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You know, if you were *really* going to starve, you'd be…

“You know, if you were *really* going to starve, you'd be justified in writing proprietary software.” quote by Richard Stallman
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“You know, if you were *really* going to starve, you'd be justified in writing proprietary software.”

Richard Stallman

About This Quote

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

If starving, creating proprietary software is morally defensible.

In simple terms: Starvation can justify proprietary code.

Key Takeaway

Question ethics of necessity.

Themes

ethics software survival

Mood

thought‑provoking critical

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • open‑source community
  • software development
  • economic hardship
  • legal debates

Key Concepts

property rights necessity morality

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is necessity a valid excuse?
  • How does this affect community trust?
A Different Perspective

Justifying exploitation undermines broader principles.

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