Linus Torvalds chose to release Linux under the GNU General Public License not out of a total commitment to free software ideals, but rather to promote collaboration. He believed that making the source code accessible to hackers globally would foster a cooperative community, ultimately enhancing the software's quality. His motivation was primarily personal; he sought assistance in handling the more tedious aspects of operating system development.

By allowing others to contribute, Torvalds aimed to alleviate his workload and focus on the creative parts he enjoyed. This approach reflects a practical and strategic mindset, demonstrating that his decisions were driven by the desire for a better product rather than ideological allegiance. In essence, the decision catalyzed a community-driven effort that would shape the future of open-source software.