Bill Gates shares five pieces of graduation advice he wishes he were given

American billionaire, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates did not receive a "real higher education" and there was no graduation ceremony as such in his life. But three times he had to give a speech for university graduates. First he did it in 2007 at Harvard, which he never graduated from, and then in 2014 at Stanford. He gave his third speech to future engineers and forestry professionals graduating from Northern Arizona University.

In addition, in his speech, he spoke about what he would like to hear at that graduation event, if it was to happen in his life.

First, according to him, it is necessary to remember that life is not a one-act play. Moreover, that means that the decisions made today can be of great importance. However, what you will do tomorrow or in the next ten years is not something you will do forever.

Second, it is impossible to be too smart.

“I thought I knew everything when I left college,” he said. “But eventually, I realized that the first step to learning something new is leaning into what you don’t know, instead of focusing on what you do know. At some point in your career, you will find yourself facing a problem you cannot solve on your own. When that happens, don’t panic. Take a breath. Force yourself to think things through. And then find smart people to learn from.”

Third, Gates recommends choosing a job that solves an important problem.

“The good news is, you are graduating at a time of immense opportunity to help people,” he said. “New industries and companies are emerging every day that will allow you to make a living by making a difference. And advances in science and technology have made it easier than ever to make a big impact,” he said.

“For example, many of you will become foresters. Your professors have told you about advanced tools like drones that LIDAR uses to create accurate forest maps. You can find new ways to use this technology to fight climate change. Some of you are going to start a career as a programmer. You can use your talents so that all people can benefit from artificial intelligence, or help to eliminate the prejudices associated with artificial intelligence," he noted.

The fourth advice is a reminder of the power of company. Gates tells how he befriended a classmate at school who shared many of his interests and loved science fiction novels and computer magazines. That friend's name was Paul Allen, and they founded Microsoft together.

Gates told the graduates that their classmates are more than just classmates. “They are your network. Your future co-founders and colleagues. Your best sources of support, information, and advice. The only thing more valuable than what you walk offstage with today is who you walk onstage with.”

Gates' fifth advice. You are not a slacker if you cut yourself some slack.

“When I was your age, I didn’t believe in vacations. I didn’t believe in weekends. I didn’t believe the people I worked with should either,” he admitted. “In the early days of Microsoft, my office overlooked the parking lot—and I would keep track of who was leaving early and staying late. But as I got older—and especially once I became a dad—I realized there is more to life than work.”

Gates urged his listeners not to wait as long as he did to learn this lesson. “Take time to nurture your relationships. To celebrate your successes. And to recover from your losses. Take a break when you need to. Take it easy on the people around you when they need it, too.”