London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Tuesday, Mar 24, 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
UK Police Investigate Targeted Attack on Jewish Ambulance Vehicles
UK Police Investigate Targeted Attack on Jewish Ambulance Vehicles
Senior UK Advocate Criticises Barnhart Retirement Appointment, Calls for Reconsideration
UK Finds No Evidence of Direct Iranian Threat to Britain, Says Prime Minister Starmer
Assessing Iran’s Strike Capability and the UK’s Readiness Amid Rising Tensions
NATO Unable to Confirm Iran’s Role in Strike on UK-US Base as Tehran Denies Involvement
University of Kentucky’s Youling Xiong Receives SEC Faculty Achievement Award for 2026
Trump Highlights Satirical Portrayal of UK Leadership Amid Talks with Prime Minister Starmer on Iran Conflict
Trump Highlights Satirical Portrayal of UK Leadership Amid Talks with Prime Minister Starmer on Iran Conflict
UK Fuel Prices Surge Toward Crisis Levels as Experts Warn of Further Sharp Increases
UK Fuel Prices Surge Toward Crisis Levels as Experts Warn of Further Sharp Increases
Duchess of Sussex Secures ‘As Ever’ Trademark Rights in Australia Ahead of High-Profile Visit
UK Reaffirms Security as Officials Reject Claims of Immediate Iranian Missile Threat
Rising Middle East Tensions Spark ‘Trumpflation’ Debate Over Impact on UK Households
UK Minister Says No Evidence Iran Can Strike Europe Despite Heightened Warnings
British-Iranians Voice Safety Concerns to Authorities as Regional Conflict Intensifies
Confirmed Meningitis Cases Linked to Kent Outbreak Revised Down to Twenty
UK Government Sees No Evidence Iran Can Strike London Amid Rising Regional Tensions
Debate Grows Over Recognition of Indigenous Cultural Icons in the United Kingdom
Iran Missile Launch Toward Diego Garcia Raises Questions After Failed Strike on US–UK Base
Donald Trump Amplifies Viral Satirical Clip Highlighting UK–US Political Dynamics
UK Satirical Show Draws Attention with Sketch Referencing Trump and Prince Andrew
Meghan Markle’s Possible UK Return Sparks Renewed Attention on Sussex Role
Starmer Convenes Urgent Talks on Cost-of-Living Pressures Linked to Iran Conflict
Starmer Convenes Urgent Talks on Cost-of-Living Pressures Linked to Iran Conflict
UK Investors Eye Bargain Shares Ahead of ISA Deadline Amid Market Volatility
UK Investors Eye Bargain Shares Ahead of ISA Deadline Amid Market Volatility
Northern Lights Expected Over UK Skies Tonight Amid Strong Solar Activity
UK Condemns Iran Missile Strike and Warns Against Threats to British Personnel
UK Warns of Global Flight Disruptions as Iran Conflict Escalates Under Trump’s Leadership
UK Condemns Iran After Missile Strike Targets Strategic Diego Garcia Base
Deadly Meningitis Outbreak in UK Reinforces Urgency of Vaccination Campaigns
Iran Launches Long-Range Missile Strike on Remote US-UK Base, Signaling Expanded Reach
Iran Launches Long-Range Missile Strike on Remote US-UK Base, Signaling Expanded Reach
UK Rules Out Cyprus Base Role in Joint US Self-Defence Framework
UK Ends Hereditary Peerage Rights in Parliament in Historic Constitutional Reform
Lord Walney Warns of Expanding Iranian Influence Networks Within the United Kingdom
Iranian National Among Two Arrested After Attempt to Access UK Nuclear Submarine Base
Deregulation, Artificial Intelligence, and Fraud Laws Reshape UK Financial Services Landscape
UK Considers Lower Speed Limits to Reduce Fuel Use Amid Escalating Energy Crisis
UK Borrowing Costs Surge to Post-Crisis High as Markets React to Inflation and War Risks
UK Government Prepares Emergency Economic Measures as Iran Conflict Fuels Financial Risks
Meningitis B Outbreak in the UK Raises Urgent Health Warnings as Cases Surge
Iran Issues Stark Warning to Britain Over US Base Access Amid Expanding Conflict
United Kingdom Authorizes US Strikes from British Bases as Iran Threatens Key Shipping Routes
Reform UK Suspends Scottish Candidate Following Financial Misconduct Allegations
Apple issues an unusual warning: this is how your iPhone can be hacked without you doing anything
UK and Nigeria Reach Agreement to Accelerate Return of Irregular Migrants
UK Sets New Aid Priorities Following Significant Budget Reductions
Cyprus President Urges Open Dialogue Over Future of British Sovereign Base Areas
×