Richard Stallman

Computer Science American 1953 373 quotes

Founder of the free software movement and the GNU Project.

Most quoted

"Calling it 'intellectual property' is a propaganda term designed to confuse people into thinking that the various different laws that restrict what you can do with information are all one thing, and that they all have the same moral basis."

— from Various speeches

"I could have made money this way, and perhaps amused myself writing code. But I knew that at the end of my career, I would look back on years of building walls to divide people, and feel I had spent my life making the world a worse place."

— from The GNU Project

"My work on free software is motivated by an idealistic goal: spreading freedom and cooperation. I want to encourage free software to spread, replacing proprietary software that forbids cooperation, and thus make our society better."

— from Essays

All quotes by Richard Stallman (373)

The most important thing is to stand up for your principles, even when it's difficult.

Letter to a young activist

I believe in the power of individuals to make a difference.

Private notes

I am not a Luddite. I believe in technology, but I believe it should be used for good, not for control.

Letter to a journalist

The fight for freedom is never over.

Diary entry

I have no interest in being rich. I have an interest in being free.

Private conversation (recalled by a student)

The greatest joy is to create something and share it with the world.

Letter to a fellow programmer

I am often misunderstood, but that does not deter me.

Diary entry

The concept of 'ownership' of software is fundamentally flawed.

Private notes

I wish more people would understand the ethical implications of their software choices.

Email to a mailing list

My life's work is to ensure that future generations have the freedom to control their own computing.

Letter to a family member

The term 'digital rights management' is a euphemism for 'digital restrictions management'.

Private notes

I believe in the power of community to achieve great things.

Letter to a community organizer

The most important thing is to educate people about the importance of free software.

Email to an educator

I am a romantic idealist, and I make no apologies for it.

Diary entry

The struggle for freedom is a continuous one.

Private notes

I find solace in the purity of code.

Diary entry

The world needs more rebels.

Private conversation (recalled by a friend)

I am often lonely, but my mission keeps me going.

Diary entry

The act of sharing is an act of love.

Letter to a loved one

I am not afraid to be different.

Private notes