The beauty and complexity of open source lie in its very nature. While the concept works effectively in our society, it depends heavily on the goodwill of people to create, use, and contribute responsibly. Some see open source as exploitative, but its collaborative and productive qualities are undeniable. If people are willing to contribute to a project, why not build something open for everyone?
Passion and dedication can outweigh material rewards, often making open-source projects more meaningful and impactful than those driven by profit. However, as projects scale and teams grow, questions of compensation and ethics become more complex.
I find it difficult to take a firm stance on open source, but I instinctively see it as a net positive. The idea of people coming together to build software sounds both exciting and productive, especially for those passionate about development. It also fosters learning and growth, whether through direct participation or by benefiting from shared knowledge.
Open source is particularly important to my practice as an avid Blender user. More broadly, communities, public knowledge, and shared tools—forums, YouTube tutorials, articles, GitHub, and beyond—play a crucial role in my work. These resources enable connection and collective learning.
how has open source impacted your lifes?