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Bill Gates is arguably the world's most famous autodidact. He dropped out of Harvard not because he stopped learning, but because he learned faster on his own. He considers reading to be the primary way he learns and tests his understanding. He takes notes in the margins, argues with the authors, and refuses to start a book he won't finish. His learning isn't just for fun; it's functional. He studies biology to fight disease, energy to fight climate change, and economics to fight poverty. Gates demonstrates that the most successful people are those who maintain a childlike curiosity and a disciplined habit of lifelong learning.
"We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve."
"I'm a great believer that any tool that enhances communication has profound effects in terms of how people can learn from each other."
"Exposure from a young age to the realities of the world is a very important thing."
"In the long run, your human capital is your most important asset for innovation."
"It's fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure."
"I studied everything but never topped. But today the toppers of the best universities are my employees."
"Look at the people around you and see what they are good at."
"The most important thing I do is spend time with people who are doing the work on the ground."
"Start out with a book, but then go to the places where people are doing the work."
"You need a feedback loop for everything you do."
"In the long run, your human capital is your most valuable asset."
"Everyone needs a coach. It doesn't matter whether you're a basketball player, a tennis player, a gymnast or a bridge player."
"Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning."
"Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can't lose."
"I really had a lot of dreams when I was a kid, and I think a great deal of that grew out of the fact that I had a chance to read a lot."
"I'm always trying to learn something new."
"I enjoy the challenge of learning new things."
"I believe in innovation and that the way you get innovation is you fund research and you learn the basic facts."
"I have a passion for the process of discovery."
"Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important."
Seeing how Bill Gates approaches Learning helps you apply the idea with more precision.
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