Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can’t lose.

Analysis

The quote is accurately attributed to Bill Gates and aligns with his views on learning from failure. It appears in interviews and writings from that period, including discussions about Microsoft's culture. No credible evidence disputes his authorship of the statement.

Background

In the mid-1990s, Gates often spoke about innovation, competition, and the risks of complacency in the tech industry. This quote reflects his emphasis on continuous improvement and the dangers of overconfidence.

Verdict summary

Bill Gates did make this statement in a 1995 interview.

Sources consulted