London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Monday, Apr 13, 2026

Bill Gates Reflects on Past Mistakes and Acknowledges Yuval Noah Harari's Insight

In a candid interview, Bill Gates opens up about regrets, including his views on AI, and admits that Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari was right about the consequences of unchecked technological growth.
Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and one of the world’s most influential tech entrepreneurs, has offered a rare public acknowledgment of mistakes as he reflects on his career and personal life in interviews promoting his new memoir.

At the age of 69, Gates opens up about the largest regret of his life—the end of his marriage to Melinda Gates—and touches on his views on technology, including his earlier stance on AI and free access to information.

In an interview with The New York Times, Gates shared his thoughts on the influence of Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari, whose books on the future of humanity have made a significant impact on him.

Gates admitted that Harari’s warnings about humanity's over-reliance on technology had been right, especially in regard to the free flow of information.

Harari’s argument, which Gates previously disagreed with, suggested that despite unprecedented access to information, humanity was close to self-destruction.

Gates admitted, 'He’s right, and I was wrong.'

Gates had previously criticized Harari’s 2017 book, 'Homo Deus,' which warned that technology could lead to a world where elites enhance themselves with advanced technology, leaving the rest of humanity behind.

Gates had argued that such a bleak future was avoidable.

However, after reading Harari’s most recent book 'Nexus,' Gates said he now understood the validity of Harari's perspective on the dangers of unchecked technological growth.

Gates has also expressed regret over his earlier dismissals of concerns about AI’s potential to harm humanity.

Once an advocate for the boundless benefits of technology, he now warns about the need for regulation and oversight to ensure AI remains a tool for good, not harm.

While Gates remains a strong proponent of technology's potential, he has shifted towards advocating for more responsible development and governance.

Known for his philanthropy, Gates emphasized the need for technology to be used with caution and ethics.

Despite his wealth and success, Gates remains deeply concerned about the potential consequences of technological advancement when not properly managed, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence and data privacy.

His reflections also extend to his personal journey, where he acknowledges the difficulties in balancing immense success with the responsibilities that come with it.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Meghan Markle Plans Exclusive Women-Focused Retreat During Australia Visit
Starmer and Trump Hold Strategic Talks on Securing Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions
Unofficial Australia Visit by Prince Harry and Meghan Expected to Stir Tensions with Royal Circles
Pipeline Attack Cuts Significant Share of Saudi Arabia’s Oil Export Capacity
UK Stocks Rise on Ceasefire Momentum and Renewed Focus on Diplomacy
UK to Hold Further Strategic Talks on Strait of Hormuz Security
Starmer Voices Frustration as Global Tensions Drive Up UK Energy Costs
UK Students Voice Concern Over Proposal for Automatic Military Draft Registration
Rising Volatility Drives Uncertainty in UK Fuel and Petrol Prices
UK Moves to Deploy ‘Skyhammer’ Anti-Drone System to Strengthen Airspace Defense
New Analysis Explores UK Budget Mechanics in ‘Behind the Blue’ Feature
Man Arrested After Four Die in Channel Crossing Tragedy
UK Tightens Immigration Framework with New Sponsor Rules and Fee Increases
UK Foreign Secretary Highlights Impact of Intensified Strikes in Lebanon
UK Urges Inclusion of Lebanon in US-Iran Ceasefire Framework
UK Stocks Ease as Ceasefire Doubts in Middle East Weigh on Investor Confidence
UK Reassesses Cloud Strategy Amid Criticism Over Limited Support Measures
UK Calls for Full and Toll-Free Access Through Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions
Starmer Signals Strategic Shift for Britain Amid Escalating Iran-Linked Tensions
UK Issues Firm Warning to Russia Over Covert Underwater Military Activity
OpenAI Halts Stargate UK Project, Casting Uncertainty Over Britain’s AI Expansion Plans
Starmer Voices Frustration Over Global Pressures Driving UK Energy Costs Higher
UK Deploys Military Assets to Protect Undersea Cables From Suspected Russian Threat
Canada Aligns With US, UK and Australia as Europe Prepares Major Digital Border Overhaul
Meghan Markle’s Planned Australia Appearance Sparks Fresh Speculation
Starmer Warns Sustained Effort Needed to Ensure US–Iran Ceasefire Holds
UK to Partner with Shipping Industry to Rebuild Confidence in Strait of Hormuz, Cooper Says
UK Interest Rate Expectations Ease Following US–Iran Ceasefire Agreement
Starmer Signals Major Effort Needed to Fully Reopen Strait of Hormuz During Gulf Visit
UK Fuel Prices Face Ongoing Volatility Amid Global Pressures and Domestic Factors
Kanye West’s Planned Italy Festival Appearance Draws Debate After UK Entry Ban
Smuggling Routes Shift Toward Belgium as Migrant Crossings to UK Evolve
Ceasefire Offers Potential Relief for UK Fuel and Food Prices Amid Ongoing Uncertainty
Iran Conflict Raises Questions Over UK’s Global Influence and Military Preparedness
Senator McConnell Visits Kentucky to Highlight Federal Investment in Local Projects
Kanye West Barred from Entering UK as Legal Grounds Come into Focus
UK Denies Visa to Kanye West After Sponsors Withdraw from Wireless Festival
Trump-Era Forest Service Restructuring Leads to Closure of UK Lab Focused on Kentucky Woodland Health
Foreign Students in the UK Describe Harsh Living Conditions and Financial Pressures
Reform UK Proposes Visa Restrictions on Nations Pursuing Reparations Claims
Public Reaction Divides Over UK Decision to Bar Kanye West
Calls Grow for UK to Review US Base Access Following Concerns Over Escalating Rhetoric
UK Indicates It Will Not Permit Use of Its Bases for Potential US Strikes on Iran’s Energy Infrastructure
UK Prime Minister Defends Decision to Bar Kanye West, Questions Festival Booking
UK Accelerates Efforts to Harmonise Medical Technology Rules with United States
Wireless Festival Cancelled After Kanye West Denied Entry to the United Kingdom
Australia’s most decorated living soldier was arrested at Sydney Airport and charged with five counts of war-crime murder for the killing of unarmed Afghan civilians
The CIA’s Secret Technology That Can Find You by Your Heartbeat Successfully Locates Downed Airman
Operation Europe: Trump Deploys Vance to Hungary to Save the EU
King Charles Faces Criticism From Some UK Christians Over Absence of Easter Message
×