[bjourne]

Very kind of him to reply to you. Perhaps it is just my culture, but asking someone you don't know personally who has a potentially life-threatening illness what their prognosis is can be perceived as very rude. Stallman is sharing the information he wants to share and rest is none of our business.

[63]

I think it would be rude under different circumstances but this is information that he already shared semi-publicly and would've shared with OP had OP been able to make it. Also I get the feeling that Stallman is enough of a pragmatist to not get too offended about that sort of thing though I could be wrong.

[93po]

I personally think the more appropriate request would be to first research instead of asking him to answer your question, and if incomplete, secondly to kindly show interest in him, at some further point, discussing this more in a public way when he feels ready to do so.

Obv he doesn't seem to mind the question. Just my approach.

[sentientslug]

It sounds like you’re not familiar with Stallman. He balks at such social constructs. Watch any video of him speaking and you’ll understand.

[93po]

I appreciate the feedback - you're right I'm not familiar. I appreciated learning that.

[TheHappyOddish]

Western culture is for sure the same, but Stallman specifically would not mind that question.

[fennecfoxy]

I think that would vary from person to person to be honest.

And wasn't a total stranger anyway, he let Stallman know that he's a part of the same tribe, that's probably enough.

[aflag]

I agree, very odd thing to ask. But knowing Stallman, I doubt he cares.