Wikipedia’s Big Dream and the Role of Reliable Sources ---WANG YIKE 8.1


When we think of Wikipedia today, we think of one of the world’s most visited and trusted websites. But behind this massive project is an ambitious goal: to build a free, universal encyclopedia for everyone. The second half of the video “Understanding Wikipedia: The Pursuit of the Universal Encyclopedia” dives into this bold vision, tracing Wikipedia’s historical roots and its evolution. Paired with the community’s policies on reliable sources, we see how idealism and discipline work hand-in-hand to make Wikipedia what it is.

The Dream of a Universal Encyclopedia

Wikipedia’s roots go back to ideas from centuries ago—from Enlightenment thinkers who imagined a repository of all human knowledge, accessible to all. The video explains how this dream was revived with the rise of the internet. Wikipedia, launched in 2001, grew rapidly because it allowed anyone to contribute—an idea that was both revolutionary and controversial.

But Wikipedia wasn’t built just by technology; it was shaped by community values. Even as it welcomed global contributions, it had to develop rules to ensure quality and trust. This balance between openness and editorial standards continues to define the platform.

Reliable Sources: The Foundation of Trust

One of the key tools for maintaining this balance is the policy on reliable sources. This guideline explains that Wikipedia content must be verifiable and backed by credible, published sources. Editors are expected to use sources with a reputation for fact-checking and editorial oversight—such as academic journals, respected news outlets, and well-regarded books.

Interestingly, Wikipedia doesn't care whether something is true—it only cares whether it can be verified. That’s why even well-known facts need citations, and why original research (even if true) is not allowed.

The page also discusses the difference between primary, secondary, and tertiary sources, and warns against using self-published or biased material unless absolutely necessary—and even then, with care.

What This Means for Wikipedia’s Mission

Together, the video and the reading show that Wikipedia’s pursuit of universal knowledge is not just about inclusion—it’s about responsibility. Anyone can contribute, but every claim must be supported. The dream of a free encyclopedia only works if people trust it—and that trust depends on careful sourcing, transparency, and peer review.

Reliable sources are not just technical requirements—they are the glue that holds together Wikipedia’s credibility.

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