Watch Bill Gates Talk About Taking LSD
While Steve Jobs has credited LSD with making him a design genius, Bill Gates has long been thought of as a square. But, it turns out, he actually took LSD in his youth as well (but he doesn’t recommend it).
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Bill Gates has long been known for his sharp mind, business acumen, and philanthropy. But on a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, he shared a lesser-known chapter of his life. Discussing his upcoming memoir Source Code, Gates recounted his experiences with alcohol and LSD during his younger years.
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A Glimpse Into Gates’ Past
In a candid moment, Gates described his first encounter with LSD, an experience he had in college. He admitted it was not a defining part of his life but acknowledged trying it out of curiosity. Unlike figures in Silicon Valley who have credited psychedelics with breakthroughs in creativity, Gates distanced himself from that narrative. He made it clear that experimentation was brief and did not play a role in shaping his future.
He also reflected on drinking in his early years. While his upbringing was disciplined, he allowed himself to push boundaries. He spoke with humor about moments of overindulgence but framed them as part of a typical young adult experience.
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A Rare Personal Disclosure
Gates has rarely shared personal stories in this way. His public image has been largely shaped by his work in technology and global health. But as he promotes his memoir, he has leaned into moments of reflection. He did not sensationalize his experiences but spoke about them with a mix of honesty and self-awareness.
The conversation with Fallon showed a different side of Gates. While his legacy is built on innovation, this moment was a reminder that even the most disciplined minds have had moments of youthful exploration.