Bill Gates

Optimism is often dismissed as false hope. But there is also false hopelessness. That's the attitude that says we can't defeat poverty and disease. We absolutely can.

If our optimism doesn't address the problems that affect so many of our fellow human beings, then our optimism needs more empathy. If empathy channels our optimism, we will see the poverty and the disease and the poor schools — and we will surprise the pessimists.

The barrier to change is not too little caring. It is too much complexity.

From those to whom much is given, much is expected.

Whether through democracy, strong public education, quality health care, or broad economic opportunity—reducing inequity is the highest human achievement.