July/August 2010

Most people have heard of Bill Gates: founder of Microsoft, richest man in the world (for a while), computer geek and, more recently the head of The Gates Foundation - his international charity that dispenses millions of dollars each year to fight global poverty and disease.

This work gives him immense satisfaction and he seems to subscribe to the old adage that no half- decent man should die too rich. So he's giving his fortune away, carefully and systematically, and many thousands will have cause to thank him. Asked recently what he would like to be remembered for - his computer empire or his philanthropy - he seemed very philosophical.

Other technical innovations were already superseding his earlier achievements and his work with the poor had nothing to do with an eye to posterity. Wise words from a man who can justly boast of his record and has earned recognition for projects that will bear fruit beyond his lifetime.

The great and the good are often asked how they would like to be remembered. When answered honestly, the reply reveals what has been of the deepest value and importance in a human life. I recall from such interviews that Jerry Springer was content to be remembered by his children as a good father; Michael Portillo, by contract, found the question irrelevant as he wouldn't be around to know what the world made of him after his death.

I think the question does matter. All of us leave a trace behind that in ways, large or small, move things a little closer or further away from the reign of purity and peace foretold by the prophets and Jesus. Other people's lives are changed by what we say and do (or fail to do). Making even a small difference to the way things are in an unequal world in preference to amassing a mountain of cash is a deed worthy of remembrance. And it assuredly finds favour with the God of the poor whose will it is that they too should not be forgotten.