the title:
Inspired by Eric S. Raymond’s essay, “The Cathedral and the Bazaar”, this blog carries its name in Portuguese as a tribute to the pervasive influence of the Open Source movement, which extends beyond software and pervades the ethos of this page. I’m a long-standing admirer of the notion of spontaneous orders, a conceptual key to decoding phenomena ranging from language to markets, species evolution, city dynamics, and even the mesmerizing dance of starlings.
In Raymond’s essay, the “Bazaar” represents an open, collaborative model, synonymous with free software, in contrast with the “Cathedral,” emblematic of the structured, centralized effort that characterizes closed-source software. Raymond argues that the Bazaar model, through its inherent adaptability and the commitment of its community, can more effectively and safely advance software development. The superiority of the Bazaar model isn’t due to moral virtues but a superior capacity to identify and resolve problems through a process akin to trial and error.
“[…] The Linux world behaves in many respects like a free market or an ecology, a collection of selfish agents attempting to maximize utility, which in the process produces a self-correcting spontaneous order more elaborate and efficient than any amount of central planning could have achieved. […]”
Raymond, E. S. (2001). The Cathedral and the Bazaar: Musings on Linux and Open Source by an Accidental Revolutionary (p. 52)
Yet, as I grew older, I developed a deep appreciation for the Cathedrals – the symbol of grand, planned structures. They also represent a form of coordination, embodying their unique beauty that captivates and merits understanding. These monuments reflect our societal capacity to allocate vast resources towards solving complex problems, fuelling ingenuity. The grandeur of a cathedral, in its intricate details, inspires awe and represents collective endeavor at a monumental scale. Likewise, orchestrating resources towards “missions,” a modern buzzword for collective problem-solving, can generate beauty under the right circumstances.
the blog:
“The Cathedral and the Bazaar,” although bearing a Portuguese title, predominantly features content in English. It serves as my platform to document and publicly share what I continually learn. As a naturally curious individual, I delve into a broad range of subjects, with a probable leaning towards areas of my work, namely the reform and modernization of the state. I also share music that I discover along the journey.
the author:
I’m Rafael Leite, a Brazilian with a background in public administration and years of expertise in civil service reform. While my interests span a wide range of topics, I occasionally undertake consultancy work as a freelance researcher. I find joy in discussing and writing about my work!
If something on my blog catches your attention or if you believe a topic could spark my interest, feel free to reach out via email at leiterafaelo at gmail dot com. I am proficient in English, fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, and encourage engaging conversations in these languages.
A Catedral e o Bazar 