Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

Linus Torvalds: The King of Geeks (And Dad of 3)

wired.com

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

41–50 of 89 posts

Re: Linus Torvalds: The King of Geeks (And Dad of 3)

#41

Post by sho_hn »

untog wrote: post #25
bicknergseng wrote: post #4

"...he rubbed elbows with the likes of Robert Downey Jr., who didn’t know who he was, and Mad Men star Jon Hamm, who did." I'm mildly disappointed in RD Jr... he had so much geek cred after playing an awesome Iron Man, but I guess that's why it's called acting.

I'm far, far more impressed than Jon Hamm does. I've been a techie all my life, and I would walk straight past Linus if I saw him on the street. I only have a very vague idea of what he looks like. And why should it otherwise? He's famous for what he's done, not who he is.

Note that the article doesn't say that Hamm recognized him by his face. They were probably introduced to each other by someone, I'd imagine.

Re: Linus Torvalds: The King of Geeks (And Dad of 3)

#42

Post by oz »

noonespecial wrote: post #16
pessimist wrote: post #8

RedHat's $1m stock is his only big payout, apparently. Rather sad, considering the number of mid-level facebook engineers who will become many times as rich in a few months.

It would be a tragedy if he had to spend his time managing a bunch of money he can't take with him anyway instead of doing what he loves and benefiting us all. It would be as big a waste as if he was broke and had to flip burgers to make ends meet. This is a rare case where reality seems to actually be optimized for all involved. We, the collective we, have done exceptionally well in this deal, and Linus probably has…

I, for one, would welcome such a tragedy.

Re: Linus Torvalds: The King of Geeks (And Dad of 3)

#45

Post by bicknergseng »

frou_dh wrote: post #38
untog wrote: post #25

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm far, far more impressed than Jon Hamm does. I've been a techie all my life, and I would walk straight past Linus if I saw him on the street. I only have a very vague idea of what he looks like. And why should it otherwise? He's famous for what he's done, not who he is.

That reminds me of this tweet I saw. I was surprised to recognise 11 of 12 (I think. Not positive on the lower left; don't know the one in the wig). Evidently commissioned by a lover of Clojure: http://twitter.com/#!/ghoseb/status/167501457896120321/photo...

Hah I thought that was Paul McCartney. The one in the middle with the wig is Bach. I can only get half or so. Where is that?

Re: Linus Torvalds: The King of Geeks (And Dad of 3)

#46

Post by [deleted] »

MatthewPhillips wrote: post #9
pessimist wrote: post #8

RedHat's $1m stock is his only big payout, apparently. Rather sad, considering the number of mid-level facebook engineers who will become many times as rich in a few months.

Which of those will be remembered in 200 years. Wanna be the richest guy in the graveyard?

[deleted]

Re: Linus Torvalds: The King of Geeks (And Dad of 3)

#47

Post by walexander »

MatthewPhillips wrote: post #9
pessimist wrote: post #8

RedHat's $1m stock is his only big payout, apparently. Rather sad, considering the number of mid-level facebook engineers who will become many times as rich in a few months.

Which of those will be remembered in 200 years. Wanna be the richest guy in the graveyard?

"My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" Nothing beside remains. Round the decay Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare The lone and level sands stretch far away.

Re: Linus Torvalds: The King of Geeks (And Dad of 3)

#48

Post by zerostar07 »

icandoitbetter wrote: post #35
MatthewPhillips wrote: post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Which of those will be remembered in 200 years. Wanna be the richest guy in the graveyard?

Being the famous guy in the graveyard isn't particularly appealing either.

Millions of tourists who pay tributes to graves and memorials would disagree

Re: Linus Torvalds: The King of Geeks (And Dad of 3)

#49

Post by adharmad »

sho_hn wrote: post #40
dudeguy999 wrote: post #26

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I had no idea he moved to America. Anyone know the reason? Redhat?

He moved to America in 2004, and became a US citizen in 2010. Two of his kids are US citizens as well (by virtue of having been born there).

I think he moved to the US sometime in the late 90s.

Re: Linus Torvalds: The King of Geeks (And Dad of 3)

#50

Post by ciupicri »

InclinedPlane wrote: post #34
ecaradec wrote: post #17

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I agree but it's still a bit sad to see such a giant gap between the value he brought to the world and the value he retired from it.

Why? It's his choice. He could easily have cashed in to the tune of millions per year. Through public speaking, endorsement deals, etc. He chose not to. His choice, his reasons.

Yeah, but why promote some crap in which he might not believe?
Post reply on HN