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In fairness, he’s correct that Linux is better called GNU/Linux: a Linux kernel really is useless without the GNU userland. I’m not a fan of him personally, an
by rauhl 8y ago
In fairness, he’s correct that Linux is better called GNU/Linux: a Linux kernel really is useless without the GNU userland.
I’m not a fan of him personally, and many of his technical decisions have been questionable, but he’s achieved a lot, and the world is better for the FSF’s existence.
- pasabagi 8y agoI'm not sure. Isn't Android proof of a sort that Linux is still worth something without GNU? I wouldn't have any problem with the 'GNU/Linux' idea if it wasn't so obviously part of a greater pattern - when he talks about it, he talks about GNU being the primary contributor - but he typically uses the singular, even when the plural would refer to GNU, and the singular refers to himself. I also think the world is better for the FSF, but I cant help but wonder, what would the world be like if the FSF was headed by somebody who felt it more natural to think in terms of 'we', as opposed to 'I'? Even somebody not nearly as technically accomplished, charismatic, and intelligent? I think ultimately, it's the ideas, of knowledge as the common wealth of humankind, rather than the curious personality of RMS, that gave the GNU project its power - and ultimately, it's the limitations of RMS that hold it back.
- jcoffland 8y ago> Isn't Android proof of a sort that Linux is still worth something without GNU? Not at all. Android depends on tons of GNU software.