The Encyclopédie of the Enlightenment:
* What it was: The Encyclopédie, published in the 18th century, was a massive collaborative project led by Denis Diderot and Jean-Baptiste d'Alembert. It aimed to compile all human knowledge in a systematic way, covering everything from science and technology to philosophy, religion, and the arts.
* Message: The Encyclopédie was deeply connected to the Enlightenment, a philosophical movement that emphasized reason, progress, and individual liberty. Its message was:
* Knowledge is power: By making knowledge accessible to a wider audience, the Encyclopédie hoped to empower people to think critically and challenge traditional authority.
* Progress through reason: It championed the use of scientific inquiry and rational thought to improve society and solve problems.
* Importance of human experience: It celebrated human ingenuity, creativity, and the pursuit of knowledge.
* Skepticism of established institutions: The Encyclopédie often criticized religious dogma, political absolutism, and social hierarchies.
Modern Encyclopedias:
* What they are: Today, encyclopedias are still collections of knowledge, but they tend to be more focused and geared towards specific audiences (e.g., children's encyclopedias, medical encyclopedias). They often rely on a hierarchical system of organization, with entries arranged alphabetically and cross-referenced.
* Message: Modern encyclopedias are less explicitly ideological than the Encyclopédie. Their primary message is to provide:
* Comprehensive information: A single, authoritative source for a wide range of topics.
* Accessibility: Easy-to-understand explanations for a diverse audience.
* Objectivity: Information presented in a neutral, factual way.
Overall:
The main message of encyclopedias, across time, is to empower readers with knowledge. They strive to provide a comprehensive and accessible guide to understanding the world around us, whether it's through a critical lens (as in the Enlightenment) or a neutral, factual approach.