The latest POSIX standard actually requires this behavior: If […] an operand resolves to the root directory, rm shall write a diagnostic message to standard er

The latest POSIX standard actually requires this behavior: If […] an operand resolves to the root directory, rm shall write a diagnostic message to standard error and do nothing more with such operands. Source: http://pubs.opengroup.org/onlinepubs/9699919799/utilities/rm.html http://pubs.opengroup.org/onlinepubs/9699919799/utilities/rm...