Twentieth Century Thinkers

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Martin Luther King and Bill Gates made different, yet important contributions to society. King literally “had a dream,” that combined with intelligence and persistence, helped the United States become more accepting toward minority groups. Without his determination, America may not have voted in the first Black president. Bill Gates had a dream as well; however with his wealth Gates dreams could come true slightly faster than Kings. Gates dream, though it began with computer technology, microchips, and corporate ladder climbing; ended with incredible wealth. Without his innovative approach, technology would not have reached the levels on intensity that it has and continue to do over the years, but the goodwill Gates has done for humanity is very noble. Both men brought a completely different level of critical thinking into the world than the other, which could make comparing and critiquing their work, for some individuals, quite difficult.

Martin Luther King and Bill Gates, though from the outside looking in may be individuals whom had different agendas, have both made an incredible impact on society. The courage Martin Luther King had to stand up for his fellow African American citizens and is comparable to the strength that Bill Gates has to rise above his initial failure and change himself to better mankind. Both men have offered the Twentieth Century hope for future generations.

For an individual to critique the work of either of these men without having put forth any great effort themselves, some may believe is just ignorance and close-mindedness. In a perfect “dream” world, Martin Luther King and Bill Gates would have collaborated and combined their efforts to achieve a better world. Together their efforts could have been impossible and even more life changing than their work was as individuals. With the wealth of Bill Gates, Martin Luther King, may have not had to fight such a battle for freedom, and with the genuine initial compassion as Martin Luther King, Bill Gates may have realized firsthand that his true passion lies within helping humanity. Unfortunately, the time was not meant for them to work as one, however there is hope that future generations will be able to look past White and Black, wealth and poverty, and combine forces to contribute similar, selfless traits just as King and Gates were able to do as individuals.

References

http://ehistory.osu.edu/world/TimeLineDisplay.cfm?Era_id=16

This Is Not Just': A Revolution Of Values on the Jericho Road: [CITY Edition]

Newsday [Long Island, N.Y] 20 Jan 1992: 58.

"Martin Luther King - Biography". Nobelprize.org. October 31, 2011 http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1964/king-bio.html

http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1964/king-bio.html

http://www.pbs.org/kcet/publicschool/innovators/brown.html

"Gates, Bill" World Encyclopedia. Philip's, 2008. Oxford Reference Online. Oxford University

Press. Apollo Group. October 31, 2011

http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?subview=Main&entry=t142.e4510

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http://www.thinkbigmagazine.com/mindset/223-billgates-big-thinker

http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/g/bill_gates/index.html