Free software is more than just a way to develop and share technology: it is a living example of what people can achieve when they come together, regardless of their background, culture, or beliefs, to work towards common goals. In a world where political, economic, and ideological boundaries divide societies, free software presents an alternative: selfless collaboration for the common good. This movement has brought together hundreds of thousands of developers, often strangers to one another, working together from different parts of the world. Instead of competing or restricting access to their knowledge, these individuals choose to share their work, promoting a central idea: knowledge and technological tools should be free and accessible to all.
This concept of a global collaborative community is what makes free software a source of inspiration. Through cooperation, tools have been created that millions of people use daily, from operating systems to browsers and server management applications. Every line of code contributed by these developers is not just a technical addition, but a demonstration of global solidarity that breaks the barriers imposed by nations and corporations.
In a previous article, I already delved into the key differences between free software and open source, highlighting how the former places particular emphasis on user freedom and ethical issues, beyond mere access to the source code.
A brief history of free software
The free software movement began in the 1980s, with Richard Stallman as one of its foundational figures. In 1983, Stallman launched the GNU Project, aimed at creating a completely free operating system, giving rise to the well-known General Public License (GPL). This license, revolutionary at the time, ensured that any software released under its terms could be used, modified, and distributed freely, as long as modifications were also shared under the same license.
As this philosophy spread, free software gained followers around the world. In the 1990s, the Linux project, started by Linus Torvalds, became one of the most prominent examples of what this movement could achieve. Linux, together with the GNU system, formed the foundation of a robust, secure, and free software ecosystem that remains essential today.
The key to the success of free software has largely been the selfless collaboration of thousands of developers. People from different disciplines and backgrounds work together, sharing not only code but also knowledge and experiences. This has not only democratized access to technology but also created a space where anyone with the skills and interest can participate.
The current state of free software
In recent years, free software has continued to grow exponentially, becoming part of the core of many of the world’s most important technological services. Large companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, which once saw free software as a competitor or threat, now actively support it, contributing to projects and using open technologies in their infrastructures. Projects like Kubernetes, Docker, and Git (among others) are now fundamental to the development of global technological infrastructure, all based on the principles of free software.
Altruism and collaboration remain the driving forces behind the movement, but there has also been significant professionalization. Today, many of those contributing to free software are professional developers working for companies that have recognized the strategic value of supporting such projects. However, the community spirit remains alive, as thousands of people outside the corporate sphere continue to volunteer their time and effort to improve the tools we all use.
Free software as an example for societies
The success of free software is not only about creating technological tools, but also about how this collective work is organized and managed. In a world where political and economic divisions seem increasingly insurmountable, the working model of free software offers an alternative to consider: people from different cultures, with varying levels of experience, and from different parts of the world, can collaborate effectively without the need for rigid hierarchies or oppressive power structures.
This model is an inspiring example of what society can achieve when collective interests are prioritized over individual or commercial ones. Instead of fiercely competing for control of resources, free software promotes the idea that knowledge and tools are better when shared, because everyone benefits. Instead of limiting access to technological progress, it encourages expansion through collaboration and mutual respect.
If this model of open and altruistic collaboration can work in software development, why not apply it to other aspects of our societies? Politics, for instance, could take inspiration from this philosophy. A more collaborative and less competitive approach could help us overcome global challenges.
Here at SoftwarePolitik, we will be talking a lot about free software precisely because it can be a great source of inspiration for the political world. The lessons this model offers—from transparency and cooperation to community management—are incredibly valuable. So stay tuned, as we delve deeply into how this philosophy can transform not only technological development but also the way we address today’s political and social challenges.
