Why the Gates Got Divorce
(Note: Update 23.05.21: This post was written before any of the negative revealtions about Bill Gates were made in the media. Therefore, in retrospect I as the author no longer feel it fully reflects my current and changed (and negative) opinion of Bill Gates as a person).
As a huge admirer of what the Gates foundation does, I was simply shocked to hear about the Gates’ divorce. Their marriage stood as a proof that marriages can last and that there was hope, even if two people are high profile.
On the social media people have been speculating the causes of the divorce. It’s hard to admit (not juicy) that they are separating because “we no longer believe we can grow together as a couple” (the couple said via twitter).
When I heard about Gates’ divorce, I thought back to Bezos’ divorce from a few years ago. Equally saddening.
I did some research to figure out why the Gates’ got divorced. At least there was no third person involved. What people would hate to see would be Bill Gates ending up chasing a young film star. Or that he had an affair with one. Not a typical Bill Gates’ style thing. That’s more of Elon Musk’s doings, showing off his rockets and impressing women far younger than him.
Researchers suggest that the divorces of people in their fifties (which is what the Gates are) is a pretty common phenomenon called “gray divorce.” Apparently it comes down to couples no longer having to be together to raise children and so they can walk away from each other relatively easily as long as they have enough money. Talking about enough money, 130 billion $ should be more than enough.
A bit more digging reveals that they might very well have been staying amicably together until now because they had a child under eighteen. A secure home for the family was no longer needed so (among other things) they probably felt safe to go forward with the separation.
After my initial shock, I began to question my reaction. Does it make sense that the public should be sad? There are things lot worse (ah COVID e.g.) than the divorce of a happy, philanthropic couple whose marriage lasted 27 great years.
The upside to their divorce is how they are presenting it. They have separately amicably. No drama. That’s a good end to any divorce (famous or non-famous). I think their divorce sets an example (a positive one) that it’s never too late to go look for someone better (or not, if you prefer to be alone and spend your evenings off work reading science-fiction books or thinking about next pro-woman project).
Much to my disappointment and that of many others speculating, there is no mystery. It’s better this way. The world has too many mysteries anyway.
Morals of the story:
- Till death do us part no longer works (people live pretty long. . . )
- Divorce is not a bad thing. It’s a fresh chance to start over (with 65 billion $ for each)
- Don’t put pressure on celebrity couples by speculating about the real cause of their divorce.
