TED talks: why philanthropy is the most satisfying thing we’ve done – Bill and Melinda Gates

Bill Gates, the world’s richest man, and his wife Melinda discuss why philanthropy gives them so much satisfaction in this week’s featured TED talk.

The pair, whose estate is worth an estimated $78 billion (£46.7 billion), describe how they came to a decision in 1993 – whilst walking on a beach – to give some of their fortune back to society. Seven years later, they founded the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the largest private foundations on the planet.

Since then, their philanthropy has helped thousands, even millions, of individuals globally. They were instrumental in ridding India of polio and recently set up the Giving Pledge with US business magnate Warren Buffett, which encourages the super-rich to give away at least half their wealth to charitable causes.

In conversation with Chris Anderson at TED2014 in Vancouver, they explain why philanthropy is so important.

To watch this video on the TED website, click here.