Bill Gates on Steve Jobs, Poverty, and Creativity in Business

Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, sat down with Bloomberg News on October 25, 2011, to discuss his thoughts on Steve Jobs, progress in fighting world hunger, and the current state of business and government policy. Gates received an award from the World Food Program for his efforts to help the world's poor.

Gates spoke highly of Steve Jobs, saying he was an "amazing person" and treasured the time they spent together. He also addressed Jobs' comment that Microsoft needed more creativity and liberal arts in its DNA, stating that they had a lot of respect for each other and that their rivalry pushed them to improve.

Regarding progress in fighting world hunger, Gates noted that the world has made significant strides, citing the rise of countries like China, Brazil, and India as examples of income equality improving globally. He emphasized that this is a "very positive trend" and that the number of people lifted out of poverty has led to a decrease in the number of countries needing aid.

When asked about the current state of business and government policy in Washington, Gates expressed concern about the budget process and the potential impact of budget cuts on effective government programs, particularly those related to health and education.

Key Takeaways:

• Bill Gates praised Steve Jobs, calling him an "amazing person" and noting their mutual respect for each other.
• Gates stated that Steve Jobs' comment about Microsoft needing more creativity and liberal arts in its DNA was not a criticism, but rather a reflection of their mutual respect and admiration for each other's work.
• The world has made significant progress in fighting world hunger, with income equality improving globally due to the rise of countries like China, Brazil, and India.
• The number of people lifted out of poverty has led to a decrease in the number of countries needing aid.
• Bill Gates is concerned about the current state of business and government policy in Washington, specifically the budget process and its potential impact on effective government programs.

Statistics:

• The number of people lifted out of poverty has led to a decrease in the number of countries needing aid, down to less than a third.
• The world's poor countries are getting richer faster than the rich countries are getting richer.
• Income equality is improving globally, with the rise of countries like China, Brazil, and India as examples.

Sources:

• Bloomberg TV
• World Food Program