Linus Torvalds on a Good Life

First off, I'm actually perfectly well off. I live in a good-sized house, with a nice yard, with deer occasionally showing up and eating the roses (my wife likes the roses more, I like the deer more, so we don't really mind). I've got three kids, and I know I can pay for their education. What more do I need? The thing is, being a good programmer actually pays pretty well; being acknowledged as being world-class pays even better. I simply didn't need to start a commercial company. And it's just about the least interesting thing I can even imagine. I absolutely hate paperwork. I couldn't take care of employees if I tried. A company that I started would never have succeeded – it's simply not what I'm interested in! So instead, I have a very good life, doing something that I think is really interesting, and something that I think actually matters for people, not just me. And that makes me feel good.

Linus Torvalds explains that he is financially comfortable, lives in a good-sized house with a yard and deer, and can pay for his children’s education. He says that being an excellent programmer pays well, while running a commercial company would be uninteresting and burdensome, so he prefers meaningful work and a satisfying life over maximizing his net worth. The meme is used as a reaction to wealth discussions, especially when someone values comfort, purpose, and independence more than becoming extremely rich. EN: Linus Torvalds explains that he is financially comfortable, lives in a good-sized house with a yard and deer, and can pay for his children’s education. He says that being an excellent programmer pays well, while running a commercial company would be uninteresting and burdensome, so he prefers meaningful work and a satisfying life over maximizing his net worth. The meme is used as a reaction to wealth discussions, especially when someone values comfort, purpose, and independence more than becoming extremely rich.

• @gentoomemes / 6334 2023-09-15