Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

The Heart of Geekness Will Save Us All

Nerds grasp large-scale human suffering much better, Wired says

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 1, 2007 5:43 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Why is Bill Gates, “practically a social cripple,” going to save the world? Because of numbers, says Clive Thompson in Wired. More than most, the Microsoft maverick -- who spearheads tireless crusades against poverty and AIDS -- can comprehend large quantities, while research shows that most of us start losing count (or caring as much) after we tally about 8.

“The problem isn't a moral failing: It's a cognitive one,” Thompson says. We just feel more for one sufferer than we do for a photo packed with people in need. Which may mean that a Gatesian numbers man makes for a better leader. “What we need are more Bill Gateses -- people with Aspergian focus, with a direct sensual ability to understand what a million means.”

Bill Gates Announces $100 Million Grant To Help FIght AIDS In India
Bill Gates Announces $100 Million Grant To Help FIght AIDS In India   (Getty Images)
Edythe Broad Foundation, ED in '08 is the largest-ever single-issue advocacy campaign to focus the presidential debate around strengthening America's public schools. Online at www.EDin08.com. (PRNewsFoto/Strong American Schools)
Edythe Broad Foundation, ED in '08 is the largest-ever single-issue advocacy campaign to focus the presidential debate around strengthening America's public schools. Online at www.EDin08.com. (PRNewsFoto/Strong...   (Associated Press)
Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft, arrives at the annual Allen and Co.'s media conference, Friday, July 13, 2007, in Sun Valley, Idaho. Microsoft Corp. is expected to release quarterly earnings on Thursday, July 19, 2007. (AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac)
Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft, arrives at the annual Allen and Co.'s media conference, Friday, July 13, 2007, in Sun Valley, Idaho. Microsoft Corp. is expected to release quarterly earnings on Thursday,...   (Associated Press)
Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates speaks to the Imagine Cup finalists during a meeting, Tuesday, June, 26, 2007, in Redmond. More than 40 university students from 10 countries qualified for the Imagine Cup final, a world technology competition. (AP Photo/Andrei Pungovschi)
Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates speaks to the Imagine Cup finalists during a meeting, Tuesday, June, 26, 2007, in Redmond. More than 40 university students from 10 countries qualified for the Imagine Cup...   (Associated Press)
Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates listens to the Imagine Cup finalists during a meeting, Tuesday, June, 26, 2007, in Redmond, Wash. More than 40 university students from 10 countries qualified for the Imagine Cup final, a world technology competition. (AP Photo/Andrei Pungovschi)
Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates listens to the Imagine Cup finalists during a meeting, Tuesday, June, 26, 2007, in Redmond, Wash. More than 40 university students from 10 countries qualified for the Imagine...   (Associated Press)
The World Econmic Forum In Davos
The World Econmic Forum In Davos   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Gates Foundation to help in Iraq
Financial Times (UK)

The geek that keeps on giving
Desicritics.org (India)

Gates inspires "giving while living" trend
USA Today

US • Health • Lifestyle

 
philanthropy • Bill Gates • aid • psychology • Paul Slovic • Decision Research • numeracy • Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

More Newser Stories

Bill Gates Even Gave Away Richest-Guy Title

Billionaires' 'Giving Pledge' Not Good Enough

Paul Allen Will Give Away Billions

Gates, Buffett to Super Rich: Give Half of It Away

America's Top Philanthropists
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne