Richard Stallman: Two Hours from Death?
Please read the whole post by Richard Stallman.
This was a sobering thought. I did not feel personal grief, because it was not a personal loss. The three were strangers who had helped me for the sake of free software, rather than personal friends, and we only barely had begun to be acquainted. However, it was weighty to realize that someone had died because he had helped me get to Paris for this meeting. I did not feel guilt about his death–I did not cause the accident–but I felt a responsibility to make his death count for something.
Wichert Akkerman has been collecting most of the information. Hans Bakker was killed in the car accident. He will be missed.
Thanks for pointing out RMS’s response although I find his reaction, as you quoted, to it cold, it becomes obvious as you read his account that it was shock. It was only later that he realised that he could have been in an accident (still a cold and selfish reaction IMO but at least he’s somewhat human!)
Comment by Donncha — 2004/10/05 @ 12:30
… which is exactly why I asked to read the whole post. RMS was never known for his charm but that’s not what I wanted to show.
Comment by Robin — 2004/10/05 @ 12:33