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Show Bill Gates has been called “the leaderofthe electronic age.” What does he think about the things thal concern you? E IS AMERICA’S Tichest man, His face has graced magazines, newspapers, talk shows and a_ best-selling book. His business is computer software, and his company, Microsoft, produces the programs that run 80%ofthe world’s 150 million personal computers. But now Bill Gates wants to sell America on his visionofthe future I met Gatesin his plainly decorated office outside Seattle. Long known as the boy wonderofthe computer industry, the 40-year-old multibillionaire is still full of youthful energy. As we spoke, he rocked up and downin a metal frame chair. His sentences were filled with words like “stuff,” “things” and “neat.” But there were some signs of middle age: lines on his face and the fading of his trademarkred hair. And, onthis day, he hadn't botheredto shave. An intense man with a casualstyle, Gates spokein a high-pitched voice that filled the room. He has strong views: Question him or doubt his vision, and youwill likely be upbraided: “That's random”or, “That's the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard,” Centralto his vision is the powerof change. “Changeis not really an optional thing.” Gates said. “We cannot vote and say we wanttostopit. In fact, weare changing faster than ever before. But part of the United States* strength is thatit has embraced change.” Gates contendsthat the new technologywill make us smarter, more efficient, better entertained and evenbettercitizens. He enthusiastically described some of the changes computers will bring: “Wherever you are, you'll have a nice, highquality screen where you can getat information, contact other people,” he said “All the world’s information—whether BY L Y R Bey it’s textbooks, museumtours, shopping catalogs or medical knowledge—will be electronically within reachofmillions, andpotentially billions, of people.” Computers already track every phone call, every check, every use of a credit card. But Gates said “the electronic age” will changelives even beyond the printing press or telephone. “Any kid whogrows up 20years from now will be I ¢ WA L “Cel comfortable with computers. lalk lo customers Via e-mail.” advises Gates. “Those who dont will be left behind.” is able to go to a library and browsethe world’s knowledge on computer, be tested onit and followit in the direction he wants,”said Gates.“Kids will have achanceto lean far better than the most privileged child today. We will have a chance to achieve more ofour potential.” Noteveryone shares Gates’ optimism. Somesaythat, far from makinga better, more equitable world, technology erodes jobs and hurts those withoutsuperior skills andtraining. Gates agreedthat “technologicalprogress is not an unadulterated good”but arguedthatthe world has no shortageofjobstofill. “Until everycity is beautiful, until every kid gets the most individualized education possible, until you have every option for yourleisure timewith perfectservice, there are jobs that needto be done,”he said. Asforthe “disruption”that may occur as we enter this new age, Gates noted that, 150 years ago, manypredicted that farm mechanization andthe industrial revolution wouldeliminate mostjobs. “That same misprediction can be made here,” he said, adding:“That's not to say there won't be some people whose skills or location won't match the way things change.”For them, Gates advocatedjobretraining and safety net. He also wants public libraries to offer computers for low-incomefamilies to use. But hereiterated, sounding somewhatdisengaged: “We all have to deal with change, and the U.S.is in a betterpositionto dothis.” Offering somepractical advice, Gates said every company should be using electronic mail to send messages among employeesand to “talk” to customers. “Those who don’t will be left behind,” he wamed.All of Gates’ 18,700 employees can write to him via e-mail, and he spends twohours a day respondingtoit. Gates also advised people to “get comfortable with computers.” Oneofthe fewto foresee the personal computerrevolution, he predicts that social services, education and tourism will be growth industries, Wien ti és&«K PAGE 14 - JANUARY 28,1996 « PARADE MAGAZINE |
