Linus Torvalds apologizes for years of "unprofessional rants," is taking break from Linux

[midian182]

What just happened? Linus Torvalds may be the creator of the Linux kernel, but he's just as well known for his outbursts that are usually aimed at other developers and companies. Now, he’s decided to take a break from his work on the open-source software and seek help for his behavior.

In an email to the Linux Kernel Mailing List, which also addresses the kernel update of Linux 4.19-rc4, Torvalds writes: "I need to change some of my behavior, and I want to apologize to the people that my personal behavior hurt and possibly drove away from kernel development entirely."

“I am going to take time off and get some assistance on how to understand people’s emotions and respond appropriately.”

Torvalds has worked on the Linux operating system kernel since creating it in 1991, but his aggressive behavior, often directed at fellow coders, has brought unwanted attention. In 2013, kernel developer Sarah (now Sage) Sharp called him out for “advocating for physical intimidation and violence,” and he’s known for hurling expletives at those who don’t live up to his expectations.

Even big companies haven’t escaped Torvalds’ wrath. In 2012, he famously told Nvidia “fu*k you” and gave the firm the middle finger on camera. More recently, he blasted Intel over its “garbage” Spectre patches.

It seems the tipping point was related to the Linux Kernal Maintainers’ Summit. After the event was moved from Canada to Scotland so it would fit in with his family vacation plans, Torvalds said he was hoping to avoid attending, which didn’t please developers.

"I am not an emotionally empathetic kind of person and that probably doesn't come as a big surprise to anybody. Least of all me. The fact that I then misread people and don't realize (for years) how badly I've judged a situation and contributed to an unprofessional environment is not good."

Torvalds emphasized that he wasn’t walking away for good. "This is not some kind of 'I'm burnt out, I need to just go away' break. I'm not feeling like I don't want to continue maintaining Linux. Quite the reverse. I very much *do* want to continue to do this project that I've been working on for almost three decades."

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https://www.techspot.com/news/76460-linus-torvalds-apologizes-years-unprofessional-rants-taking-break.html

 

[fps4ever]

A good portion of the Linux community is toxic along with it's fan boys. Especially towards new people trying to learn it and get involved.

 

[treetops]

I always assumed the free open source OS was a rare gift to the tech community. I'v never used it but have always admired it.

 

[VitalyT]

I've spent most of my life working in IT at this point, and can say with authority that in my field the old saying is as true as everywhere else - Brilliant people have the most persuasive demons. To put it more bluntly, best IT engineers that I've met were sort of social retards, I.e. often very difficult to communicate with.

 

[pravusnex]

... and some people lack technical brilliance and any social grace. Some people, for example, use incredibly offensive terms and seem oblivious to it.

 

[Bannhammer]

Then end of a legend.

 

[BarryBostwick]

It is hard for robots to read emotions.

 

[Stingy McDuck]

Perhaps Linus could use a security blanket.

 

[Danny101]

It's typical of this world now-a-days. There's a whole lot of jumping to conclusions, mass attention, and then when the truth comes out, it's Meh. No apologies. Just next. So for Linus's part, at least he did give an apology. But really, anything that someone is passionate about. they are going to go overboard with it. It's human nature.

 

[seansplayin]

Mr Torvalds, get your **** together, this world needs Linux.

 

[kapital98]

I don't see this as a bad thing. He's getting help. Even small things may help.

Tech is often different than more traditional fields because the legends in the field tend to become legends when they are young. They don't work their way up through management.

Linus is still a relatively young man and will be in the field a long time. He's a critical figurehead for Linux. At he very least, he will continue to be a Wozniak type figure (though they couldn't be different in personality).

Good for him.

 

[pan1c]

I always assumed the free open source OS was a rare gift to the tech community. I'v never used it but have always admired it.

the entire internet runs on linux based machines. you're using it every day

 

[BiceBolje]

I always assumed the free open source OS was a rare gift to the tech community. I'v never used it but have always admired it.

the entire internet runs on linux based machines. you're using it every day

And there is that thing called Android...

 

[Apogee777]

I always assumed the free open source OS was a rare gift to the tech community. I'v never used it but have always admired it.

why state the obvious.

 

[DelJo63]

A good portion of the Linux community is toxic along with it's fan boys. Especially towards new people trying to learn it and get involved.

Why I was told Bill Gates walks on water and everyone else is just #$%&

 

[fps4ever]

Why I was told Bill Gates walks on water and everyone else is just #$%&

I never once heard Bill Gates described as toxic. He may not walk on water but his philanthropy has done wonders for who he's helped.

 

[Danny101]

I can say that I was at least content with Windows before Gates left. Did he really leave though? Just running it from behind the trees.

 

[tipstir]

Linux is what runs Chrome OS and Android. Unix is the hardest one. Apple, Windows, Android then Linux. There are other OS's out there today as well.. To me whatever floats your boat!