157 Quotes by Richard Stallman

Once GNU is written, everyone will be able to obtain good system software free, just like air.

The principal lesson of Emacs is that a language for extensions should not be a mere "extension language". It should be a real programming language, designed for writing and maintaining substantial programs. Because people will want to do that!

It's clear that other problems such as [...] the domination of business over government, science, thought, and society, are much bigger than non-free software.

Talking about freedom, about ethical issues, about responsibilities as well as convenience, is asking people to think about things they might prefer to ignore, such as whether their conduct is ethical. This can trigger discomfort, and some people may simply close their minds to it. It does not follow that we ought to stop talking about these things.

Think 'free speech,' not 'free beer.'

Odious ideas are not entitled to hide from criticism behind the human shield of their believers feelings.

The idea that laws decide what is right or wrong is mistaken in general. Laws are, at their best, an attempt to achieve justice; to say that laws define justice or ethical conduct is turning things upside down.

Sharing knowledge is the most fundamental act of friendship. Because it is a way you can give something without loosing something.

Copying all or parts of a program is as natural to a programmer as breathing, and as productive. It ought to be as free.