This statement challenges us to think of software not just as a technical tool, but as a social and ethical force. Stallman argues that when users can’t study, modify, or share the software they rely on, power shifts away from individuals and communities toward corporations. From that perspective, proprietary software doesn’t merely limit features—it limits autonomy, collaboration, and collective problem-solving.

At the same time, the quote invites debate. Supporters see it as a call for digital freedom and shared knowledge, while critics argue that proprietary models can fund innovation and sustainability. Either way, the message remains provocative: the way software is licensed shapes who holds control in the digital world, and that choice has real consequences for society.