Artificial intelligence, energy and biosciences are “the most promising fields” to make an impact in today according to Bill Gates, and if he was starting out now, these are the areas he would tackle.
The Microsoft co-founder shared the insights in a tweeted speech to new college grads on Monday, during which he also explained what he wish he had known when he left college and what he believes to be the most important things in life.
“Intelligence takes many different forms,” said Gates.
“It is not one-dimensional. And not as important as I used to think.
1/ New college grads often ask me for career advice. At the risk of sounding like this guy…https://t.co/C68mjJ5g44
— Bill Gates (@BillGates) May 15, 2017
Gates said today’s graduates and young people have an advantage that he didn’t at their age.
“I also have one big regret: When I left school, I knew little about the world’s worst inequities. Took me decades to learn.
“You know more than I did when I was your age. You can start fighting inequity, whether down the street or around the world, sooner.
He also urged those embarking on their careers to remember those around them.
“Meanwhile, surround yourself with people who challenge you, teach you, and push you to be your best self. As [Melinda Gates] does for me,” he said.
“Like [Warren Buffett] I measure my happiness by whether people close to me are happy and love me [and] by the difference I make for others.”
It’s no secret that Gates loves to read, and he told his followers the “most inspiring book [he’s] ever read” is Steven Pinker’s The Better Angels of our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined.
Why? Because, according to Gates, it “shows how the world is getting better”.
“Sounds crazy, but it’s true,” said Gates.
“This is the most peaceful time in human history.
“That matters because if you think the world is getting better, you want to spread the progress to more people and places.”
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Dinushi is a journalist at SmartCompany.
