Bill Gates reveals two tips for students and a shared belief with Warren Buffett

Microsoft Co-founder Bill Gates is urging students to rethink how they measure success, offering two pieces of advice that he claims can shape both careers and character.

Despite leaving Harvard early, Gates has consistently championed the value of learning, telling students that surrounding themselves with the right people and recognising diverse talents matter far more than grades alone.

In his widely shared message, Gates encouraged students to choose peers who push them to improve and to appreciate the many forms of intelligence that don’t show up on report cards.

This mindset aligns closely with the philosophy of Warren Buffett, who told students at Columbia University that people naturally rise or fall in the direction of those they associate with.

His view reinforces the idea that a supportive, ambitious circle can determine long-term success.

Gates has also reflected on how long it took him to value different talents, recalling in a recent conversation how important it is to see strength beyond academics.

Notably, his own upbringing also echoes this principle: the children of Bill and Melinda Gates were raised with limited allowances and encouraged to spend wisely to build discipline.