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The Idea Man's Last Big Idea: Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in his own words

18 snips
Aug 30, 2025
Paul Allen, the late co-founder of Microsoft, shares his visionary insights in a candid 2011 interview. He discusses his innovative $3.1 billion philanthropic fund aimed at revolutionizing science and technology. Allen reflects on his partnership with Bill Gates and the impact of his passions from brain science to music. He reveals how science fiction fueled his dreams and led to pioneering projects like Spaceship One. The conversation showcases his dedication to philanthropy, creativity, and community resilience beyond his lifetime.
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ANECDOTE

Childhood Spark From A Library Find

  • Paul Allen discovered science fiction as a child when his mother took him to the Wedgwood library and he found Rocketship Galileo.
  • That early exposure sparked lifelong creativity and belief that wild ideas can become real.
INSIGHT

Betting Big On Focused Philanthropy

  • The new Fund for Science and Technology continues Paul Allen's pattern of making big, focused bets on science and tech.
  • His estate's $3.1 billion endowment aims to accelerate research in environment, biosciences, and AI for good.
ANECDOTE

Sticker Prompted A Rethink Of Billionaires

  • Kurt Schlosser found a restroom sticker reading “billionaires are the reason everything sucks” and rethought it after Paul Allen's fund announcement.
  • He concluded Allen deserves an asterisk because of his tangible local contributions.
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