William H. Gates

"To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."  (Ralph Waldo Emerson). Ralph Waldo Emerson's words connect to Bill Gates in many psychological ways. In 1975, Gates disappointed his parents by dropping out of Harvard and discontinuing his pursuit of becoming a lawyer. Without a glimpse back, Gates began his ambitions of becoming a software designer and entrepreneur despite the challenges and obstacles. After dropping out, Gates formed the company Microsoft and created an amazing monopoly on the personal computer. As a content, retired, married man with 3 children, Bill Gates could do anything he desired with the billions saved up from his business. Instead, he challenges himself to support the less fortunate and alter the world into a better place. Bill Gates dedicates himself to his work, selflessly gives for someone else's gain, and possesses the spirit to inspire others to take action.  

Bill Gates created opportunities to people who desperately needed it by donating millions to charities, including his own: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. "Pledges have included $1 billion over 20 years to fund college scholarships for about 1,000 minority students, $750 million over 5 years to help launch the Global Fund for Children's Vaccines, $50 million to help the World Health Organization's efforts to eradicate polio, and $3 million to help prevent the spread of AIDS among young people in South Africa." William Henry Gates, III."). While not everything was donated by Gates, the effort and care he puts into the organization is obvious. The funds from the Foundation offers help for people that reside in poverty and also provides an education for those who cannot afford one. Gates presents those with a lower chance of success to enrich their daily lives and family around them. Furthermore, Gates contributed a countless number of years assisting those with a less fortunate background. "Over the next few years, his involvement with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation occupied much of his time and even more of his interest. In 2006, Gates announced he was transitioning himself from full-time work at Microsoft, to devote more quality time to the Foundation." ("Bill Gates."). Due to the overwhelming sense of responsibility, Gates withdraws from Microsoft to completely focus on the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and with this action he creates a path so that many others can follow suit. Gates demonstrates that pursuing a career may be imperative to further oneself but having compassion for another is just as significant. Gates, using the best of his ability to support the needy, uses his kindness and donations to assist millions across the globe, and eternally influenced numerous people.

Bill Gates also sways other influential individuals and everyday people as well, in order to increase money and raise awareness. Gates addresses millions of people and speaks to many powerful characters to discuss the difficulties that many beings face. For example, "Gates noted the commitment of President Obama and members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to spend $3.5 billion over three years through the Feed the Future program." ("Bill Gates Calls on United States."). Through the announcement, Gates utilized the publicity to further advertise his charity in order to get more people involved. Due to this action, the charity develops larger and benefits the poorer population of the world. In addition, Gates requests famous celebrities and faces help spread understanding of the poverty of third world countries."Gates continued to challenge his and Buffet's wallets in 2010 when he, his wife Melinda, and Buffet created the Giving Pledge, which is a pledge that other billionaires can sign to indicate that they promise to give away at least half of their fortunes to charity. Notable billionaires who signed the pledge included Mark Zuckerberg and Ted Turner." ("William Henry Gates, III."). By using prominent faces, Gates uses social networking to subtly promote his charity and get people to donate. Using his creativity, Gates spreads the awareness to others, in order for a more unified planet. Exhibiting on what can be completed for humanity, Gates unmistakably displays the belief that the weaker should have a possibility at prosperity and safety.

Gates early childhood affection for computers with diligence, dedication, and some luck directed him to a multi-billion dollar corporation. At the age of 15, Bill Gates fashioned a business called Traf-Data which was sold for twenty-thousand dollars. He later dropped out of high school in order to work at TRW for computing and for his compensation, Gates received thirty-thousand dollars. "When Allen excitedly showed him the story, Gates knew where he wanted to be:at the forefront of computer software (a program of instructions for a computer) design."("Bill Gates Biography."). The confidence that he had in his computing abilities showed the devotion he had to follow his visions and objectives. He recognized that it would be a problematic route but he chased it until he could achieve his goals. Gates later attended Harvard University, but discontinued and started the company Microsoft. Although it was an enormous gamble, he comes out on top because in 2007, "Gates' personal worth was estimated at more than $57 billion making him the richest person on the planet for the thirteenth straight year." ("William H. Gates."). Although he had taken a gigantic risk,he followed what he had faith in and devoted time until his hard labor paid off. His aptitude to take on any trial and be fruitful due to his abilities causes Gates to be the flawless role model.

Gates early childhood infatuation with computers and dedication has led to a multibillion dollar company. His love for computers permitted for massive accomplishments and has helped him prosper. Due to his abilities, Gates had confidence within himself and identified that he could flourish in styles others couldn't. Although he had such astonishing achievements, he had the capability to modestly put others in front of himself and donate his time and money. He rose awareness to the atrocities some of the deprived had to face, showed the horrors that awaited some of the feeble, or the hopelessness of a student who couldn't attend school. These actions accurately embody a hero that should be respected, and someone that individuals will be able to model themselves after.