Bill Gates Learns Life Lessons at the Dinner Table

FRONT  PAGE of the Wall Street Journal April 25-26 is an interview with Bill Gates Sr., Bill Gates and their family who share for the first time many details of " what it took to turn an unruly 12-year-old into Microsoft's billionaire founder."  FIRST STORY and family crisis which helped shape the entrepreneur's character happened at  the dinner table.  Bill Gates who at 12 had "appeared to gain the intellect of an adult almost overnight" shouted rude and sarcastic remarks at his mother at the dinner table.  Mr. Gates Sr., in a rare blast of temper, threw the glass of water in his son's face."  "Thanks for the shower," replied the young Bill Gates.  As a result of the argument, the parents more carefully crafted discipline and freedom into Bill Gates early teenage years, which partially lead to his early interest in computers.  Even once Bill Gates started Microsoft, he attended weekly Sunday dinners at his parent's home.  Bill Gates Sr. wrote the FIRST  foundation check from the kitchen(dinner) table. Yes, there can be quality discussions between family members in the car, but not very safe to throw water in the face of an out-of-control youth.  The dynamics of the dinner table are enduring!