Richard Stallman

Early Life and Education

This timeline covers Richard Stallman's formative years, from his birth to his early involvement with computers and his education.

Birth

March 16, 1953

Richard Matthew Stallman is born in New York City to Alice Lippman and Richard Stallman, Sr.

Early Aptitude for Mathematics and Science

1960s

Demonstrates an early aptitude for mathematics and science, showing exceptional problem-solving skills.

First Programming Experience

1965

Begins programming at IBM's New York Scientific Center after being hired as a summer student. This experience sparks his lifelong passion for computer science.

Attending Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics (HCSSiM)

1967-1969

Attends HCSSiM, a summer program for gifted high school students, further deepening his mathematical understanding and problem-solving skills.

MIT Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (AI Lab) Summer Job

1970

Starts working at the MIT AI Lab as a summer job while still in high school. This is a pivotal point, immersing him in a hacker culture centered around free sharing of software.

Undergraduate Studies at Harvard University

1971-1974

Attends Harvard University, focusing on physics. He is deeply involved with the MIT AI Lab even during his undergraduate studies.

Leaves Harvard Without Graduating

1974

Leaves Harvard without graduating, choosing to continue working full-time at the MIT AI Lab, finding the environment more stimulating and aligned with his passions.