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Bill Gates: Doesn't even love his mother These days, Microsoft chairman Bill Gates is known as the most charitable person in the entire world, giving away billions of dollars through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. But for years, Gates was known first for his money and second for a mean streak that flared particularly with women, starting with his mom. In an article bidding farewell to the now-retired top executive at Microsoft, Wired ran down the highlights:

  • 1967: Gates, a difficult sixth grader, asks his mother, "Have you ever tried thinking?"
  • 1977: On several occasions, Gates's secretary enters the Microsoft building to find him crumpled on the floor, asleep. He continues to live on pizza and is a demanding boss, often fighting with colleagues. Among his favorite responses: "That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard."
  • 1985: Gates reportedly abuses a female executive so badly that she asks to be transferred.
  • May 13, 1990: Gates schedules a retreat for Microsoft company executives — on Mother's Day.

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