Top 30 Interesting and Unknown Facts About Larry Page

Renowned American computer engineer, scientist, and businessman Lawrence Edward Page is most recognized for co-founding Google with Sergey Brin. His inventions changed the face of the internet and have made him one of the richest people on the planet.

From 1997 to August 2001, Larry Page led Google as its CEO. He then gave way to Eric Schmidt. Later, he took up the position again, serving in it from April 2011 until July 2015, the month Google’s parent firm Alphabet Inc. was founded. He served as Alphabet Inc.’s CEO until December 4, 2019. Despite leaving Alphabet’s day-to-day operations, Page remains an Alphabet shareholder and member of the board.

In this blog, we’ll dive deep into 30 interesting and unknown facts about Larry Page.

1. Larry Page Comes from a Family of Pioneers in Computing

Larry Page was born on March 26, 1973, in East Lansing, Michigan, to parents who were both deeply involved in the world of computing. His father, Dr. Carl Victor Page, was a pioneer in computer science and artificial intelligence. His mother, Gloria Page, taught computer programming. This tech-centric upbringing naturally led Larry to develop an early interest in technology and computing.

2. Page Developed an Interest in Technology at the Age of Six

From a young age, Larry Page showed a deep curiosity for technology. He was fascinated by gadgets, dismantling household electronics just to figure out how they worked. He credits his early exposure to computers as the reason behind his fascination with technology and problem-solving.

3. Larry Page Created a Working Inkjet Printer Using LEGO Bricks

As a college student, Larry Page’s engineering talent became apparent when he built a working inkjet printer entirely out of LEGO bricks. This unconventional project is a testament to his creative problem-solving abilities, as he sought to address the challenges posed by standard printer designs.

4. Page’s First Idea for Google Came While Pursuing His PhD

Larry Page came up with the initial concept for Google while pursuing his PhD at Stanford University. His thesis project aimed to explore the mathematical properties of the World Wide Web. It was during this time that he began thinking about the idea of ranking web pages based on their relationships and relevance, which would eventually lead to the creation of Google’s PageRank algorithm.

5. He Co-founded Google with Sergey Brin as Part of Their Research

Larry Page met Sergey Brin at Stanford University in 1995. Though they initially disagreed on many topics, they soon realized they shared a vision for how information on the web should be organized. Together, they developed Google as part of a research project to create a better search engine for the internet.

6. Google Was Initially Called “Backrub”

Before settling on the name “Google,” Page and Brin initially named their search engine “Backrub.” This name was inspired by the concept of analyzing backlinks to determine a site’s importance. They later changed the name to Google, derived from the mathematical term “googol,” which refers to the number 1 followed by 100 zeros.

7. Larry Page Believes in Taking Risks to Drive Innovation

One of Larry Page’s guiding principles is to “take moonshots” — the idea that taking big risks can lead to significant rewards. He encourages thinking beyond what is possible today and focusing on ideas that could change the world. This mindset is reflected in many of Google’s ambitious projects, including autonomous cars and artificial intelligence.

8. Page Once Drove an Electric Car Before It Was Mainstream

Larry Page was ahead of the curve when it came to sustainable transportation. He drove a Toyota RAV4 EV, one of the earliest commercially available electric cars, long before electric vehicles became popular. His passion for green energy is well-known, and he has made significant investments in renewable energy and clean technologies.

9. He Is a Big Advocate for Green Energy

Larry Page has always been a strong advocate for green energy and sustainability. Under his leadership, Google became a major investor in renewable energy projects, including wind and solar power. The company also committed to becoming carbon neutral and has been a leader in the tech industry’s push toward sustainability.

10. Larry Page Has a Quiet, Private Lifestyle

Despite his status as one of the wealthiest people in the world, Larry Page is known for maintaining a relatively quiet and private lifestyle. He avoids the spotlight and rarely gives interviews or makes public appearances. He prefers to focus on his work and spend time with his family.

11. Page’s Net Worth Is Estimated to Be Over $100 Billion

As of 2024, Larry Page’s net worth is estimated to be over $100 billion, making him one of the richest people on the planet. Most of his wealth comes from his shares in Alphabet, Google’s parent company. However, his financial success hasn’t changed his relatively modest lifestyle.

12. Larry Page Invested in Flying Cars

In 2010, Larry Page secretly invested in two companies developing flying cars: Kitty Hawk and Opener. These companies are working on personal aerial transportation systems, which Page believes could revolutionize the way people travel and reduce traffic congestion.

13. He Is Passionate About Advancing Artificial Intelligence

Page has always been passionate about artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to transform industries and solve complex problems. Google’s significant investment in AI research and development, including the acquisition of AI companies like DeepMind, reflects his belief in the future of AI technology.

14. Larry Page Was Diagnosed with a Rare Vocal Cord Paralysis

In 2013, Larry Page revealed that he had been diagnosed with a rare condition known as vocal cord paralysis, which affects the movement of his vocal cords and makes speaking difficult. This condition led to him speaking less in public and further solidified his decision to live a more private life.

15. Page Has Donated Millions to Health and Medical Research

Larry Page has used his wealth to fund various health and medical research initiatives. He and his wife, Lucinda Southworth, have donated millions of dollars to research projects aimed at eradicating diseases and improving global health outcomes. His philanthropic efforts extend to supporting research on diseases like Ebola and Parkinson’s.

16. He Stepped Down as CEO of Google Twice

Larry Page has had an on-and-off relationship with Google’s leadership role. He stepped down as CEO in 2001, shortly after the company’s rapid growth, only to return to the position in 2011. In 2019, Page and Brin announced they were stepping down from active roles at Alphabet, Google’s parent company, though they remain involved in significant decision-making.

17. Page and Brin’s Famous “Don’t Be Evil” Motto

One of Google’s most well-known mottos, “Don’t be evil,” originated from Page and Brin’s desire to build a company that did the right thing for users and society. While the company has evolved over the years, this guiding principle has remained a central part of Google’s culture.

18. He Is a Long-Time Supporter of Space Exploration

Larry Page has shown a keen interest in space exploration and has supported various initiatives in the field. He invested in companies like Planetary Resources, which aims to mine asteroids for valuable minerals, and has expressed his belief that space exploration will be essential for humanity’s long-term survival.

19. Larry Page Practices Mindfulness and Yoga

In addition to his work in technology, Larry Page is known for practicing mindfulness and yoga to maintain mental clarity and reduce stress. He has said that these practices help him stay focused and creative, allowing him to approach complex problems with a clear mind.

20. Larry Page Is a Strong Advocate for Universal Basic Income

Page has publicly voiced his support for Universal Basic Income (UBI), a concept in which all citizens receive a regular, unconditional sum of money from the government. He believes that UBI could help address the challenges posed by job automation and ensure that people can still thrive in an increasingly automated world.

21. He Owns a Private Island in the Caribbean

Larry Page owns a private island in the Caribbean, which he uses as a getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The island is a secluded paradise where he can relax, spend time with his family, and enjoy some privacy away from the public eye.

22. Page Is an Advocate for Breakthrough Innovations

Larry Page believes that true innovation comes from taking big risks and aiming for breakthrough ideas. He has often spoken about the importance of pursuing ambitious projects that have the potential to change the world, even if they seem impossible at first.

23. He Has a Passion for Aviation

In addition to his interest in flying cars, Larry Page is also passionate about aviation. He holds a pilot’s license and enjoys flying airplanes in his free time. His fascination with flight is reflected in his investments in futuristic transportation technologies.

24. Larry Page Is a Proponent of Radical Transparency

One of Larry Page’s guiding philosophies is the idea of radical transparency, which involves making as much information as possible publicly available. He believes that transparency can lead to better decision-making, increased accountability, and improved collaboration within organizations.

25. He Believes in Empowering Employees

Larry Page has always believed in giving employees the freedom to innovate and take ownership of their work. At Google, he implemented a policy that allowed employees to spend 20% of their time working on projects they were passionate about. This approach led to the development of some of Google’s most successful products, including Gmail and Google News.

26. Larry Page Is Known for His Hands-Off Management Style

Despite his immense influence at Google, Larry Page is known for his hands-off management style. He trusts his employees to make the right decisions and prefers to focus on the big picture rather than micromanaging day-to-day operations.

27. He Believes in the Power of Big Data

Larry Page has long been a proponent of big data and its potential to transform industries. He believes that by analyzing large sets of data, companies can uncover valuable insights that can lead to better products, services, and decision-making processes.

28. Page Founded Alphabet to Foster Innovation

In 2015, Larry Page and Sergey Brin restructured Google’s corporate organization and created Alphabet Inc. as its parent company. The goal was to allow Google to focus on its core business while enabling other Alphabet subsidiaries to pursue innovative projects, such as self-driving cars (Waymo) and healthcare (Verily).

29. He Values Personal Responsibility and Accountability

Larry Page strongly believes in personal responsibility and accountability. He has often emphasized that people should take ownership of their actions and be accountable for their decisions, both in their personal lives and in business.

30. Larry Page’s Legacy Will Be One of Innovation and Disruption

Larry Page’s lasting legacy will undoubtedly be his role in creating Google and transforming the internet. His commitment to innovation, risk-taking, and disruptive thinking has not only shaped the tech industry but also paved the way for future generations of entrepreneurs and visionaries