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letter to bill gates
In a couple of weeks, my new life supposedly commences. I've spent some time thinking about what I want to do with it, but usually end up getting distracted by any one of the hundreds of related questions that arise. Recently, the distracting dillemma has been: if I want to do something useful (in the most austere sense of the word), how can I best position myself? My natural inclinations and talents are in particularly useless (except in the practical sense) disciplines - computer science and physics. One option is to try and make a lot of money and then do good things with it, but that path is extremely suspect. Last weekend, my friend alex and I got into a long 'meaning of life' discussion about this dilemma. So, when I got home, inspired and inebriated, I sent the following to the head of my favorite software monolith...
Dear Bill Gates,
Last summer I interned at Microsoft Research (BARC lab) under Jim Gray and Gordon Bell. That is my only qualification in writing you – I hope it is enough to warrant the 45 seconds it will take for you to read this email.
I was at the intern BBQ at your house in August, but as you were constantly swarmed by interns more eager than I, I never had the opportunity to ask a question of you. My question is: what keeps you going? Do you see a ‘higher cause’ in your work, or is the challenge enough? I don’t believe that you’re in it for the money or the power, though perhaps you are now so vested in Microsoft that its success is your own and my question sounds ridiculous. If you were motivated by a desire to do good for the world, you have more than enough money to change the world in magnificent ways… but perhaps you truly believe that better technology is an end in and of itself? Are these questions relevant anymore, or did you ask them 30 years ago and find answers that satisfied you?
I don’t honestly expect you to reply to this email, but please do! At least take me seriously, I’m asking only from personal interest. I won’t ask for a job and I won’t publicize the information – there’s no strategy or agenda – I'm just having trouble wholeheartedly following a road where you are the light at the end of the tunnel, the ultimate achievement towards which to strive. If you’ve answered this question publicly, send me a link; otherwise, I’d really like to know what you think.
Sincerely,
Joshua Blumenstock
and this was the response I got...
Hi Joshua - I am sorry but Bill won't be able to respond to your email given his current schedule. Thanks for your understanding.
Christine Turner
Exec. Assistant to Bill Gates
and my editorial...
I can't say I'm either surprised or annoyed by the response. Their email is cute, but my questions were completely ridiculous. Mostly, I feel (1) a little stupid for sounding so naive (If I really wanted a thoughtful response, I probably could have hid it better), and (2) a bit compromised for forsaking my intention to not 'publicize the information'. As for the first feeling, I knew I would feel foolish even as I wrote the thing. I sent it immediately because I knew if I thought twice it would never survive my better judgement, namely the sober scrutiny of the next morning. Why I'm advertising my naivete on my website, I haven't quite figured out. Luckily this weblog will let me delete postings. Which brings me to for the second sentiment. Though I have a tinge of guilt in posting their response, I really don't feel too bad because, after all, I'm mainly publicizing my own confusion.
Posted by senorjosh at April 27, 2003 11:45 PM
I think you should write back to Christine and ask HER to answer the questions for you, since Bill doesn't have time. She must know him pretty well.
Posted by: John G at July 3, 2003 01:59 AM
thanks to john for this link (you can read the article for free by viewing the advertisement and getting a 1-day pass)
Even if there are caveats, I find this very heartening.
Posted by: josh at July 3, 2003 02:00 AM
I wont to write a letter to you for school on this idea I had. I need your address just an address I can send the letter so you can get it. Even if you wouldn’t be a financial backer I would stile like you’re opinion on my idea when I write to you.
Posted by: Donald Pearson at January 14, 2004 07:06 PM
Dear Mr.Bill Gates,
With all the money you have I think you should at least donate money or computers to some schools or poor countries. If you donate money to schools they put it to the scholorship program or buy equipments for the school. While people are struggling with at least 5 kids to keep the family living good, you're in your living luxurious. I'm not telling you how to spend your money but at least think about it.
Posted by: Tishelle at April 13, 2004 02:49 PM
Dear Mr.Bill Gates,
With all the money you have I think you should at least donate money or computers to some schools or poor countries. If you donate money to schools they put it to the scholorship program or buy equipments for the school. While people are struggling with at least 5 kids to keep the family living good, you're in your living luxurious. I'm not telling you how to spend your money but at least think about it.
Posted by: Tishelle at April 13, 2004 02:49 PM
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