Bill Gates Explains Why You Won't See Him on List of World's Richest People
The Microsoft billionaire plans to give "virtually all" his wealth to the foundation he started with ex-wife Melinda.
- Co-author of two Gen X pop-culture encyclopedia for Penguin Books. Won "Headline Writer of the Year" award for 2017, 2014 and 2013 from the American Copy Editors Society. Won first place in headline writing from the 2013 Society for Features Journalism.
Few people can even dream of making the list of world's richest people. But Bill Gates has been there for decades, and his plan is to get off that list. He explained why and how in a Twitter thread shared on Wednesday.
"As I look to the future, I plan to give virtually all of my wealth to the foundation," Gates wrote, referring to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. "I will move down and eventually off of the list of the world's richest people."
As I look to the future, I plan to give virtually all of my wealth to the foundation. I will move down and eventually off of the list of the world’s richest people.
— Bill Gates (@BillGates) July 13, 2022
Gates went on to explain what he hopes to do, and how he hopes others will follow his lead.
"I have an obligation to return my resources to society in ways that have the greatest impact for reducing suffering and improving lives," he said. "And I hope others in positions of great wealth and privilege will step up in this moment too."
I have an obligation to return my resources to society in ways that have the greatest impact for reducing suffering and improving lives. And I hope others in positions of great wealth and privilege will step up in this moment too.
— Bill Gates (@BillGates) July 13, 2022
Gates said he's transferring $20 billion to the foundation's endowment this month. Gates and ex-wife Melinda founded it in 2000 in his hometown of Seattle, and it's now reported to be the second-largest foundation in the world. The foundation works in developing countries and in the United States to enhance health care and reduce extreme poverty.
Gates said the foundation will increase its spending from nearly $6 billion per year today to $9 billion per year by 2026.
He also praised his longtime friend and fellow billionaire Warren Buffett, saying that "basically half our resources have come from" Buffett.
"His incredible generosity is a huge reason why the foundation has been able to be so ambitious," Gates wrote. "I can never adequately express how much I appreciate his friendship and guidance."