Source Code

Last night, my wife and I had the fortune of attending one of Bill Gates’ talks for his new book, Source Code. One surprising thing I didn’t know beforehand was that the interviewer was Bill Nye, which made the event even better.

Both Bills have the ability to discuss deep subjects in an engaging and digestible manner. The conversation, of course, touched on Bill Gates’ upbringing in the Seattle area, his high school friends, and how he got into programming at a young age. They also discussed how his friend Paul Allen persistently encouraged him to start a venture in hardware. However, even then, Bill knew that software was the real opportunity. He believed that he and Paul were well-positioned to write and sell software—and he was not wrong.

The discussion eventually shifted to broader topics that are crucial to humanity today, such as the evolution of AI, climate change, world health, and poverty. While listening, one thought kept crossing my mind: our upbringing plays a significant role in shaping who we become as adults, regardless of economic success. Bill Gates, for example, is a billionaire who, despite his flaws, has dedicated much of his wealth and energy to eradicating diseases like polio and malaria. Instead of owning a rocket company, he has chosen to focus on saving human lives—especially the lives of children in regions where the mortality rate for those under five exceeds 10%. To him, that is a more meaningful pursuit.

Of course, advancements in space exploration and reducing the cost of rocket launches are important. However, in my personal hierarchy of priorities, saving human lives and improving conditions on Earth sit at the very top. I am grateful that there are people with great wealth and intellectual capacity who also recognize this as a priority. I just wish more did.

I plan to read Source Code soon, and I’m eager to learn more details about Bill Gates’ early years. Growing up, I was also passionate about computers and programming, so this is a topic that resonates with me deeply.

At one point during the interview, Bill Nye asked Gates a thought-provoking question: What period in human history do you think is the best time to be born? Gates, echoing a sentiment once shared by Barack Obama, responded that this era—the present—is the best. He referenced Steven Pinker’s book Enlightenment Now, in which Pinker argues that, despite modern challenges, life today is far better than at any other time in history.

When we take a step back and look at the bigger picture, it’s clear why:

• Health and Longevity – Advances in medicine have dramatically increased life expectancy and reduced infant mortality. Diseases that once wiped out millions—like smallpox and polio—have been eradicated or brought under control. Cutting-edge treatments and technologies extend and improve lives, including vaccines, gene therapy, and precision medicine.
• Technological Advancements – The internet has revolutionized how we access information, communicate, and innovate. AI, automation, and computing power have made problem-solving faster and more efficient than ever before.
• Quality of Life – Global poverty has declined significantly, and access to clean water, electricity, and education has expanded. More people than ever live in societies with legal protections, personal freedoms, and opportunities for upward mobility.
• Safety and Security – Despite headlines that may suggest otherwise, violent conflicts and deaths from war are at historically low levels. Crime rates in many parts of the world have dropped, and international cooperation has helped address global challenges.
• Scientific Progress – From space exploration to renewable energy solutions, scientific breakthroughs continue to push humanity forward. We are closer than ever to solving existential threats like climate change and food insecurity.

Although challenges remain, humanity has never had it this good. The fact that we even have the luxury to debate whether the present is the best time in history proves how far we’ve come.

As the event wrapped up, I couldn’t help but feel grateful—not just for the opportunity to attend such an insightful discussion but also for the time we live in. My wife and I left the venue still talking about everything we had heard, and I realized how rare it is to hear a conversation that is both intellectually engaging and optimistic about the future.

Despite all the negativity in the news and the real challenges the world faces, it’s important to take a step back and recognize how much progress humanity has made. We are living in an era of unprecedented possibilities, where access to knowledge, medical advancements, and global connectivity have improved our lives in ways past generations couldn’t have imagined. That’s something to appreciate.

I walked away from the talk with excitement to read Source Code and a renewed sense of optimism. There is still a lot of work to do, but if people like Gates, Nye, and countless others are dedicating their time and resources to improving the world, we should feel encouraged. We are lucky to be alive in this era and should make the most of it.

Have a great weekend!