During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates shared a bold vision for the future of artificial intelligence. Promoting his new memoir Source Code, Gates predicted that AI will replace many roles currently held by humans—including doctors, teachers, and mental health professionals—within the next 10 years. Despite these dramatic shifts, Gates remains optimistic about AI’s potential to solve global challenges in health and climate.
A Future Shaped by AI
In a wide-ranging conversation with Jimmy Fallon on February 4, 2025, Bill Gates spoke candidly about the sweeping changes artificial intelligence could bring in the near future. “The era we’re just starting is one where intelligence becomes free,” Gates explained, contrasting it with earlier decades when computing power was a rare and costly resource. According to him, what was once exclusive—such as expert medical advice or high-quality education—will become widely accessible through AI.
He described this transformation as “profound,” noting it will address critical shortages in professions like healthcare and mental health. Gates highlighted how AI could offer practical solutions to the growing global demand for skilled professionals, something that has long been a systemic challenge.
The Role of Humans in an AI World
Despite AI’s promising capabilities, Gates acknowledged the uncertainty it brings. “It brings with it so much change,” he said, citing fundamental questions about employment and the structure of daily life. “Should we just work two or three days a week?” he wondered aloud.
When Fallon asked whether humans would still be needed, Gates replied, “Not for most things.” However, he added that society will collectively decide which aspects of life to preserve for human engagement. For example, he suggested people would still want to watch human athletes play baseball rather than computers.
Ultimately, Gates sees the rise of AI as both a challenge and an opportunity. “It’s completely new territory,” he noted, expressing hope that humanity will be able to guide and shape the direction of AI development.
Optimism for Health and Climate Innovation
When asked what keeps him hopeful about the future, Gates emphasized the power of innovation to improve lives. He pointed to breakthroughs in health—such as progress on Alzheimer’s and polio—and the potential for AI to address climate change. “There’s a lot of great stuff coming along,” he said, crediting the innovation pipeline he is fortunate enough to witness firsthand.
His appearance on the show also served to promote Source Code, the first in a trilogy of memoirs. The book chronicles his childhood and early life, providing insight into how his upbringing and environment positioned him to become a central figure in the digital revolution. Gates said that turning 70 in 2025, along with Microsoft’s 50th anniversary and the Gates Foundation’s 25th, inspired him to reflect on his past and the forces that shaped his journey.
Reflecting on his experiences, Gates remains focused on the future—one he believes will be deeply intertwined with AI but still shaped by human choice.
