‘More Than Human’ version of Bill Gates is on the way

One of the mysteries of Bill Gates, reportedly worth $46.6 billion, is why he has promised to give away most of his wealth rather than passing it on to his three children. His pledge seems so out of character.

The current intellectual property policies of Microsoft, after all, strike many as almost feudalistic. Ordinary people are to be serfs and not own e-books and software for real. Microsoft’s fiendishly DRMed e-books can even require re-activation. Beyond that, Microsoft is pushing to persuade users to rent software rather than own it even in the slightest way. Those are the policies of a would-be progenitor of a dynasty–a man seemingly favoring inherited wealth for the benefit of his family and other members of the American elite. But how to square those facts with Gates’ pledge to withhold the bulk of his fortune from his children?

Now, the mystery has been solved through an extensive investigation into several seemly unrelated facts, which actually are just that–related.

1) We begin with the fact Gates sees himself as the chief software architect of Microsoft. He considers software to be an extension of himself.

2) For several years now and perhaps longer, Gates has been fond of biotech investments. That in itself would not be startling; biotech, after all, could well be the next high tech. But as will be clear, there are some twists.

3) A new book has appeared with the title of More Than Human: Embracing the Promise of Biological Enhancement. The author, Ramez Naam, is a computer scientist at Microsoft,

4) Gates has long been a believer in methodical screening of future Microsoft employees–complete with brain-stretching riddles.

So here is the grand plan, as uncovered via TeleRead‘s extensive investigation. Rather than relying on the fickleness of genes, even those from himself and Melinda, Bill Gates is secretly arranging for the DNA to be collected from the very brightest Microsoft employees. They are not even aware of this. Gates’ biotech is so advanced that even a trace of saliva left on a water glass in the Microsoft cafeteria will suffice for the requisite sample.

The very best DNA then goes toward the creation of a clone. Biologically it will not be one of Bill Gates–thus preserving the technical veracity of his claim that he will not pass the bulk of his wealth on to his children.

But intellectually the clone will Bill Gates’ true heir, the results of a massive brain dump.

Furthermore, the chief software architect will engage in extensive customization of Gates’ what could truly be called his brainchild.

Enhanced by the life-extension techniques highlighted in More Than Human, the new clone is to rule Microsoft, America and the world for 150 years–meanwhile changing laws in the States and elsewhere so that copyrights last forever. Software, of course, will benefit from eternal patents.

Then, at the end of 15 decades, the clone will graciously die off to make way for Version 2.0–which, like v. 1, is a philanthropic project as Gates can best define it.

So there you have it. Mystery solved.

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