Bill Gates Quotes

We can make market forces work better for the poor if we can develop a more creative capitalism-if we can stretch the reach of market forces so that more people can make a profit, or at least make a living, serving people who are suffering from the worst inequities. ... You have more than we had; you must start sooner, and carry on longer.

We all have the chance to create a world where extreme poverty is the exception rather than the rule.

For the first time in human history, society has the capacity, the knowledge and the resources to eradicate poverty

How do we give credible hope to the billion poorest people in the world? It requires compassion to get ourselves started, and enlightened self-interest to get serious... If economic divergence continues, combined with global integration, it will build a nightmare for our children.

I think people are hungry for new ideas and leadership in the world of poverty alleviation. Most development programs are started and led by people with Ph.Ds in economics or policy. Samasource is part of a cadre of younger organizations headed by entrepreneurs from non-traditional backgrounds.

I want to eradicate poverty. I think that there's a tremendous passion for that inside the World Bank.

We must focus on our biggest enemy, poverty. There is no single-state solution to it, and that is a noble goal.

Ending extreme poverty is possible.

A few years ago the idea that extreme poverty was harmful was on the fringes of the economic and political debate. But having made the case we are now seeing an emerging consensus among business leaders, economic leaders, political leaders and even faith leaders.

Ending poverty and ensuring sustainability are the defining challenges of our time. Energy is central to both of them.

The fight against poverty and hunger must be fought constantly and on many fronts, especially in its causes.

Peace will never be entirely secure until men everywhere have learned to conquer poverty without sacrificing liberty or security.

Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.

Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice... Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.

You can't tackle climate change until you tackle poverty.

The fight against hunger and poverty is also predicated on the creation of a world order that accords priority to social and economic development.

Do we have the will to make poverty history?

...let us recognize that extreme poverty anywhere is a threat to human security everywhere. Let us recall that poverty is a denial of human rights. For the first time in history, in this age of unprecedented wealth and technical prowess, we have the power to save humanity from this shameful scourge. Let us summon the will to do it.

Looking at these issues as a businessman, I believe that investing in the world's poorest people is the smartest way that our government spends money.

If the cause of poverty is marginalization, the cure is inclusion.

Diamonds are a key component in the campaign to make poverty history.

It's time to re-think charity. It's time to give charity the big-league freedoms we really give to business. The fight for these freedoms must be our new cause, because without them, all of our causes are ultimately lost.

With political will and strategic initiatives, we can prevent more and more of our global neighbors from falling into the abyss of poverty and instead give future generations the opportunities they need to rise to their fullest potential.

I founded Grameen Bank to provide loans to those considered traditionally unbankable. Grameen Bank works with the poorest and often illiterate, providing uncollateralized micro-loans for tiny business enterprises by which they can lift themselves and their families out of poverty.

Taking responsible steps to reduce poverty is not merely a moral imperative but an economic one.