Bill Gates' Early Departure From Harvard: Not Surprising, Says Former Professor: 'I Just Wish I'd Invested In Him'

Bill Gates' decision to leave Harvard University in 1975 to found Microsoft with Paul Allen may have seemed unexpected at the time, but his former applied mathematics professor, Harry Lewis, was not surprised. In an interview with The Times of London, Lewis revealed that Gates' inquisitive nature, maturity, and desire for challenges made his departure from Harvard inevitable. "He always wanted a challenge," Lewis said. "I wasn't surprised when he dropped out — I just wish I'd invested in him."

Gates' departure from Harvard allowed him to fully dedicate himself to the tech industry, ultimately leading to the creation of Microsoft, which now has a market value of nearly $3.2 trillion. If Lewis had invested $100 in Microsoft when it went public in 1986, his shares would be worth roughly $650,000 today, after accounting for price appreciation and dividend payouts.

Gates' inquisitive nature and eagerness to tackle difficult problems were evident from his early years. As a young teenager, he wrote his first computer program on a general electric computer. His school appointed him to write a computer program that would help schedule students in classes. While studying at Harvard, Gates continued to demonstrate his inquisitive nature and eagerness to take on challenges. He loaded up on extra classes and spent hundreds of hours per month writing software code in the university's computer lab.

Gates' experience at Harvard has also shaped his approach to investing and philanthropy. His time at Harvard taught him the importance of long-term thinking and patience, which is evident in his investment strategy. He often invests in companies with long-term growth potential, rather than focusing on short-term gains. Additionally, Gates' exposure to diverse ideas and perspectives at Harvard broadened his understanding of global issues, driving his philanthropic efforts to address pressing global challenges, such as poverty, disease, and climate change.

In conclusion, Bill Gates' early departure from Harvard was not surprising to his former professor, who recognized his inquisitive nature, maturity, and desire for challenges. Gates' experience at Harvard has significantly influenced his approach to investing and philanthropy, emphasizing the importance of long-term thinking, collaboration, and addressing global challenges.