In the summer of 1991, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett bonded over a marathon conversation at a family getaway, sparking a deep friendship that saw them become iconic philanthropic partners. Their bond led Buffett to donate billions to Gates' foundation, shaping global philanthropy. However, recent years have revealed cracks in their relationship. Buffett’s decision to end his future donations to Gates’ foundation and growing tensions over how Gates handles his wealth have cast a shadow over their once-celebrated friendship, hinting at a dramatic shift in their dynamic.

A Summer Meeting That Changed Everything

In the summer of 1991, Bill Gates, the billionaire founder of Microsoft, was a dedicated workaholic, hard at work and barely taking breaks. However, his mother, Mary Gates, convinced him to take a short break and spend the Fourth of July at Hood Canal, a beautiful and relaxing spot a couple of hours from Seattle that the family loved.

At this gathering, one of the gue...