Showing up for life : thoughts on the gifts of a lifetime / Bill Gates, Sr., with Mary Ann Mackin.

"Originally published in hardcover in slightly different form in the United States by Broadway Books ... in 2009"--Title page verso.

Includes index.

Foreword / Bill Gates, Jr. -- Some second thoughts about thinking -- Showing up for life -- Hard work -- Radical generosity -- Open-mindedness -- Getting along -- Speaking out -- Learning how to lose -- Honoring a confidence -- Finding meaning in your work -- Thinking tall -- Showing up for your family -- Sharing your gifts with others -- Connecting people -- Creating the change you'd like to see happen -- A habit passed down -- Celebrating life -- Mary's wedding toast -- Making your life your message -- Never forget to ask "Is it right?" -- The power of one -- Things I learned from my children -- The enduring campfires of Cheerio -- The rites and riches of lasting friendships -- Learning begins at birth -- Marrying well (again) -- Grandparents -- A lesson on leadership -- America at risk -- Four-letter words -- Getting off the sidelines -- Government of the people, by the people, FOR the people -- The older you grow the taller you get -- An expression of gratitude -- Traditions: making memories -- Getting everybody dancing -- Empowering women -- When the benefits of neighboring come full circle -- Portraits of courage -- Africa, we see you -- Walking with giants -- The people you meet showing up -- A master citizen -- There's no problem bigger than we are -- These numbers are our neighbors -- Public will -- How a hole in the fence led a boy from poverty to poetry -- A place to start.

The father of one of the most successful businessmen in history conveys the values and principles he has learned in life and instilled in his children.