Among computer programmers, Bill Gates is still a controversial figure for his business practices. Many coders love writing code and despise how business folk interfere with our products. Of course, some of that view neglects how business folk pay our bills, too. Bill Gates, more than anyone else, deserves credit for turning writing code into a profession with a paycheck. This memoir unlocks his personality which guided the founding of Microsoft.
Well-known to us programmers is his intense, autism-like focus on coding. That neurodivergent personality trait comes through clearly in the book through honesty about all-night coding sessions. Also conveyed is his not picking up on social queues well, something not as well understood in the 1970s as they are today. He is equally honest and candid about such shortcomings, too.
The support of his parents’ household shines through most strongly. Despite not having a formal diagnosis, they guided him in a gentle yet engaged way that didn’t force their ways upon him. His dad, a partner in a law firm who was suggested for a judgeship, and his socially engaged mom can serve as models for those with neurodivergent children.
As one involved in coding, I’m still wary of Microsoft – specifically Bill Gates’ – penchant for taking over smaller companies’ coding projects and inhibiting the products’ full creative expression. However, those stories are not covered in this book. This book instead focuses on earlier years and demonstrates deeper humanity. I appreciate how Gates’ reflective voice comes through in a way that does not hide his intelligence yet appreciates the role of human compassion in his journey. This book is well worth reading not only for those interested in the computer industry but also for those interested in nurturing the human contributions of those of us who are labeled “a tad different.”
Source Code: My Beginnings
By Bill Gates
Narrated by Bill Gates & Will Wheaton
Text copyright (c) 2025
Knopf
Audio copyright (c) 2025
Random House Audio
ASIN B0D5KHFN6C
Length: 11:41
Genre: Memoir
www.amazon.com