Linux is hundreds of times bigger than that initial kernel and was developed by thousands of smart people. Linus’ real achievement was to lead these people and coordinate their work; Linux is the shining result not of his original idea, but of the collective labor of the community.
¿Porque no los dos?
Some people are brilliant technically ("Genius (Myth)"), and some are great leaders. Those who have made the most impact are often the rare few who are both.
