Bill Gates Is Aware Of The Conspiracy Theories About Him But Says: 'I Don't Care How I'm Perceived. I'm The Luckiest Person Alive…'

Bill Gates recently sat down with The Independent to discuss various topics, from taxes and misinformation to his upcoming Netflix series, What's Next? The Future with Bill Gates. 

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True to form, Gates didn't shy away from offering his views on wealth and the challenges of being one of the richest people on the planet. However, despite the criticisms and conspiracy theories surrounding him, Gates remains unfazed. "I don't care how I'm perceived," the 68-year-old said, adding, "My life is fantastic. I'm the luckiest person alive in terms of the work I get to do."

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Gates has long been at the center of discussions about wealth inequality and didn't hold back when discussing taxes. He acknowledged that he'd be a lot less wealthy under a tax system he designed. "If I designed the tax system, I would be tens of billions poorer than I am," he said. 

Gates has supported a more progressive tax structure, arguing that the current system doesn't ask enough from the wealthiest individuals. "The tax system could be more progressive without damaging significantly the incentive to do fantastic things," he explained. 

He also explained he's a "huge believer" in the estate tax, similar to an inheritance tax. Gates famously mentioned his children will only inherit a small fraction of his massive fortune and his stance on this hasn't changed over the years. According to him, it's unfair for people to hold extreme economic and political power because of generational wealth.  

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While Gates has channeled much of his fortune into philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he doesn't see charity replacing government action. In the interview, Gates emphasized that governments still play a crucial role in tackling societal issues, especially regarding education, healthcare and providing a safety net. "Philanthropy cannot replace government," he remarked. "Ensuring that everyone is educated, has access to food and has shelter — the government will establish that safety net."

The conversation also touched on misinformation, something Gates has faced firsthand. From bizarre conspiracy theories about him implanting microchips to accusations of orchestrating pandemics, Gates has become a frequent target online. But the tech mogul takes it in stride, shrugging off the wild claims. He shared an example of how he's faced bizarre accusations, recalling a time when a woman angrily accused him of tracking her and implanting devices in her.

Gates acknowledges that part of the public's fascination with him stems from his extreme wealth, something he also addresses in his Netflix series. Despite the challenges and critiques, Gates seems more focused on the future and his passionate work rather than dwelling on how he's perceived.

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Gates's primary focus is creating a lasting impact on the world. His relaxed approach to public opinion and optimism for what science can achieve offers insight into his mindset as he looks toward the future. 

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