Richard Stallman: The Jesus of a New Era

Richard Stallman, the founder of the Free Software Movement and the creator of the GNU concept, is often likened to a prophetic figure in the modern technological world. His unwavering commitment to the ideals of software freedom, his principled stance, and his selfless lifestyle have led some of his followers to humorously dub him "the Jesus of a new era."

Why Is Richard Stallman a Symbol of Freedom?

1. Radical Ideas:
   Just as Jesus challenged the prevailing systems of his time, Stallman stood up against corporate monopolies in the software industry. His principles—freedom to use, modify, share, and study software—have become a "religion" for many tech enthusiasts.

2. The GNU Manifesto:
   Stallman's GNU Manifesto serves as a kind of "gospel" that laid the foundation for the Free Software Movement. Just as Jesus preached love for others, Stallman advocates for the love of open-source collaboration and community-driven innovation.

3. Unwavering Principles:
   Stallman has never compromised his ideals, even when confronted by powerful corporations. His steadfastness inspires admiration, much like prophets of the past who remained true to their missions.

4. Asceticism and Simplicity:
   Like Jesus, who lived modestly, Stallman avoids materialism and does not seek wealth or fame. He consistently emphasizes that freedom is more important than material gain.

5. Resistance to the "Sins of Technology":
   Just as Jesus confronted the "sins" of humanity, Stallman fights against the "sins" of technology: monopolies, closed-source systems, and surveillance of users.

The Metaphor of the Image

Of course, comparing Stallman to Jesus is more of a metaphor than a literal assertion. However, this imagery helps illustrate the significance of his contributions and the impact of his ideas in today's world. Like prophets of old, he inspires his followers to build a freer, more open, and ethical future.

So, is Stallman truly the "Jesus of a new era"? Perhaps that’s an exaggeration. Yet for many, he has become a guiding light, showing the path to a more just and liberated digital future.