Some things you only learn over time. The same thing happened to Bill Gates. During a speech, he gives an insight into what insights he would have liked to have gained earlier.
Bill Gates speaks to graduates
At Northern Arizona University’s (NAU) graduation ceremony, Bill Gates gave a speech in which he gave students important advice that he wished he had known when he was younger. Although he dropped out of his own studies at Harvard University after three semesters to found Microsoft, Gates is now welcomed at various universities, including the campus of Northern Arizona University (NAU). During the graduation ceremony for the forestry and computer science courses, the co-founder of Microsoft shared with the graduates five insights that, in retrospect, he would have liked to have had earlier.
“Life is not just an act”
Gates’ first piece of advice was: “Life is not just one act.” When he left university to focus entirely on Microsoft, Gates was determined that he would work at the software company for the rest of his life. The idea of having an absolute commitment to what you will do forever at the start of your career is familiar to many young people and often comes with a lot of pressure. Gates wanted to take the pressure off graduates and emphasized that decisions they make tomorrow or in the next decade don’t have to be forever. He has now shifted his focus to numerous philanthropic projects.
“You never stop learning”
Gates’ second piece of advice was: “You never stop learning.” By the time he left college, he believed he already knew everything he needed to know. However, he quickly realized that he was wrong in this assumption and that you never stop learning in life. Gates encouraged students to take deep breaths when faced with problems they cannot solve on their own and to seek out smart people from whom they can learn. He emphasized that learning means not only concentrating on what you can already do, but also being open to new things.
“Find tasks that solve an important problem”
Gates’ third piece of advice: “Find tasks that solve an important problem.” Gates told the graduates that they are starting their careers in a world where there are many big challenges to tackle, such as climate change and technological advances. He encouraged them to focus on tackling one of these problems as it not only gives meaning to life but also inspires them to do excellent work and be creative.
“Don’t underestimate the power of friendship”
Gates’ fourth piece of advice was, “Don’t underestimate the power of friendship.” Gates emphasized the importance of social relationships and shared his own experience of how a high school friendship with Paul Allen led to the founding of Microsoft. He encouraged the students to pay attention not only to their diplomas, but also to their fellow students, who can become a personal network.
“You’re not a slacker if you take your time”
Gates concludes his speech with his most important insight: “You’re not a slacker if you take your time.” Gates previously couldn’t understand this and in the early years of Microsoft had no sympathy for employees who didn’t work overtime. He even kept a record of who left early and who came late. However, as he grew older and his children were born, his attitude changed. He recommends graduates not wait as long as he did to learn this lesson. You should take time to nurture relationships, celebrate successes, and recover from setbacks. If you need a break, you should give it to yourself and also be considerate of those around you if they need a break.
Editorial team finanzen.net
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