to develop reading habits and find a fulfilling passion.
"Each book teaches me something new or offers me a different perspective. I was lucky to have parents who encouraged me to read. It increased my curiosity about the world, something that I believe has helped me both in my career and in my work with my foundation,” he told US magazine Time.
Since 2020, when he stepped down from Microsoft's board of directors, Gates has devoted himself to philanthropic activities, focusing on critical global issues such as climate change, global health and education. Below are the five books he recommends on his personal blog, Gates Notes.
Not the End of the World – Hannah Ritchie
At the UN climate change conference (COP29), leaders from the public, private and social sectors discuss ways to accelerate efforts to address the climate crisis. One of the books Gates recommends, Not the End of the World by Hannah Ritchie, is particularly timely. According to him, it is often easier for people to follow the latest developments on climate change than to understand long-term trends. This data-packed book offers a broader perspective on the crisis, showing the progress humanity has made in areas such as reducing infant mortality and improving access to basic resources, while challenging the usual "catastrophic" narrative about climate change.
The author also suggests practical solutions to continue dealing with climate problems, emphasizing the need for cooperation between rich and poor countries to adopt innovative solutions.
The Power – Naomi Alderman
Alderman's science fiction novel, recommended to Gates by his daughter Jennifer, delves into what happens when women suddenly gain the ability to produce powerful electrical vibrations from their bodies. According to Gates, the novel shows how the world often falls prey to violent social unrest, instead of moving towards a society that embraces gender equality. The book also recalled the challenges women face today, emphasizing the need to continue striving for gender equality.
How to Know a Person – David Brooks
As an introvert, Gates found David Brooks' book interesting and helpful. The book proposes a more human way of living, encouraging readers to actively engage in everyday interactions, ask reflective questions, and listen with genuine interest to what others want to share. It also highlights the growing sense of loneliness and how disconnection in the digital age can lead to social and political divisions, showing that real relationships are more important than we think.
Brave New Words – Salman Khan
American educator Salman Khan, founder of Khan Academy, a non-profit educational platform with over 150 million students worldwide, analyzes in his book how artificial intelligence can revolutionize education, providing personalized and creative learning experiences. Khan points out that artificial intelligence can transform education by enabling teachers to spend more time building relationships with their students. However, he acknowledges challenges such as protecting student privacy and ensuring access to technology for all.
Infectious Generosity – Chris Anderson
In the book Infectious Generosity, Chris Anderson, creator of the non-profit organization TED, analyzes the challenges of philanthropy in the digital age. The author acknowledges that communication technology is a "double-edged sword": it connects people, but can drive them apart through misinformation. Gates considers the author's commitment to creating a more humane and inspiring world, although he admits that some of the proposals are difficult to implement.
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