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Wednesday, Sep 09, 2026
Outside the box.
Bill Gates Reflects on Past Mistakes and Acknowledges Yuval Noah Harari's Insight
In a candid interview, Bill Gates opens up about regrets, including his views on AI, and admits that Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari was right about the consequences of unchecked technological growth.
Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and one of the world’s most influential tech entrepreneurs, has offered a rare public acknowledgment of mistakes as he reflects on his career and personal life in interviews promoting his new memoir.
At the age of 69, Gates opens up about the largest regret of his life—the end of his marriage to Melinda Gates—and touches on his views on technology, including his earlier stance on AI and free access to information.
In an interview with The New York Times, Gates shared his thoughts on the influence of Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari, whose books on the future of humanity have made a significant impact on him.
Gates admitted that Harari’s warnings about humanity's over-reliance on technology had been right, especially in regard to the free flow of information.
Harari’s argument, which Gates previously disagreed with, suggested that despite unprecedented access to information, humanity was close to self-destruction.
Gates admitted, 'He’s right, and I was wrong.'
Gates had previously criticized Harari’s 2017 book, 'Homo Deus,' which warned that technology could lead to a world where elites enhance themselves with advanced technology, leaving the rest of humanity behind.
Gates had argued that such a bleak future was avoidable.
However, after reading Harari’s most recent book 'Nexus,' Gates said he now understood the validity of Harari's perspective on the dangers of unchecked technological growth.
Gates has also expressed regret over his earlier dismissals of concerns about AI’s potential to harm humanity.
Once an advocate for the boundless benefits of technology, he now warns about the need for regulation and oversight to ensure AI remains a tool for good, not harm.
While Gates remains a strong proponent of technology's potential, he has shifted towards advocating for more responsible development and governance.
Known for his philanthropy, Gates emphasized the need for technology to be used with caution and ethics.
Despite his wealth and success, Gates remains deeply concerned about the potential consequences of technological advancement when not properly managed, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence and data privacy.
His reflections also extend to his personal journey, where he acknowledges the difficulties in balancing immense success with the responsibilities that come with it.
At the age of 69, Gates opens up about the largest regret of his life—the end of his marriage to Melinda Gates—and touches on his views on technology, including his earlier stance on AI and free access to information.
In an interview with The New York Times, Gates shared his thoughts on the influence of Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari, whose books on the future of humanity have made a significant impact on him.
Gates admitted that Harari’s warnings about humanity's over-reliance on technology had been right, especially in regard to the free flow of information.
Harari’s argument, which Gates previously disagreed with, suggested that despite unprecedented access to information, humanity was close to self-destruction.
Gates admitted, 'He’s right, and I was wrong.'
Gates had previously criticized Harari’s 2017 book, 'Homo Deus,' which warned that technology could lead to a world where elites enhance themselves with advanced technology, leaving the rest of humanity behind.
Gates had argued that such a bleak future was avoidable.
However, after reading Harari’s most recent book 'Nexus,' Gates said he now understood the validity of Harari's perspective on the dangers of unchecked technological growth.
Gates has also expressed regret over his earlier dismissals of concerns about AI’s potential to harm humanity.
Once an advocate for the boundless benefits of technology, he now warns about the need for regulation and oversight to ensure AI remains a tool for good, not harm.
While Gates remains a strong proponent of technology's potential, he has shifted towards advocating for more responsible development and governance.
Known for his philanthropy, Gates emphasized the need for technology to be used with caution and ethics.
Despite his wealth and success, Gates remains deeply concerned about the potential consequences of technological advancement when not properly managed, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence and data privacy.
His reflections also extend to his personal journey, where he acknowledges the difficulties in balancing immense success with the responsibilities that come with it.