[johansch]

I think his primary motivation is so simple.. he wants people to like him.

Many, many people disliked him after his predatory business days. This is the perfect way to a) keep doing interesting work, b) getting people to like him again, c) get some personal karma.

I can quite easily see the appeal of this.

Also; I'm a big fan of his current work. I loved how my country (Sweden) matched a very large billg foundation program funding the other year; I think he's way better equipped with handling that money than my government's idealistic but fumbling people.

I just think we shouldn't forget his past just because he's turned into modern day santa. We should learn from history...

[qubex]

I’m not American but I wish he would decide that the situation there warrants ’philantropy’ and would this casually pour a billion or so into getting himself the Democratic nomination and the presidential election just for the sake of ousting Trump I’m a Battle Of The Billionaires (alleged, in Trump’s case).

[hota_mazi]

> I think his primary motivation is so simple.. he wants people to like him.

Yeah, you definitely have something against him, don't you?

I don't really care what his motives are, I just look at the results of his contributions and there is no doubt in my mind he will be remembered as someone who was instrumental in saving millions of lives and advancing our civilization.

> Many, many people disliked him after his predatory business days.

I profoundly disliked him as well back in the days, especially since I was a hard code Amiga fan.

As opposed to you, I have changed my opinion based on additional data.

[johansch]

> Yeah, you definitely have something against him, don't you?

Well, yeah.

I think we'd be at least 5 years further into the future in terms of software than we currently are, possible 10, unless he hadn't abused the markets so gravely.