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But all of this action goes on in the dark, hidden…

“But all of this action goes on in the dark, hidden underground. It’s called stealing or piracy, as if sharing a wealth of knowledge were the moral equivalent of plundering a ship and murdering its crew. But sharing isn’t immoral - it’s a moral imperative. Only those blinded by greed would refuse…” quote by Aaron Swartz
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“But all of this action goes on in the dark, hidden underground. It’s called stealing or piracy, as if sharing a wealth of knowledge were the moral equivalent of plundering a ship and murdering its crew. But sharing isn’t immoral - it’s a moral imperative. Only those blinded by greed would refuse to let a friend make a copy.”

Aaron Swartz

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Sharing knowledge is a moral duty, not theft; greed blocks communal benefit.

In simple terms: Sharing knowledge is right.

Key Takeaway

Promote open access.

Themes

knowledge ethics community

Mood

passionate defiant

Type

activist philosophical

When to use this quote

  • education
  • software development
  • research
  • activism

Key Concepts

open source information commons

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does open access benefit society?
  • What safeguards protect creators?
A Different Perspective

Some argue intellectual property protects creators.

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