You don’t have to become a celebrity that every random person on the street knows to try to do some good in the world, whether it works or not.

And objectively the internet is a safer place thanks to the Snowden NSA leaks which were directly inspired, not just ideologically but technically in how it was done, by Assange. You can look at the mass adoption of encrypted messaging and HTTPS adoption statistics (which grew exponentially directly after the leaks to become near standard), and plenty of other metrics to see that.

Wikileaks was the spawn of many good things, even despite it’s flaws.

A single person doesn't have the power to change how a government system has worked for decades. Snowden merely made the truth public, but change can only happen if the majority of people want it, and even then have to fight hard for it. The sad reality is that most people don't care, and have even less of a desire to fight for it. Governments love complacency.

He gave others the opportunity to change things. Some have taken up the opportunity to varying degrees of success, most haven't. One man takes their place in history and tries to do the most good they have the opportunity to do. Hard to argue Snowden didn't do that. We should ask ourselves if we can or ever will be able to say the same.

Cypher: You know, I know this steak doesn't exist. I know that when I put it in my mouth, the Matrix is telling my brain that it is juicy and delicious. After nine years, you know what I realize?

[Takes a bite of steak]

Cypher: Ignorance is bliss.