The Economist writes spectacular obituaries. The editors work on them to fine polish - Ray Bradbury's was in development for many weeks before seeing publication.
On the one hand, I was surprised that Swartz was the subject this week. On the other, it comes as no surprise. Ink has been devoted to what it takes to be worthy of a New York Times obituary. That Aaron Swartz's death made the Economist speaks to the deep impact that his life's work has had.
The Economist obits are indeed wonderful. It's almost always the first thing I read in it. But, as a point of clarification, this article is not the weekly obit. It's part of the Babbage blog. It remains to be seen if something about him will make the print edition.
On the one hand, I was surprised that Swartz was the subject this week. On the other, it comes as no surprise. Ink has been devoted to what it takes to be worthy of a New York Times obituary. That Aaron Swartz's death made the Economist speaks to the deep impact that his life's work has had.