Keynote: Linus Torvalds, Creator of Linux & Git, in Conversation with Dirk Hohndel

Summary

In this candid conversation, Linus Torvalds reflects on the pressures of his high-stakes job in open-source software, discussing his transition from writing code to managing complex projects. He shares insights into his personal life, including his hobby of building guitar pedals, despite having no musical background, emphasizing the value of embracing failure as a way to learn. Linus also highlights the importance of having relaxing hobbies outside of work and addresses the common misconception that he's a grumpy figure, offering a glimpse into the man behind the open-source legend.

Takeaways

• 😀 Linus Torvalds started designing guitar pedals as a hobby despite having no musical background, driven by a desire to learn about electronics.
• 🎸 His approach to hobbies is centered around the idea that failure is not only expected, but fun and a key part of learning.
• 💡 Linus encourages others to find hobbies where failure is okay, as it helps reduce stress in high-pressure jobs.
• 🔧 Although his guitar pedals were not great, Linus enjoyed the process of making hardware and learning through mistakes.
• 📚 He emphasizes that the stress of high-stakes jobs can be alleviated by engaging in something unrelated and low-pressure, like his electronics hobby.
• 🔄 Linus' electronics journey took him from more complex circuits to understanding basic components, like transistors, which is a reverse progression from his professional work.
• 👨‍💻 Despite his influential role in the tech world, Linus' day-to-day work mainly involves reading email, with little time spent answering them.
• 📧 Linus admits he rarely responds to emails, especially positive ones, and this might make him seem aloof or even bitter, though he is not.
• 😄 He acknowledges that his professional persona may give the wrong impression, as he only communicates when there's a problem, not to praise success.
• 🙏 Linus apologizes to those who've contacted him, especially developers who may have only experienced his frustrated side, emphasizing his gratitude when things go well.

Q & A

Why did Linus Torvalds start building guitar pedals, despite having no musical background?

Linus started building guitar pedals as a way to relax and learn about electronics. He chose this hobby because it allowed him to engage in an activity where failure was expected and could be fun. This was especially important for him as a way to unwind from his high-stakes job.

What does Linus Torvalds suggest about hobbies and failure?

Linus suggests that people should find hobbies where failure is not only accepted but actually enjoyable. He believes that hobbies should be separate from work and provide a space to experiment without the pressure of success. This helps people cope with the stresses of high-pressure jobs.

What is the value Linus sees in having a hobby where you're not an expert?

Linus values hobbies where you can be incompetent and still enjoy the process. He believes that doing something you're not good at is how you learn, and the failure that comes with it is an essential part of growth and enjoyment.

How does Linus Torvalds contrast his professional work with his personal hobby in electronics?

In his professional life, Linus works with complex systems involving billions of transistors, while his hobby focuses on simpler circuits with just a few transistors. This contrast highlights his interest in both the advanced and fundamental aspects of technology.

How does Linus Torvalds handle email communication in his role?

Linus reads emails all day but rarely responds to them. He acknowledges that his communication is often focused on problems and complaints, and he apologizes for not expressing gratitude more frequently. He wants people to understand that his lack of response doesn't mean he's dissatisfied; he's just less vocal about things going well.

Why does Linus Torvalds believe people perceive him as 'angry' or 'bitter'?

Linus believes people see him as angry or bitter because of the nature of the emails he responds to. His public communication tends to be about problems or issues that need addressing, which can give the impression of frustration or negativity. However, he clarifies that this doesn't reflect his true feelings.

What does Linus Torvalds mean when he says he keeps his happiness 'inside'?

When Linus says he keeps his happiness 'inside', he means that while he feels content with his work and life, he doesn't always express it outwardly. He tends to keep positive emotions to himself and doesn't always send out emails expressing gratitude when things go well.

What is Linus Torvalds' approach to dealing with stress in his open-source project management?

Linus manages stress in open-source project management by taking breaks and engaging in hobbies like building guitar pedals. He highlights that while technology isn't stressful for him, managing interpersonal relationships and dealing with disagreements can be mentally taxing.

What insight does Linus Torvalds offer about the nature of working in open-source development?

Linus emphasizes that the technology itself isn't the most stressful part of open-source development; rather, it’s the human aspect—managing disagreements, expectations, and communication with contributors—that can become overwhelming.

How does Linus Torvalds' hobby of building guitar pedals reflect his personal approach to learning?

Linus' hobby reflects his personal approach to learning in that he chooses activities that allow him to make mistakes and learn from them. Despite being a beginner in electronics, he enjoys the process of experimentation and failure, which is central to his way of learning.