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Even when RMS started the GNU project his approach to (then) modern technology was at an extreme. There were no free compilers, editors, or even trivial userlan
by bhawks 10y ago
Even when RMS started the GNU project his approach to (then) modern technology was at an extreme. There were no free compilers, editors, or even trivial userland tools like grep. Instead of being pragmatic, he (and others) worked to create what was missing.
I wouldn't be surprised to find a decades old USENET post that hits all the same points about RMS that you (and others in this thread) bring up. RMS's distance from reality and staunch commitment to principles has been a feature, not a bug.
Don't get me wrong, I also believe that the idealized free-software world is a utopia that we're very unlikely to see. However, RMS's efforts have resulted in (and will continue to produce) a tremendously positive impact for humanity.
- LeanderK 10y agoi don't even believe a free-software world is desirable without a new way to structure our society. I don't know if i want that. I am also very critical of RMS and his "propaganda"-style of writing. But this doesn't mean that what he is doing is bad for society or not important. I respect his work and what he has achieved, i just don't share the vision. It's often important to be somewhat crazy to achieve greatness.