I have always viewed the mission of Wikipedia to be much bigger
I have always viewed the mission of Wikipedia to be much bigger than just creating a killer website. We're doing that of course, and having a lot of fun doing it, but a big part of what motivates us is our larger mission to affect the world in a positive way.
When Jimmy Wales proclaimed, “I have always viewed the mission of Wikipedia to be much bigger than just creating a killer website. We're doing that of course, and having a lot of fun doing it, but a big part of what motivates us is our larger mission to affect the world in a positive way,” he revealed a truth deeper than the surface of technology. His words summon us to remember that behind every tool, every creation of humankind, there lies a greater purpose: not the fleeting glory of innovation, but the enduring legacy of service to the world.
To create a website is to fashion a vessel; to give it a mission is to breathe into it the breath of spirit. Just as the builders of the Library of Alexandria sought not only to collect scrolls but to illuminate all of civilization, so too did Wales envision Wikipedia not as an idle amusement, but as a beacon—a positive force to lift ignorance from the shoulders of humankind. This is why his words resound: they call us beyond cleverness into stewardship, beyond invention into destiny.
History shows us the power of such vision. Consider Gutenberg, who gave to the people the printing press. At first, it was but a machine—ink pressed upon paper—but in time it shattered the chains of illiteracy, kindled the Reformation, and ignited revolutions of thought. He, like Wales, might have rested in the joy of invention, but instead his gift became a torch passed down the corridors of centuries. In the same manner, the mission of Wikipedia stretches beyond code and servers—it is the liberation of knowledge for all.
The ancients would say: no endeavor endures unless it serves the whole. To pursue joy without service is to drink water that does not quench. But when joy is married to a noble mission, then even the humblest act—whether chiseling stone, copying a manuscript, or coding an article database—becomes heroic. Wales reminds us that greatness is not in the website itself, but in the ripple it casts across the world, shaping the minds and hearts of generations.
Therefore, let us take these words as a charge. Whatever our craft—be it art, science, or invention—let it not be for vanity alone. Let us seek to “affect the world in a positive way,” to plant seeds that grow into forests of wisdom. For in the end, the measure of our labor is not the thing we build, but the light it brings to humankind.
DLHai Duong Le
Jimmy Wales' focus on Wikipedia's larger mission is admirable, but what does 'affect the world in a positive way' really mean in practice? Is it about democratizing knowledge, promoting open-source platforms, or challenging the traditional power dynamics in how information is shared? As Wikipedia continues to evolve, will its core mission remain intact, and how can it keep delivering value while growing on a global scale?
LNHai Dang Le Nguyen
Wales mentions having fun while creating something impactful, which adds a human element to Wikipedia’s development. But how sustainable is this mindset? As Wikipedia grows, will the mission to positively impact the world stay the same, or will the pressures of growth, business models, and user content change the core mission? Can Wikipedia balance this larger mission while maintaining accuracy and quality?
TPThanh Thanh Phuong
It’s refreshing to hear that Jimmy Wales views Wikipedia’s mission as part of something bigger than just technology. In a world where many tech companies focus primarily on profit or growth, is it realistic to expect platforms like Wikipedia to genuinely affect the world positively? Can online resources make a meaningful impact on knowledge accessibility or even societal change, or is that too idealistic?
LTLinh Tran
Jimmy Wales’ vision for Wikipedia really emphasizes its social impact, not just its technological success. What’s interesting is how he sees the platform as more than a website—it's a tool for positive global change. How much can a website like Wikipedia really affect the world on a broader scale? Is it possible for online platforms to shape societal values and contribute to a more informed world?