Bill Gates

Microsoft co-founder

Contemporary influential 114 sayings

Sayings by Bill Gates

If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

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

The computer industry is not about computers anymore. It's about networks.

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

I want to do good in the world, and I want to make a difference. And I think that technology can be a powerful force for good.

2008 — Interview, 'CBS News'
Controversial Unverifiable

The best way to predict the future is to create it.

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

I'm a big believer 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

Microsoft has had its ups and downs, but we've always been able to come back stronger.

2000 — Microsoft shareholder meeting
Controversial Unverifiable

The world is changing at an incredible pace. And we need to be able to keep up with it.

2015 — TED Talk
Controversial Unverifiable

I think that the computer is the most important invention of the 20th century.

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

The Internet is a revolution. It's going to change the way we live, the way we work, the way we learn.

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

I think that the most important thing is to be passionate about what you do. If you're passionate about what you do, you'll be successful.

2008 — Interview, 'CBS News'
Controversial Unverifiable

The world is getting smaller. And we need to be able to connect with people from all over the world.

2009 — TED Talk
Controversial Unverifiable

I think that the biggest challenge facing humanity is poverty. And I think that technology can be a powerful force for good in addressing that challenge.

2006 — Interview, 'Charlie Rose Show'
Controversial Unverifiable

The Internet is a tool that can be used for good or for evil. And it's up to us to make sure that it's used for good.

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

I think that the most important thing is to be able to learn from your mistakes. And to be able to adapt to change.

2008 — Interview, 'CBS News'
Controversial Unverifiable

The world is full of problems. But it's also full of solutions. And I think that we can solve these problems if we work together.

2015 — TED Talk
Controversial Unverifiable

If I'd had some idea of the scope of the project, I'd have been a lot more hesitant.

1995 — Referring to the early days of Microsoft and operating systems, from 'The Road Ahead'
Humorous Unverifiable

The Internet is a superhighway to nowhere.

1995 — Interview with Playboy magazine
Humorous Unverifiable

People always overestimate the change that will occur in the next two years and underestimate the change that will occur in the next ten.

1995 — Book 'The Road Ahead'
Humorous Confirmed

I have to say, I'm pretty impressed with what we've done.

2000s — Referring to Microsoft's achievements, during an interview
Humorous Unverifiable

Our success has really been based on partnerships from the very beginning.

2017 — Interview with Forbes
Humorous Unverifiable