Wired
In the morning news on February 26, it was reported that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates came to Clubhouse, the recently popular voice social platform for the first time on Wednesday, to discuss topics ranging from climate change to drama chasing.
Gates is currently promoting his new book “How to Avoid a Climate Disaster” (How to Avoid a Climate Disaster), so he came to Clubhouse this time to talk with CNBC reporter Andrew Ross Sorkin (Andrew Ross Sorkin) on many topics. The content involves climate change. In addition, he also shared his views on the new crown epidemic, the connection between Bitcoin and climate change, why he uses an Android phone, and anecdotes about his chasing drama when he was isolated at home during the epidemic.
The following is the main content shared by Gates this time:
iPhone vs. Android
Since Clubhouse is currently only compatible with the iOS system, many people are wondering if the Microsoft co-founder has invested in the arms of his old rival and bought an iPhone. But Gates said that this is not the case. The mobile phones he usually uses are not made by Apple.
“The Microsoft software pre-installed by some Android manufacturers is very convenient for me.” Gates said, “They are more flexible in dealing with the relationship between software and operating system. This is why I finally got used to Android… I have a lot of Friends use iPhone, so this is not a contradiction.”
Clubhouse co-founder Paul Davison (Paul Davison) also briefly entered the room during the conversation. He told Gates and Sorkin that the Android version of Clubhouse is the company’s current top priority.
Bitcoin
Sorkin asked Gates what he thought of the “climate debate” triggered by Bitcoin-a view that the mining process of cryptocurrency requires a lot of computing power and consumes a lot of electricity. In fact, Gates has clearly stated that he is not optimistic about Bitcoin in response to this issue.
“Bitcoin consumes more electricity in each transaction than any payment method known to mankind. So from a climate perspective, it has a great impact.” Gates said, “If green energy is used, it does not crowd out Other ways of using it may not matter. Although you may label me a’Bitcoin Skeptic’ because I have not invested in Bitcoin, I don’t think there are too many connections between these things. I invest Malaria vaccines, measles vaccines, and companies that produce various products. But this model is not about buying low and selling high. However, if other people can get rich in this way, I will applaud them.”
Gates added that there are actually other ways to make digital currencies, but the focus is not on secret transactions. He revealed that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is investing in such services to help the poorest people in India and Africa get rid of poverty.
Covid-19
Gates injected a second dose of the new crown vaccine a week ago, about a month apart from the first dose. “This is the only time I feel lucky because I am a 65-year-old man.” He said. According to the regulations of the state of Washington where Gates is located, the elderly enjoy the priority right to receive the new crown vaccine.
When asked when he can travel with peace of mind, Gates replied: “I hope to set a good example. Even if you are vaccinated, you will still be infected with the virus. I will not stop wearing a mask or relax my vigilance, especially It is when dealing with other elderly people who have not been vaccinated. It should not be until the end of spring or summer to understand the situation through numbers, and then it will be more’presumptuous’.”
Gates reiterated that vaccines should be distributed in all countries or regions, and not only in rich countries. Only in this way can the global travel restrictions be truly relaxed. He expects that the United States will be greatly improved this summer. All schools should open in the fall, but children should still wear masks.
“Wearing a mask is not a great thing. The price is not expensive, and we have gradually got used to it.” He said, “I will continue to lead by example and wear it until autumn until it is clear that the number of infections has dropped significantly.”
When talking about whether the entire American society realized the importance of believing in science through this epidemic, Gates said that leadership is essential in a crisis, and leaders should be willing to share negative news and develop a suitable testing system.
“There are so many mistakes made in the epidemic, incredible.” Gates said, “We are very grateful that the virus is not too deadly. But there are still 500,000 Americans who have died. That number is unbelievable. I think, This will leave memories for at least a generation, and the government will learn from the lesson and take appropriate measures, even if there may still be 10% or 20% of people who will never believe it-this is obviously the case with the general election-but it is A serious matter. Most people have died of the epidemic around them.”
Anecdote
Like ordinary people, Gates also spent a lot of free time watching TV shows on platforms such as Netflix during the epidemic. He said that compared with 10 years ago, the current content production is shocking, and there are a lot of content that makes people love it.
“Complex plot, sophisticated production, and even documentary effects are amazing.” Gates said. He also added that he was going to finish reading a book one night this week, but instead he fell in love with a French suspense thriller “Lupin” on Netflix.
“When I came back to my senses, I found that I had watched for 4 hours in a row. I was a little bit intemperate that night, and even felt embarrassed. I rarely do this, but the content does make you feel uncomfortable. You just sit like that. Keep chasing drama there.”
Gates also uses The Great Courses to participate in college courses because he insists on “live and learn”-of course, this is when he is not chasing drama.