He wrote two books, both within his principal field, neither of which were particularly influential. How does that make him more interesting than say, Orwell, who wrote some of the most influential works of fiction and non-fiction ever, while also serving as a front-line soldier in the Spanish Civil War?
Philanthropy is not a field. Philanthropy is a hobby for rich people. Having and donating money do not make you an interesting person.
Even if it did, what makes Gates more interesting than say, Crassus? I don't ever recall Gates bankrolling one of the most interesting men in history then invading Parthia.
Clearly the most interesting of the world's many professions.
Gates was hardly influential even in programming terms. His principal role at Microsoft was always that of a business executive rather than that of an inventor: even back when he still contributed to coding, (something he hasn't done for 30+ years, mind) his main job was to oversee code written by his subordinates. As gagenater pointed out, the software which made his name -- DOS -- was
licensed by him; his one big idea was really someone else' s. How does that make him more interesting that say, Edison, who came up with a variety equally important big ideas on his own in addition to engaging in a series of dodgy business practices which would make even Gates blush?
Please tell us how many formal teaching positions have been held by Bill Gates. Please tell us about the many initiatives Gates has launched to innovate and improve the art of teaching. And no, for the love of God, the infernal PowerPoint
doesn't count!
Feynman was a bona fide educator, who not only taught actual students at actual universities but engaged in pedagogical studies. Feynman was also a Nobel prize winner who wrote (sort of) two books people actually read, worked on the Manhattan Project and cracked safes for fun. What makes Gates more interesting than him?
At least this is something Gates can fairly lay claim to being. That being said, what sets him apart from other science-based entrepreneurs like Edison, Dyson or Musk? What makes him more interesting than entrepreneur-turned-politicians like Chamberlain or Trump? What notable things has Gates achieved outside the business realm?
Again, this is not a field. This is something notable people do to supplement their income. If you want to get pedantic you don't even need to be notable; it's something any nut with a rostrum can do at any old Speaker's Corner.
Gates is not known for his oratory (and for very good reason.) Plenty of notable people, even in the same or similar fields (Branson, for instance) are better communicators than him. His words will not echo through history as say, MLK or Cicero's do. What makes him more interesting than either?
Money is a major variable in the ratio of success.
We've covered this.
And Bill Gates has a jet.
http://www.businessinsider.com/bill-gates-enjoying-his-guilty-pleasure-2015-4
If you could get a jet or a dinosaur for free, which would you choose?
Tons of rich people have jets. How many have dinosaurs?
