In a system of capitalism, as people's wealth rises, the financial incentive to serve them rises. As their wealth falls, the financial incentive to serve them falls, until it becomes zero. We have to find a way to make the aspects of capitalism that serve wealthier people serve poorer people as well.
Bill GatesBut the improvements will happen faster and last longer if we can channel market forces, including innovation that's tailored to the needs of the poorest, to complement what governments and nonprofits do. We need a system that draws in innovators and businesses in a far better way than we do today.
Bill GatesThe Ebola epidemic can serve as an early warning wake-up call to get ready. If we start now, we can be ready for the next epidemic.
Bill GatesThe media covers whatโs new โ and millions of people dying is nothing new. So it stays in the background, where itโs easier to ignore. But even when we do see it or read about it, itโs difficult to keep our eyes on the problem. Itโs hard to look at suffering if the situation is so complex that we donโt know how to help. And so we look away.
Bill GatesThe only role other than paying their taxes, whatever those are, the only role for philanthropy broadly - of which the rich should give disproportionately - the more, the better - and I think there is a positive trend in that direction - there are certain risk-taking things, like trying out a new type of charter school or funding a new kind of medicine.
Bill Gates