"A first-generation fortune is the most likely to be given away, but once a fortune is inherited it's less likely that a very high percentage will go back to society."

Truth

Create & Download Quote Graphic

Customize Image

1. Canvas Aspect Ratio

2. Palette Theme

Thematic Reflection

This quotation examines the core nature of Truth as articulated by Bill Gates. Within historical and literary traditions, reflections on Truth provide actionable mental models, challenging individuals to evaluate personal ethics, self-discipline, and daily actions.

Explore all Truth quotes → Browse all wisdom by Bill Gates →

About Bill Gates

William Henry Gates III is an American businessman and philanthropist. A pioneer of the microcomputer revolution of the 1970s and 1980s, he co-founded the software company Microsoft in 1975 with his childhood friend Paul Allen. Following Microsoft's initial public offering in 1986 and the subsequent increase in its stock price, Gates became the world's then-youngest billionaire in 1987, at age 31. Forbes magazine ranked him as the world's wealthiest person in their The World's Billionaires list for 18 out of 24 years between 1995 and 2017, including 13 years consecutively from 1995 to 2007. Gates became the first centibillionaire in 1999, when his net worth briefly surpassed US$100 billion. According to Forbes, as of July 2026, his net worth stood at US$106.5 billion, making him the 19th-wealthiest individual in the world.

View all quotes by Bill Gates →
Editorial Integrity: Curated and fact-checked under our Editorial Standards to eliminate misattributions and preserve historical authenticity.
Learn about our methodology →

More by Bill Gates

"Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important."

— Bill Gates
Read more →

"The PC has improved the world in just about every area you can think of. Amazing developments in communications, collaboration and efficiencies. New kinds of entertainment and social media. Access to information and the ability to give a voice people who would never have been heard."

— Bill Gates
Read more →

"DOS is ugly and interferes with users' experience."

— Bill Gates
Read more →

"Climate change is a terrible problem, and it absolutely needs to be solved. It deserves to be a huge priority."

— Bill Gates
Read more →

More about Truth

"No problem is so formidable that you can't walk away from it."

— Charles M. Schulz
Read more →

"Seeing reality for what it is is what we call discernment. The work of discernment is very hard."

— Lewis B. Smedes
Read more →

"The truth is not for all men, but only for those who seek it."

— Ayn Rand
Read more →

"Mom was the greatest influence of my childhood. She wanted to save me from the vice, lust, and drinking that was all about me."

— Ethel Waters
Read more →
Browse all Truth quotes →