In a surprising revelation, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has detailed the profound and rebellious influence of his late partner, Paul Allen, during their formative years. Gates's new memoir, Source Code: My Beginnings, released on February 4, 2025, credits Allen not just for igniting his passion for computing but also for leading him into teenage experimentation with drugs and alcohol.
The 'Problem' That Was Paul Allen
Speaking to Geekwire, Gates humorously yet candidly described Allen as "a problem" who significantly shaped his youth. He recalled how Allen got him drunk for the first time and introduced him to marijuana. Beyond substances, Allen was the gateway to counterculture, making Gates listen to the music of Jimi Hendrix and even introducing him to the psychedelic drug LSD.
Gates reflected on this dynamic, noting that while his parents provided a structured and disciplined environment, Paul Allen represented the opposite force—a constant nudge to push boundaries and explore the unknown.
Experiments, Risks, and Sober Reflections
In his memoir, Gates admits to trying LSD four to five times during his teenage years. He also described attempts at getting drunk and using marijuana, often motivated by a desire to impress girls—a strategy he admits "didn't work out." In an interview with People magazine, Gates attributed these experiences to a mix of youthful curiosity, risk-taking, and insecurity.
While some of those moments felt profound at the time, the billionaire philanthropist now views them with skepticism. He decided to give up drugs entirely to preserve his mental clarity and avoid potential long-term damage. Interestingly, Gates shared that Apple's Steve Jobs once suggested he should have tried hallucinogens to make Microsoft products more appealing—advice Gates firmly rejected.
From Teenage Rebellion to a Trillion-Dollar Legacy
Despite these youthful diversions, Gates's focus on technology never wavered. Together with Paul Allen, he co-founded Microsoft in 1975. The company's historic initial public offering (IPO) in 1986 at $21 per share made Gates an instant millionaire, as he retained a 45% stake.
Under his leadership, Microsoft grew exponentially, and Gates claimed the title of the world's richest person in 1993. After stepping down as CEO in 2000, succeeded by Steve Ballmer, Gates shifted his energies to global philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Today, Bill Gates's net worth is estimated at $118 billion, placing him 18th on the Bloomberg Billionaire Index. The company he built, Microsoft, boasts a staggering market capitalization of $3.6 trillion, cementing his legacy far beyond the rebellious experiments of his youth.
