Bill Gates shares his message to 19-year-old self

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. AP file photo

Based on the amount of riches he has accumulated throughout the years, most people consider Bill Gates the epitome of success.

Before reaching his status as the tech world’s biggest pioneer, the Microsoft co-founder had to overcome his fair share of adversity along the way.

As part of the The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s “ask me anything” (AMA) session on Reddit, the 61-year-old entertained questions from several users, during which one asked: “If you could give 19-year-old Bill Gates some advice, what would it be?”

Thank you Reddit for another great AMA: https://t.co/C1TJrZDdcU pic.twitter.com/ZcTJAKrzd1

— Bill Gates (@BillGates) February 27, 2017

“I would explain that smartness is not single dimensional and not quite as important as I thought it was back then,” Gates humbly said.

“I would say you might explore the developing world before you get into your forties. I wasn’t very good socially back then, but I am not sure there is advice that would fix that—maybe I had to be awkward and just grow up,” the tech genius added.

Although he did not mention it directly, Gates’ mini-epiphany could be linked to his highly publicized dropping out from Harvard college in 1976.

Aside from the message to his younger self, Gates also answered questions ranging from his favorite vacation spot, his thoughts on social media and definition of success, among others. JB