Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and one of the world’s most influential figures in technology and philanthropy, is set to release his memoir, Source Code. This book will be the first in a series of autobiographical works detailing various aspects of his life, including his formative years, personal experiences, and the journey that led to the creation of Microsoft.In an exclusive interview with People magazine, Gates has offered a glimpse into lesser-known details about his childhood and adolescence. The memoir sheds light on his friendship with Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, his academic experiences, and his experimentation with substances during his youth. These revelations provide a more personal look at the man who revolutionized the tech industry and offers valuable insights into his mindset and the challenges he faced.
Bill Gates on experimenting with LSD
In the memoir, Gates recounts an instance from his senior year in high school when he tried LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), a hallucinogenic drug. This occurred on “Senior Skip Day,” a common tradition in American high schools where graduating students take an unofficial day off.
Gates humorously attributes his experimentation to Paul Allen and cultural influences, jokingly stating, “It’s all Paul’s fault. Everything I did, I’m blaming it on him and Jimi Hendrix.” He recalls that he still felt the drug’s effects the following day when he had to undergo a dental procedure.
Despite his curiosity, Gates admits that his experiences with LSD were short-lived. He estimates trying the substance around four or five times before stopping at the age of 21. “I’m definitely not recommending that because even though you think some of your thoughts are profound, in retrospect, they’re not,” he said, emphasizing that drug use did not have any lasting appeal for him.
Bill Gates’ experiences with marijuana and alcohol
In addition to LSD, Gates also acknowledges experimenting with marijuana during his teenage years. Unlike some who use the substance recreationally, Gates stated that he did so mainly to fit in socially, particularly in an attempt to impress girls. However, he candidly admitted that his efforts were unsuccessful, saying, “It didn’t work out. But I tried.”
The memoir also includes an anecdote about Gates’ first experience with alcohol. He recalls getting drunk for the first time at Lakeside School’s teachers’ lounge, an incident that resulted in him passing out and throwing up.
Gates attributes his early exposure to alcohol to Paul Allen’s influence, recalling an occasion when Allen encouraged him to drink whiskey. The experience left a lasting impression, as Gates admits he never developed a liking for the taste of whiskey due to that night’s excessive consumption. “Paul always got a kick out of challenging things like not drinking. And he gave me a bunch of whiskey, which I still don’t like the taste of, because that first night I drank too much,” he recalled.
Bill Gates’ friendship with Paul Allen and their early years
One of the key aspects of Source Code is the deep friendship between Bill Gates and Paul Allen, who later co-founded Microsoft in 1975. Gates describes Allen as an influential figure in his teenage years, recalling their shared passion for computers, problem-solving, and intellectual curiosity. Their time at Lakeside School, a private institution in Seattle, was instrumental in shaping their interest in technology.
Allen, known for his adventurous spirit, encouraged Gates to push boundaries, not only in academics but also in personal experiences. Their mutual fascination with programming eventually led to the creation of Microsoft, a company that would redefine personal computing. However, Source Code also delves into the more personal and lesser-known aspects of Gates’ teenage years, including experimentation with drugs and alcohol.
Bill Gates on youthful risks: ‘I like my mind working well’
Despite his willingness to experiment with substances in his youth, Gates notes in Source Code that he has always valued having a sharp and well-functioning mind. He acknowledges being a risk-taker, both in business and personal experiences, but also expresses concerns about the potential long-term effects of drug use.
“I’m a huge risk-taker willing to try new things, but I also like my mind working well. And so both during those trips and even after, you wonder, ‘Hey, did I scramble up my mind?'” Gates said.
His reflections suggest that while he was open to exploration during his younger years, he ultimately recognized the importance of maintaining mental clarity, which likely contributed to his disciplined and focused approach in building Microsoft.
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