Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has revealed that he experimented with LSD in his youth, admitting he did so to impress girls. This revelation is part of his upcoming memoir Source Code, which provides an intimate look at his early life, personal struggles, and self-reflection.
Gates’ Experience With LSD
Gates confessed that he tried LSD “a few times” but found the experience unsettling enough to avoid it in the future. In a humorous recollection, he shared an incident where he asked a girl out on a date after dialing a phone with his toes while on LSD.
Personal Challenges and Youth Struggles
Beyond his drug experimentation, Gates discusses:
- The tragic loss of a close friend in a hiking accident.
- His struggles with academic pressure.
- Being a “challenging” child, which led his parents to seek therapy for him.
Insights on Autism and ADHD
In Source Code, Gates reflects on being on the autism spectrum, a realization that came to him later in life. He also mentions that, although he was never diagnosed, he likely had ADHD, a condition that became more recognized during his college years.
A Memoir in Three Parts
Gates initially aimed to write a single autobiography but found it too complex. He decided to split his story into three volumes, with Source Code focusing on his early life. Future books will cover his Microsoft success, marriage, and philanthropy.