Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk have long held divergent views on various topics, from philanthropy to space exploration. In a recent interview with the BBC, Mr. Gates reiterated that he would rather focus on helping people on Earth than spending money going to Mars – an activity that he believes is expensive and unnecessary.
Mr. Gate’s comments indicate Mr. Musk’s ultimate goal is to send crewed flights to Mars and colonize the Red Planet. Although it hasn’t always been so cordial between the two billionaires, this latest exchange about their differing perspectives does provide some interesting insight into how they view philanthropy versus space exploration as possible uses for their wealth.
When asked if he would encourage Elon Musk to join The Giving Pledge, a promise made by hundreds of the world’s wealthiest people to donate the majority of their earnings to charity, Mr. Gates responded positively, saying that someday “he will be a great philanthropist” without having donated directly through Tesla but “having positive impact even without being a form of philanthropy.” He also said that, apart from spending money on a few trips to Mars, “which may cost a little,” he did not believe the SpaceX CEO “would spend the most of his riches on himself.” This is echoed by his statement when specifically asked if he thought going to Mars was a good use of money, saying, “Going to Mars is really pretty costly. You can get measles vaccinations and save lives for $1,000 per life saved,” Mr. Gates said, adding, “And so (that) just sort of roots you, as in – don’t go to Mars.”
While making it clear where they stand on using wealth to improve lives, there are others who oppose the idea of sending humans to explore the far reaches of the universe, believing that doing so would waste resources that could be used to help those closer to home. On the other hand, some believe that such ventures may hold the key to unlocking answers beyond our current capabilities in understanding technology and science and expanding humanity’s knowledge to new heights.
No matter what each billionaire thinks about the issue, they have both been helpful to many causes over the years by giving money to charities and other groups. This has led many to wonder what kind of contributions we can expect from them in the future, given their different goals, agendas, and intentions behind their actions, which have had far-reaching effects felt around the world today and tomorrow.
