Net worth | $12.6 billion |
---|---|
Full Name | Gordon Earle Moore |
Birth Date | January 3, 1929 |
Birth Place | San Francisco, California, United States |
Death Date | March 24, 2023 |
Death Place | Waimea, Hawaii, United States |
Occupation | Businessman and engineer |
Nationality | American |
Zodiac sign | Capricorn |
Ethnicity | White |
Religion | Christianity |
Known For | Co-founder of Intel Corporation |
Notable Achievements | Formulated Moore’s Law, development of integrated circuits |
Awards and Recognition | Presidential Medal of Freedom and National Medal of Technology |
Introduction
In the thrilling saga of technological innovation, one name shines as a guiding star — Gordon Moore. An American luminary, his legacy remains etched in the silicon valleys of history. Famed as the co-founder and emeritus chairman of the iconic Intel Corporation, Moore’s indelible mark on the digital landscape is a testament to his visionary prowess.
Beyond the confines of corporate success, Moore’s name became synonymous with the eponymous “Moore’s Law,” a prophecy that unveiled the exponential growth of computing power. His prescient insight into the relentless advancement of semiconductor technology redefined the very fabric of modern computing, propelling humanity into an age of unprecedented digital expansion.
With an engineer’s precision and a businessman’s acumen, Moore sculpted the blueprint for the future, orchestrating the ascent of Intel to global eminence. His narrative is not merely a tale of triumph but a chronicle of transformation, encapsulating the spirit of an era shaped by the relentless pursuit of technological evolution.
Early Life and Education
In the radiant dawn of 1929, a future titan, Gordon Moore, graced the world as the second son of Walter Harold Moore, the steadfast county sheriff of San Mateo County, and Florence Almira “Mira” Williamson, the nurturing cornerstone of their home. Even in his early years, as Moore embarked on his educational journey in 1935, the faculty took note of his introspective demeanor, hinting at the profound depths of his contemplative mind.
A pivotal shift marked the family’s trajectory in 1938 when Walter accepted a prestigious promotion to deputy sheriff, prompting their relocation to the vibrant heart of Redwood City, California. It was in the enchanted Christmas of 1940 that Moore’s destiny found its first catalyst—a humble chemistry set, a gift that ignited the fervor of scientific curiosity within his young soul, setting him on the path to pursue the mysteries of the chemical world.
As the tumultuous tides of history raged through the 1940s, Moore’s youthful vigor found expression not only in the hallowed halls of Sequoia High School, where he dabbled in athletic pursuits but also in the academic corridors of San José State College (now San José State University). It was there that the alchemy of knowledge began to crystallize, laying the foundation for his future endeavors. Moore’s quest for intellectual nourishment led him to the esteemed University of California, Berkeley in 1948, where the luminaries of chemistry, Glenn Seaborg, Melvin Calvin, and William Giauque, kindled the flames of scientific passion within him.
In the resplendent autumn of 1950, Moore’s scholarly odyssey steered him toward the hallowed grounds of the California Institute of Technology (“Caltech”). It was here that the chapters of his academic brilliance would flourish, culminating in the laurels of a Ph.D. in chemistry in 1954. The echoes of his academic prowess resonated through the postdoctoral research he undertook at the revered Applied Physics Laboratory at Johns Hopkins University, from 1953 to 1956, solidifying his place as a stalwart in the realms of scientific exploration.
Career and Work
Period | Organization | Position |
1956-1957 | Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory | Research Chemist |
1957-1968 | Fairchild Semiconductor | Director of Research and Development |
1968-1997 | Intel Corporation | Co-founder, CEO (1975-1987), Chairman of the Board (1979-1997) |
1993-2000 | California Institute of Technology | Chairman of the Board of Trustees |
Net Worth
Year | Net Worth (USD) |
2006 | $3.7 billion |
2023 | $12.6 billion |
Family and Relationship
Relation | Name/Info |
Father | Walter Harold Moore |
Mother | Florence Almira |
Siblings | N/A |
Spouse | Betty Irene Whitaker |
Children | Steven Moore, Kenneth Moore |
Achievements and Awards
Year | Achievements and Awards |
1990 | National Medal of Technology |
2008 | IEEE Medal of Honor |
2002 | Presidential Medal of Freedom |
2002 | Bower Award for Business Leadership |
2003 | The American Association for the Advancement of Science fellow |
2005 | Elected to the American Philosophical Society |
Quick Facts
- He was a passionate angler from a young age and he traveled extensively with his family to pursue various species.
- He and his wife, Betty, established the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, which has donated more than $3 billion to support science and environmental conservation.
- He earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from Caltech and later became the institution’s chairman of the board of trustees.
- He was an avid reader and sought to stay abreast of new developments in science and technology throughout his life.
- He was a strong advocate for environmental protection, as he supported various conservation initiatives.
FAQs
Q: What is Gordon Moore known for?
A: He is best known for his formulation of Moore’s Law, which states that the number of transistors on an integrated circuit doubles approximately every two years.
Q: What did Gordon Moore invent?
A: He is not credited with inventing a specific device or technology, his contributions to the development of integrated circuits (ICs) were significant. He played a crucial role in the miniaturization and advancement of IC technology, which laid the foundation for modern electronics.
Q: What is Gordon Moore’s net worth?
A: His net worth fluctuated over time due to changes in Intel’s stock price and his philanthropic donations. At the time of his death in 2023, his net worth was estimated to be around $12.6 billion.
Q: What awards did Gordon Moore receive?
A: He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, such as the National Medal of Technology, the IEEE Medal of Honor, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Q: What companies did Gordon Moore co-found?
A: He co-founded two major semiconductor companies: Fairchild Semiconductor in 1957 and Intel Corporation in 1968.