Asking Quote by Jimmy Wales
“Wikipedia is first and foremost an effort to create and distribute a free encyclopedia of the highest possible quality to every single person on the planet in their own language. Asking whether the community comes before or after this goal is really asking the wrong question: the entire purpose of the community is precisely this goal.”
About This Quote
Source Website: Wikipedia, launched 2001
Wikipedia aims to provide a free, high‑quality encyclopedia for everyone, in every language, with community serving that purpose.
In simple terms: Free knowledge for all.
Key Takeaway
Support the mission of universal free knowledge.
Themes
knowledge
collaboration
accessibility
Mood
optimistic
determined
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- language translation projects
- educational outreach
- digital inclusion initiatives
Key Concepts
open source
crowdsourcing
information equity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we improve content quality while staying open?
- What motivates volunteers to contribute?
A Different Perspective
Balancing community dynamics with quality control is challenging.
![“I barely trust established sources of information. I have a hard time finding [Wikipedia], an encyclopedia that anyone can alter, to be a safe way to learn about anything except how many idiots think their opinions are a suitable substitute for facts.” quote by R. K. Milholland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/706/r-k-milholland-17910_encyclopedia_i-barely-trust-established-sources-of-in_1982115.jpg)
