When I hear the words entrepreneur or philanthropist, it’s hard not to think of Bill Gates. He’s undoubtedly one of the most successful entrepreneurs of the 20th century, and Microsoft has made it possible for tens of thousands of other startups to thrive. It took Gates only 25 years to turn a small two-man business in to a multibillion-dollar giant and in the process amass one of the largest personal fortunes on the planet. He’s given nearly 48 percent of his net-worth, or $28 billion, to charitable organizations, making him not only one of the wealthiest, but also one of the most philanthropic individuals in history. It’s estimated that by 2019, Bill Gates will have saved 7.6 million lives with his contributions. He’s an idol and hero to many, and a great source of inspiration. Here are my top 10 Bill Gates quotes for readers that want to aspire to more than just small time success:

I hope you will reflect on what you’ve done with your talent and energy. I hope you will judge yourselves not on your professional accomplishments alone, but also on how well you work to address the world’s deepest inequities, on how well you treat people a world away who have nothing in common with you but their humanity.”

Sure, leaving money we amass behind is beneficial to some, but leaving behind a legacy that’s greater than ourselves is something that will be remembered for a much greater period of time. It’s our actions that define us, and what could be a greater action than helping others that we have nothing in common with?

I’m a great believer that any tool that enhances communication has profound effects in terms of how people can learn from each other, and how they can achieve the kind of freedoms that they’re interested in.”

Indeed, creating a system that aids in global communication is an accomplishment that the world will forever be grateful for. It’s an achievement like none other, akin to the invention of the telephone or Facebook. Strive to develop something that revolutionizes the world.

It’s fine to celebrate success, but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.”

Failure can be one of the most valuable educational experiences for any entrepreneur. It’s humbling and forces us to refine our original plans so that we can overcome obstacles that we may have been blinded from before.

Until we’re educating every kid in a fantastic way, until ever inner city is cleaned up, there is no shortage of things to do.”

Again, let your actions define you. Promote education and the welfare of others. You’ll be much more successful if you strive to help others while you’re helping yourself.

As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.”

It’s about making sure those that follow you become better people in the process. Become someone of significance and drive others’ success, that is what leadership is all about.

If geek means you’re willing to study things, and if you think science and engineering matter, I plead guilty. If your culture doesn’t like geeks, you are in real trouble.”

If you’re building a business you know all too well that research can’t be overrated, neither can good business partners. Seek out the best so that you can provide the best. Research your competition and make sure that your business model, and your team, blows them away.

I do think this next century, hopefully, will be about a more global view. Where you don’t just think, yes my country is doing well, but you think about the world at large.”

We’re moving closer and closer to truly becoming a global society. If you’re building a business nowadays you have to consider a global market. Focusing on local isn’t good enough anymore.

Don’t compare yourself with anyone in this world…if you do so, you are insulting yourself.”

We’re all unique, and while we all share similarities, comparing ourselves to others can often limit our potential. Don’t accept the idea that you can’t do something because John or Jane Doe couldn’t. Reach for the impossible and when you fail, reach for it again.

About three million computers get sold every year in China, but people don’t pay for the software. Someday they will, though. As long as they are going to steal it, we want them to steal ours. They’ll get sort of addicted, and then we’ll somehow figure out how to collect sometime in the next decade.”

As long as people are talking about your endeavors don’t worry about the money, it will come. Focus on your brand and connect with as many people as possible.

If you show people the problems and you show people the solutions they will be moved to act.”

Frame problems in a different light, be inventive and drive creative solutions. Be proactive and develop a way of thinking that highlights and tackles business challenges before they’re an issue.