There are more ways than ever to listen to History Daily Add Free.

Listen with Wondry Plus in the Wondari app,

or you can get all of History Daily plus other fantastic history podcasts at intohistory.com.

This throwback episode of History Daily originally aired on April 4th, 2022.

It's June 7th, 2007 at Harvard University.

Sitting atop an outdoor stage, Bill Gates looks out at the campus's courtyard

filled with the awestruck faces of recent graduates. He watches the president of Harvard's Alumni

Association rise from the seat next to him ahead to the podium. Our next speaker,

first known as the entrepreneur of the personal computer revolution,

was named by Time Magazine as one of the hundred people who most influenced the 20th century.

After a 33-year leave of absence from his alma mater, I am pleased to present to you Dr. William Gates.

Bill smiles at the introduction and rises to take his place at the lecture.

I've been waiting more than 30 years to say this. Dad, I always told you I'd come back and get my degree.

I'm just happy that the crimson called me, Harvard's most successful dropout.

I guess that makes me valedictorian of my own special class. I did the best of everyone who failed.

Bill continues his speech. He's self-assured, measured, and speaks with a clear confidence.

When he finishes, he's met with a standing ovation that lasts over a minute.

This reaction isn't unusual for Bill Gates. At this point in his career,

Bill's been the richest man in the world every year for over a decade.

And for the past three years, Time Magazine named Bill as one of the hundred most influential people

in the world. By all accounts, Bill has made it to the top of his field.

But his journey to becoming the world's youngest ever billionaire didn't begin in the

...