Linus Torvalds

March 08, 2025 • By KWD

In September 2018, Linux creator Linus Torvalds apologized for past unprofessional behavior, leading to adoption of a new Code of Conduct based on the Contributor Covenant and his temporary hiatus to improve interpersonal skills.

Key Takeaways

Linux replaced its Code of Conflict with Contributor Covenant-based Code of Conduct on September 16, 2018.
Linus Torvalds publicly apologized for personal attacks, calling them unprofessional and uncalled for.
Torvalds took time off to seek assistance understanding emotions and responding appropriately.
New Yorker investigation prompted critical questions that led to these public admissions.
Community behavior standards matter regardless of technical talent or individual greatness.

We use Linux and follow the latest trends in the kernel world. This is something noteworthy.

On Sunday, September 16, 2018, the Linux Kernel Code of Conflict was suddenly replaced by a new Code of Conduct based on the Contributor Covenant. Shortly thereafter, in the release notes for Linux 4.19-rc4, Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux, publicly apologized for his behavior, calling the personal attacks of the past "unprofessional and uncalled for" and announced a period of "time off" to "get some assistance on how to understand people’s emotions and respond appropriately". It soon transpired that these events followed the New Yorker approaching Linus with a series of questions critical of his conduct. Reference: Wiki

It might sound silly, as this might have been a sort of relief for many, but a lifetime event for Linus. Even great minds like Linus Torvalds get to the point where they see some part of their past behavior uncalled for. Such acts of bravery are quite rare.

This will go down in the history (of Linux and otherwise) as one of the most humbling events.

No matter how great you are, and how talented you might be, your behavior always plays a great deal when in a community.

It is important for businesses and otherwise to understand that cordial relationships are more productive long-term than short-term stints.

Image credit: Photograph by Kimmo Mäntylä / REX / Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions

The Linux Kernel Code of Conflict was replaced with a new Code of Conduct based on the Contributor Covenant on September 16, 2018.

He took a period of time off to get assistance on understanding people's emotions and responding appropriately, following his public apology for past behavior.

A New Yorker investigation that approached Linus with critical questions about his conduct prompted the apology and subsequent changes.

He apologized for personal attacks in the past, describing them as unprofessional and uncalled for in his Linux 4.19-rc4 release notes.

Cordial relationships are more productive long-term than short-term stints, making behavior standards important regardless of technical talent or individual greatness.