Bill Gates: This Is How Steve Jobs Inspired Me

The death of Steve Jobs has inspired Bill Gates to push on with his philanthropic work, reminding him that we only have a limited amount of time on the earth. He made this revelation during an interview with Bill Weir on Nightline where he talked about his last visit to Jobs' home in the weeks before the Apple founder's death.

"He and I always enjoyed talking," Gates revealed. "He would throw some things out, you know, some stimulating things. We'd talk about the other companies that have come along. We talked about our families and how lucky we'd both been in terms of the women we married. It was great relaxed conversation."

The loss has certainly affected him -- just in his words he describes a void where Steve Job had once filled. While the two weren't always on the best of terms over the years, there was a dose of admiration from both sides, an admiration for what they've accomplished. They essentially changed the world with the likes of Windows and iPhone on two separate fronts.

"Steve had a very different set of skills than I did," he admitted. "He was every bit as intense, believed in revolutionary ways of using computers. But not in an engineer approach, [but rather] a design approach, and that had huge strengths, particularly the last episode where he ran Apple. He was able to do incredible work."

"It's very strange to have somebody who's so vibrant and made such a huge difference, a constant presence, to have him die," Gates said on Steve Jobs' passing. "It's a huge milestone, very sad not to have his talents helping out. Very sad for his kids who I've gotten to know a little bit. Great, great kids."

"It makes you feel like, wow, we're getting old," he added. "You look back and think about the great opportunities we had to have a big impact."

To see the interview, head here.

  • friskiest
    Life's too short,. make it worth not only for your family but also to others,.. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have been a strong supporter.
    Reply
  • amk-aka-Phantom
    friskiestLife's too short,. make it worth not only for your family but also to others,.. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have been a strong supporter.
    Don't forget to make it worth to yourself.

    So... here I was hoping that everybody would finally STFU about Jobs and this happens? Bill, I am disappoint.
    Reply
  • mobrocket
    when i hear bill gates and steve jobs in a sentence

    i always think of that TNT movie Pirates of Silcon Valley....

    Jobs says "were better, u know" and Gates says " it doesnt matter"
    Reply
  • NightLight
    I'm sorry, but I see Jobs as the George Lucas of the computerworld, he got lucky.

    I cannot respect the kind of man that he was, and what his company stands for. (r.i.p.)
    I'm not denying that there are some good products from apple. (this is difficult for me to say)

    Bill Gates on the other hand has always given back, and has conducted business on a humane level.
    Ofcourse you have to be cut-throat in some occasions.
    Reply
  • rangas
    and nothing of value was lost that day
    Reply
  • Ragnar-Kon
    NightLightI'm sorry, but I see Jobs as the George Lucas of the computerworld, he got lucky.I cannot respect the kind of man that he was, and what his company stands for. (r.i.p.)I'm not denying that there are some good products from apple. (this is difficult for me to say)Bill Gates on the other hand has always given back, and has conducted business on a humane level.Ofcourse you have to be cut-throat in some occasions.
    I disagree.

    While I will admit that Bill Gates does do significantly more philanthropic work than Steve Jobs did, I don't believe Apple is really any different that Microsoft at the core. They are both tech companies that make tech products, granted Microsoft has a more software-oriented approach than Apple's all-in-one approach, but they really are no different. They both use hardware products from companies without any real employee labor rights (including Foxconn), they both defend their products as much as they can, and they both try to eliminate the competition.

    I just can't see why Steve Jobs and Apple is hated by tech users when every other CEO and tech company conducts business in a very similar way. The only difference is Apple somehow makes front page news. Microsoft sues retailers that carry the Android for some bogus reason and hardly anyone pays attention. Yet when Apple sues Samsung over the Galaxy it all of a sudden makes front page news. I. just. don't. get. it.
    Reply
  • amk-aka-phantomDon't forget to make it worth to yourself.
    Indeed. If you help yourself, you will be able to help all those around you. We must all look at the choices we make and how they affect not only us, but everyone who will be affected by them.
    Reply
  • Mousemonkey
    This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey
    Reply
  • aftcomet
    Steve Jobs donated a magnificent grand total of ZERO dollars to charity, the community, or anything of that regard. When he returned to Apple in 1997 he cancelled all philanthropic programs and to this day they remain so.

    Steve Jobs is an inspiration to all.

    Give me a break.
    Reply
  • chechak
    I think after 5-10 years there will be article about BILL GATES **** and how he inspiration all..IS IT!
    Reply