Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist calls fellow tech titan ‘super-smart’ but guilty of ‘overreach’

Summary

Bill Gates criticized Elon Musk for his support of far-right politicians, including the UK’s Tommy Robinson and Germany’s AfD party, calling it “insane shit” and accusing Musk of destabilizing political systems.

Gates questioned Musk’s focus on divisive politics while managing global businesses like Tesla and SpaceX.

Gates also expressed concern about wealthy individuals influencing foreign elections.

Musk has faced backlash for controversial actions, including a Nazi salute.

  • goodthanks@lemmy.worldEnglish
    20·
    3 days ago

    I’m not sure what you mean. I’m not American, and I don’t place much value on enormous wealth accumulation. I’m just acknowledging that there is a difference between gaining enormous wealth with a hefty leg up from family wealth versus doing it from scratch, like growing up in poverty for example.

    • reksas@sopuli.xyzEnglish
      121·
      3 days ago

      You can’t get that amount of money without exploitation. If you start from 0 it just means you have to actually work for it but end result is still the same.

        • reksas@sopuli.xyzEnglish
          6·
          2 days ago

          you should define the word rich better in this context. Personally I have started to think word “rich” as negative thing, someone who has more than they need at expense of others, but I dont think that is very common way to think.

          • captainlezbian@lemmy.worldEnglish
            4·
            2 days ago

            I think a lot of people don’t consider the exploitation angle. Often they see someone like Bill gates as having invented windows and see his wealth as earned by goods provided that they don’t think would otherwise exist. It’s what capital teaches is the justification for wealth

          • goodthanks@lemmy.worldEnglish
            71·
            2 days ago

            You’re right, the term is very subjective. The lower bound for me is owning multiple properties, owning a business and making money from the labour of others.

            • reksas@sopuli.xyzEnglish
              3·
              2 days ago

              Well, its okay to make some money from others labour, as long as its fair. But way it currently works, that some business owner gets majority of the value of someones work is not okay. That is just benefitting from being on stronger position than someone else and ultimately isnt much different from taking from someone by force. Its not like you can refuse to participate as people need to have money to live.