Did Jimmy Wales Read the Foundation by Isaac Asimov Before Creating Wikipedia?
The question of whether Jimmy Wales read the Foundation trilogy by Isaac Asimov before creating the world-renowned online encyclopedia Wikipedia has sparked much debate and curiosity. While Wales has mentioned his fondness for science fiction, particularly the works of Asimov, it is not a given that this literary influence was a direct inspiration for the creation of Wikipedia.
Background on Jimmy Wales and Wikipedia
Jimmy Wales is the co-founder of Wikipedia, one of the largest and most popular collaborative online encyclopedias in the world. Born in 1966 in Mobile, Alabama, Wales had a keen interest in technology and education throughout his academic years. After graduating from the University of Alabama, he moved to Chicago, where he received a Master's degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Jimmy Wales' Interest in Science Fiction
Wales has been a long-time fan of science fiction, and the works of Isaac Asimov have had a significant impact on his intellectual development. In an interview with The Atlantic, Wales stated, "I really didn't consider entering the tech world on a technical level. I was very interested in the humanities, and in the sciences and technology, but I was just kind of crazy about science fiction." Asimov's Foundation trilogy, known for its complex interstellar politics and philosophy, undoubtedly contributed to Wales' fascination with these themes.
The Creation of Wikipedia
The creation of Wikipedia was a result of Wales' collaboration with Larry Sanger, another prominent figure in the online encyclopedia's history. In 2001, Wales and Sanger envisioned a free, collaborative online encyclopedia that would be the ultimate source of knowledge available to everyone. They believed that the democratization of information and the power of the collective could revolutionize the way information is shared and accessed.
No Conscious Inspiration from Asimov's Foundation Trilogy
While Wales has spoken fondly about his reading of the Foundation trilogy and its influence on his thinking, he does not believe that it was a conscious inspiration for the creation of Wikipedia. In an interview, Wales stated, "I read the Foundation trilogy in high school, but no, I don't think it was a conscious inspiration for Wikipedia." Instead, his interest in information and education, combined with the technological advancements of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, likely played a more significant role in shaping the idea of a collaborative, internet-based encyclopedia.
Further Insights
Wales attributes the success and enduring relevance of Wikipedia to several key factors. First, the open-source model that allows anyone to contribute, edit, and improve the content resonated with the ideals of collaboration and transparency. Second, the desire to build a free, accessible resource that bridges the knowledge gap and democratizes information is at the heart of Wikipedia's mission. Lastly, the ongoing support and community engagement are critical to sustaining the project's growth and evolution.
Conclusion
While Jimmy Wales' love for science fiction, including the Foundation trilogy, undoubtedly nourished his intellectual curiosity, it is unlikely that it directly shaped the creation of Wikipedia. The encyclopedia's success is a testament to the vision of its founders and the collective efforts of millions of volunteers who have contributed to its growth and impact. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Wikipedia remains a cornerstone of online knowledge sharing and a powerful demonstration of the potential of collaborative technology.