Just the other day, while searching the web, I stumbled upon Harvard University’s website and the 2007 commencement speech delivered by Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft Corporation. I was touched by his theme, tone and words to the graduating class.
I was particularly touched by his motivation to try to change the lives of the poor and disadvantaged throughout the world. He urged the graduating class to dedicate their intelligence and education to do the same.
I thought of how different my life could have been if I had heard this speech when I graduated from college. I could have directed my energies to trying to make the world a better place by attacking the inequities that plague so many.
Maybe it’s not too late…
Gates didn’t just discuss the plight of millions of ubiquitous poor, diseased, uneducated people in the world—he provided a proven four-step method for identifying and solving these problems. Just a few hours a week and a few dollars could have an impact, he said.
For the past 21 years, I’ve been an entrepreneur working in the training and motivation fields and for the last 14 years, the publisher of Diversity Journal, a magazine benchmarking successful diversity and inclusion practices. I believe we have made some progress in bringing equity to the workplace and helping people deal more positively with each other’s differences.
So for me, I understand Gates’ mission and his dedication and commitment. As I look around our offices I see a similar dedication and commitment from our staff. We are trying to make a difference too…one day at a time, one issue at a time. We hope we can stand up and be counted as a publication that never gave up.
Click here for a direct link to Mr. Gate’s speech
- James R. Rector, Publisher/CEO
April 2012
