Note: My user name is a comment on Wikipedia itself, i.e what Wikipedia is. I am not purporting to be a modern Denis Diderot. So please do not refer to me as "Diderot". Thanks!
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[edit] Why I Edit Wikipedia, or Diderot's dreams
Hypothetical size of English Wikipedia if printed out in August 2007.
We all know that Wikipedia has grown into a phenomenon-- the eighth most popular web site on the internet and read by countless millions worldwide. Naturally a question arises: what is it really? What is Wikipedia doing to or for the world? Ironically, looking into the past tells us what this modern invention really is. History, it appears, is repeating itself. In the 18th century, a group of philosophers headed by Denis Diderot aimed to create an enyclopedia that would encompass all of mankind's knowlege with the explicit purpose of improving life and enlightening mankind. Hundreds worked to create the 71,000 articles. It was actually completed and to its credit over 4,000 copies were made and distributed. L'Encyclopédie had a significant effect on the France of its time. Now, two hundred years later, almost by accident, it is happening again. Wikipedia is L'Encyclopédie on a larger scale for the entire planet.
It could not have come at a better time. I think that a project like this essential for our species. We live in an age of rapid change brought about by our increasing scientific and technological knowledge. This indeed, is the defining theme of our time in history. The way people live their ordinary lives has changed more in the last century than it did in the previous millenium. We live longer today and in more comfort than ever before, yet this same technological change has brought us some of our greatest sufferings and darkest nightmares. Genocides, epidemics of depression and schizophrenia, and the possibility of the destruction of the planet itself are examples of the great problems that the modern world has brought us.
Technology, then, is truly Prometheus stealing fire from the Gods. What will become of this precious yet dangerous gift? I don't believe it is in human nature to turn its back on technology, and no one wants to live in a cave. We must then realise our predicament, examine carefully the current situation, and make adjustments accordingly. The key to this challenge is knowledge and enlightenment, of both the natural world and of human nature, and Wikipedia may be the great tool to do this.
It is so cool that the internet makes it possible for ordinary people like me to contribute to this extraordinary project. I would feel the same if I was helping to put a man on the moon. It is thrilling to make some contribution. "Fiat lux".
[edit] Hierarchy of Disagreement
Please keep it in the top 3. Thanks!
