Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates discussed a wide range of topics during an episode of Nikhil Kamath’s podcast series “People by WTF,” including his early days at Microsoft and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on various industries. Gates emphasized that AI has the potential to revolutionize fields like education, making jobs more productive rather than replacing them.
Gates acknowledged concerns about AI taking away jobs from software engineers but dismissed these worries as “alarmist.” He believed that while predicting the long-term impact of AI is not an exact science, it was unlikely within the next two decades that AI would replace all jobs. Gates noted that software engineers will still be needed despite advancements in AI technology.
Reflecting on his relationship with India, Gates fondly recalled the early days of Microsoft’s collaboration with the country. He praised the intelligence of IT graduates from India and highlighted the contributions of current Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, who is of Indian origin. Gates acknowledged that while India is “first class in many ways,” it still faces challenges such as poverty and a backlogged legal system. He suggested that making the legal system more efficient could greatly improve the country’s justice system, which currently has a nightmarish backlog.
Overall, Gates’ discussion with Nikhil Kamath provided insights into his views on AI, software engineering, and the potential for technology to positively impact various industries, including education and justice systems.