His wife, his father and his own recent fatherhood may be influencing Bill Gates - the world's richest man - to become a more active philanthropist, ABC News reports on its website.

Criticized in the past for his lack of charity, the Microsoft chairman has given away $140 million since September. While that amount is healthy, critics like to point out the fact that Gates is worth an estimated $60 billion.

That may be an unfair comparison, says Todd Cohen, editor and publisher of the Philanthropy News Network.

"Because his wealth is absolutely astronomical, whatever he gives is going to pale in comparison to his total fortune," Cohen tells ABC News "But think about it. To most mortals, it's a fortune."

Gates' father, William H. Gates Sr., reportedly has been counseling his son to make a stronger commitment to philanthropic causes, ABC News reports. The younger Gates has in fact vowed to give away the bulk of his fortune before he dies.

The senior Gates heads the William H. Gates Foundation. Bill Gates' wife, Melinda, also has taken an active role in that foundation and the Gates Library Foundation, which offers technology assistance grants to help libraries get online.

Even though ABC News quotes friends who say Gates has indicated he will be giving more, the senior Gates says his son knows he will "never give away enough to satisfy his critics."

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gatesgiving981216.html