Who invented the Encyclopedia and Why?

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Who invented the Encyclopedia and Why?"

Podcast: Who Smarted?
Host: Trusty (with Ms. Kim, local librarian, and “Wilson” the Giant Bug)
Date: June 12, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this delightfully educational and whimsical episode, “Who Smarted?” takes listeners on an imaginative journey as Trusty, the host, finds himself stranded on a deserted island with no modern technology—no Wi-Fi, cell service, or even food delivery. His only hope? His local librarian, Ms. Kim, and her rather hefty suitcase… packed full of encyclopedias!

Through comedic skits and engaging dialogue, Trusty and Ms. Kim explore what encyclopedias are, who invented them, why they mattered for centuries, and whether they still have a place in a world dominated by the Internet. Along the way, listeners learn about ancient scholars, the Age of Enlightenment, Wikipedia, and the timeless value of curiosity and knowledge.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. What is an Encyclopedia? (09:21–10:35)

• Definition and Function:
  • Ms. Kim explains that an encyclopedia is “a collection of facts and information organized so that you can easily look things up. Think of it as every subject you could ever want to learn about all in one place.” (09:46)
  • Encyclopedias are compared to “the Internet in book form,” with in-depth topics, maps, photos, cross-references, and more.
• Interactive Example:
  • Trusty is guided to Volume 7, which covers survival skills, learning to build a shelter, and identify edible plants (11:02–12:54).

2. Etymology & “Pizza Pie of Knowledge” (12:01–12:40)

• Origin of the Word:
  • The term “encyclopedia” comes from ancient Greek: kukleos (circular) + paideia (education) = “a complete rounded education.”
• Memorable Analogy:
  • Trusty quips it’s “like a pizza pie of knowledge,” reinforcing the idea of comprehensive, well-rounded learning.

3. The Ancient Roots of Encyclopedias (13:45–15:11)

• Timeline Quiz:
  • Ms. Kim and Volume Seven reveal that organized collections of knowledge date back almost 2,000 years.
• Notable Figures:
  • Aristotle (ca. 350 BCE) attempted to write down all human knowledge, becoming one of the original encyclopedists.
  • Monks preserved and recopied this body of knowledge by hand throughout the Middle Ages.
• Game-Changer:
  • The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg (mid-1400s) made mass production and sharing of encyclopedias possible.

Quote (Ms. Kim, 14:28): "Through the Middle Ages, monks in Europe copied all of this knowledge by hand, preserving science, history and philosophy so it wouldn't be lost forever."

4. The “Encyclopédie” and Its Revolutionary Impact (17:09–19:16)

• Major Milestone:
  • In 1751, Denis Diderot and Jean d’Alembert began publishing L'Encyclopédie in France—a landmark project aiming to collect and share all human knowledge.
• Social Implications:
  • It included not only science and arts but also ideas about freedom and democracy. For the first time, this information was made available to ordinary people, not just kings or scholars.
  • The French government attempted to ban it—twice—because the information challenged their power.
• Size & Influence:
  • Diderot’s Encyclopédie had 17 volumes of articles and 11 of illustrations, written by leading thinkers.
  • Helped spark the French Revolution by spreading critical and liberating ideas.

Quote (Volume Seven, 18:26): “An educated population is harder to control than an ignorant one. But Diderot kept going anyway.”

Quote (Ms. Kim, 19:08): “It helped spark the French Revolution.”

5. Encyclopedia Britannica and Expert Knowledge (19:16–20:29)

• "Gold Standard" of English Encyclopedias:
  • The Encyclopedia Britannica, first published in Scotland in 1768, became the most authoritative English reference set for over 200 years.
  • Each article was written, checked, and updated by field experts, and a complete set could “fill an entire shelf” and “cost as much as a used car.” (20:12)

Quote (Ms. Kim, 20:12): “At its peak, a full set of Britannica could fill an entire shelf, 32 volumes, and cost as much as a used car.”

Quote (Volume Seven, 20:25): “For books, knowledge was considered worth the investment.”

6. How and Why the Internet Changed Everything (20:29–21:35)

• Digital Revolution:
  • The Internet, especially Wikipedia (launched in 2001), made knowledge accessible instantly and for free to anyone, anywhere (with a device and signal).
  • Wikipedia is highlighted as “the encyclopedia most associated with the Internet.”
• Reliability Trade-Off:
  • Wikipedia can be edited by anyone, so it may contain mistakes, whereas traditional encyclopedias are carefully fact-checked.

Quote (Trusty, 21:49): “So encyclopedias are like the reliable friend who really did the research. And Wikipedia is like asking the whole Internet at once and hoping for the best.”

7. Do Printed Encyclopedias Still Matter? (22:09–22:54)

• The Case for Print:
  • Ms. Kim argues encyclopedias “teach you something the Internet doesn’t always… how knowledge is organized.”
  • Browsing encyclopedias leads to the accidental discovery of fascinating, unexpected topics (“You often discover three other things you didn’t even know you wanted to know”).
  • They work without electricity or Wi-Fi—critical on a deserted island!
• Real-World Application:
  • Trusty uses the encyclopedia to identify the friendly “Wilson” beetle and even looks forward to reading more—showcasing the joy of unexpected learning.

Quote (Ms. Kim, 22:20): “Encyclopedias teach you something the Internet doesn’t always—how knowledge is organized… When you look something up in an encyclopedia, you often discover three other things you didn’t even know you wanted to know.”

Quote (Volume Seven, 22:44): “Also, encyclopedias work without electricity, without wi fi, without a charging cable, without a data plan. On a deserted island, for instance.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Encyclopedia as "Internet in Book Form":

  Ms. Kim (10:12): “It's more like the Internet in book form.”

• Pizza Pie of Knowledge:

  Trusty (12:24): “Ooh, like a pizza pie of knowledge.”

• Hand-Copied Books:

  Ms. Kim (14:28): “Through the Middle Ages, monks in Europe copied all of this knowledge by hand…”

• Why the French Government Feared Encyclopédie:

  Volume Seven (18:26): “An educated population is harder to control than an ignorant one.”

• On Internet vs. Encyclopedia:

  Trusty (21:49): “Encyclopedias are like the reliable friend who really did the research. And Wikipedia is like asking the whole Internet at once and hoping for the best.”

• Books Build Friends:

  Trusty (23:06): “Oh, look, smarty pants. I found a picture of it. I think it's a Hercules beetle… Oh, it's not trying to eat me, it's just being friendly. He's about the size of a volleyball, so I think I'll name him Wilson.”

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Key Segment Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-------------|-------------------------------------------------| | 09:21-10:35 | What is an encyclopedia? Introduction and quiz | | 12:01-12:40 | Name origins, "circular education" explained | | 13:45-15:11 | Early encyclopedias and Aristotle | | 17:09-19:16 | Diderot’s Encyclopédie & its revolutionary power| | 19:32-20:29 | Encyclopedia Britannica in English history | | 20:29-21:35 | Rise of the Internet & Wikipedia | | 22:09-22:54 | Relevance of printed encyclopedias today | | 23:06-23:32 | Identifying Wilson, the Hercules beetle | | 23:39-24:18 | Trusty considers reading more vs. leaving island|

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Tone and Style

The episode maintains a lighthearted, humorous, and interactive tone throughout, blending adventure-story imagination with accessible facts and trivia. The hosts use playful banter and quizzes to engage listeners, making big concepts relatable to kids and adults alike.

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Final Takeaways

• Encyclopedias have been humanity’s way of collecting and sharing knowledge for nearly two millennia, starting with Aristotle and evolving through handwritten manuscripts, monumental Enlightenment projects, to household reference sets like Britannica.
• The Internet (especially Wikipedia) revolutionized access to information, making encyclopedic knowledge free and instant.
• Printed encyclopedias still have value: they show us how knowledge is organized, encourage discovery, and require no technology.
• Curiosity and learning are timeless—and a little adventure (and humor) makes history and science irresistible.

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Ms. Kim (23:32): “The power of books is limitless.”

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This was “Who invented the Encyclopedia and Why?” from Who Smarted?—proving that knowledge, laughter, and a touch of imagination are the best survival tools there are.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Who's that walking through the woods? Wyatt's Yoshi. Here to explore a world of curious creatures with you. Discovered a creature you haven't seen before. Why don't you get Yoshi to see what it tastes like? Hmm. Soapy. No wonder this creature blows giant bubbles so big they can carry you. You can even jump from one bubble to another and reach new areas. There are plenty more surprises to disc

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

Junior.

[Narrator]

What are you doing out here? You can jump into adventure with Yoshi and the mysterious book. Available now only on Nintendo Switch 2. Game rated E for everyone.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

And now it's time for Whosmarted. Hey, smarty pants. As listeners of Whosmarted, I'm sure you've heard me talk about my teleportation app. You know, the magical app only available to narrators, allowing me to travel to any destination in time and space at the tap of a button. Yeah, usually it works like a charm, but not today. Today, something went wrong. Instead of teleporting me to my favorite ice cream stand for dessert, I somehow teleported to a deserted island where I am now stranded. And now the app is not working. In fact, no apps are working. It's okay, don't panic. I'll just Google how to get off of a deserted island. Nope, no wi Fi. And I can't call anyone because there's no cell service and I have no idea where I even am because GPS isn't working. Not to mention I'm hungry and thirsty, and there is no food delivery. Plus, I'm all alone. I don't even have a volleyball to talk to. Well, at least I have you, smarty pants, to keep me company. Wait, Strike that. I am not alone. There is a gigantic, shiny bug staring up at me. I think he looks hungry, too. Oh, great. Now there's a storm coming. I'm gonna need some shelter. But how? And why is that bug still looking at me? I'm literally trapped on an island, alone, hungry, soon to be wet, and possibly eaten by a mysterious giant bug. How did people survive without Wi Fi, Google, and cell phones?

[Wilson (Giant Bug)]

Shh.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Ah. What was that? Did the giant bug just shush me?

[Wilson (Giant Bug)]

Shh.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Quiet.

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

I am trying to read.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Wait a second. It couldn't be. Why? It is. It's my local librarian. What are you doing here, Ms. Kim?

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

Hey, trusty. I was on a cruise, but it was too noisy. This deserted island seemed nice and quiet, and it was until 90 seconds ago.

[Wilson (Giant Bug)]

But.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

But. But there's. There's no wifi or Internet or any way to look anything up.

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

I Know? Isn't it wonderful?

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Wonderful? We're trapped on an island. Who knows where? We need to find food and build a shelter before the storm hits. Oh, and there's a humongous bug still staring, and I have no way of knowing if it's a friend or foe.

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

Actually, trusty, you do.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Is that your suitcase? Yes. We're saved. Do you have snacks and bug spray and an umbrella and

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

voila. Everything you need is right here.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Uh, all you brought is books?

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

It's not just any books. It's my encyclopedia set.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Your encyclopedia set?

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

32 volumes, covering pretty much anything you ever want or need to know. No wi fi required.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

But I need food and shelter, and that giant bug is definitely getting closer.

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

The answers to all that and more is in here. Trust me. Trustee, what do you think?

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Smarty pants? Is my local librarian right? Do encyclopedias hold the answers to pretty much everything? And while we're at it, what exactly is an encyclopedia? Who wrote the first one? And why? And in a world full of computers, smartphones, Wikipedia, Google and AI, do they still matter? You're about to find out as we take a big whiff of science and history.

[Wilson (Giant Bug)]

On who smarted? Who's smarted? Who's smart? Is it you? Is it me? Is it science or history? Listen up everyone. We make smarting lots of fun. On who's smart?

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

And hang on, smarty pants. We'll be right back after this quick ad break and a word from our sponsors. Hey, smarty pants, quick question. Would it be cool to slice flying fruit out of the air like a ninja? I'm hearing a lot of yeses. Well, last weekend I was actually doing it in my living just me chopping watermelons and pineapples out of mid air while my dinner was bubbling on the stove. How NexPlayground. Nex Playground is a kid focused game system where your body is the controller. No joystick, no buttons. The playground sees your moves and you're in the game. I've been crushing fruit ninja. And there's also bluey and Ninja Turtles games. And an avatar Earth rumble tournament where I got to bend rocks. Dance games, sports games, over 50 games once you add play. Smarty parents, here's the part for you. Playground is built kid safe. No ads, no in app purchases, no mature content, no online chat with strangers. Just your smarty pants moving their body, having a blast. Playing games that you can actually feel good about. It's the screen time solution that's also exercise, which means everyone wins. Check out next [e-mail] that's nexplayground.com Trust me, your living room is about to get a lot more interesting. Hey smarty family picture. 7th grade trustee at the kitchen table staring at a page of math homework that might as well have been written in Dragonese. I just didn't get it. My parents could afford a few sessions with a tutor and they went at my pace, but they could only help when they were there. Boy, do I wish IXL learning had existed back then. IXL is like a friendly tutor working at your pace and adjusting to your needs. IXL has pretty much every subject your kid studies with friendly explanations when they get stuck and fun celebrations when they get it right. Homeschool parents this is especially for you. I know summer schedules are all over the place, and 10 minutes here and there with IXL lets you keep the homeschool learning momentum going in a fun way all summer long. Over 15 million students use it, and it's backed by real research who Smarted Listeners get an exclusive 20% off when you sign up [e-mail] so sign up today and give your smarty pants the experience I wish I'd had access to. That's iexcel.com smarted for your exclusive 20% off hey smarty families, is this your family in the morning, backpacks by the door? Everybody knows where they're going. Calm and organized? No, it wasn't mine either. But then I kept hearing about this Skylight digital calendar all over social media, people saying it changed their family's lives. So I tried it for a month and this thing is a game changer. Skylight is a sleek digital display that mounts on the wall or sits on the counter, and it lets us track tasks, recipes and plans in one place. That doesn't seem like that big a deal until you realize it absolutely is. It even syncs with your existing calendars like Google, Apple, Outlook, and more. And if in four months you are not 100% thrilled with your purchase, Skylight lets you return it for a full refund, no questions asked. Yes, four months. So you literally have nothing to lose. Families are better when they're working together. Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch calendars by going to myskylight.com smarted go to myskylight.com smartED for $30 off your 15 inch calendar. That is my S K Y L I g h t.com smarted now back to who smarted okay smarty pants, I'm still on the island. I'm Even hungrier. The storm is getting closer and so is the giant bug, who hasn't taken its eyes off me the entire time I've been here. But there's hope. I hope, because my local librarian, Ms. Kim, has removed a lot of books from her suitcase. Like a lot a lot. She's also somehow managed to fashion a makeshift bookcase out of branches, leaves and vines.

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

This isn't my first deserted island.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Gotcha. So tell me about these magical books.

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

Well, for starters, each one is called a volume. Together they make up an encyclopedia set.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Smarty pants, do you know what an encyclopedia is? Is it A, a book of made up stories, B, a collection of facts and information organized so you can easily look things up, or C, a very heavy doorstop?

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

Well, C is technically possible, but the answer we're looking for is B, an encyclopedia is a collection of facts and information organized so that you can easily look things up. Think of it as every subject you could ever want to learn about all in one place.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Oh, like who smarted but in book form?

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

Sure, trustee. But as great as who smart it is. Encyclopedias can go way more in depth on way more topics and include charts, graphs, photos, maps and more. Not to mention cross references with other related subjects. It's more like the Internet in book form.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Whoa. Whoa is right.

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

Now pick up volume seven. That one covers basic and advanced survival skills, including identifying poisonous plants, how to build a basic shelter, and. And how to make a fire.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Nice. Volume seven. Got it. Wow, this thing is heavy. At the very least, I can smash the bug with it if it turns out to be a threat.

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

Relax, trusty. I don't think the bug cares about you.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

I don't know. I'm pretty sure he just winked at me. But we might have bigger wetter problems. We need to build a shelter fast. Ah, here we are. Wow, this is great. It explains how to build a lean to shelter in the wild with no tools, using sticks and leaves. It's even got pictures and everything. Thanks, Volume seven.

[Volume Seven (Talking Encyclopedia)]

You're welcome, trusty.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

And of course it talks. Because everything on who's smart, it talks. Anywho, I better get building before the storm gets

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

all done.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Oh, wow. How did you build that so fast?

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

I told you this isn't my first deserted island. Should we give our shelter a name?

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Oh, I know. We can call it the Leaning Tower of Pizza. You know, because it's a lean to and I love pizza. Oh boy, that didn't help my hunger issue. I need a distraction.

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

Well, speaking of names, do you know where the Name encyclopedia comes from.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Ooh, smarty pants. What do you think? Yeah, I'm not sure either.

[Volume Seven (Talking Encyclopedia)]

The name encyclopedia comes from ancient Greek, and kukleos meant circular and paideia meant education.

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

Put them together and you get encuclo paideo. A complete rounded education.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Ooh, like a pizza pie of knowledge.

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

More or less. The idea is that if you read an encyclopedia, you'd have a well rounded understanding of the world. No gaps, no missing pieces or missing slices.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Oh boy. I am my own worst enemy. I'm so hungry I'd even eat meat cake. Volume 7. Can you please help me find something to eat?

[Volume Seven (Talking Encyclopedia)]

Turn to page 342. Edible tropical plants.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Aha. Coconuts. There are coconuts on this island? Ms. Kim, did you know there are coconuts on this island?

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

Of course. Care to help me finish my non alcoholic pina colada made from freshly sourced coconuts? Ah.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Wow, you librarians sure know your stuff. I'd love to eat some coconut as well, but how do I break it open?

[Volume Seven (Talking Encyclopedia)]

A rock can be used to break open a coconut.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Good idea. Okay, so far the encyclopedia has helped us build a shelter and find food. But how long have encyclopedias actually been around? Smarty pants, any idea how long humans have been collecting knowledge into encyclopedias? Has it been A, about 500 years, B, about 1,000 years, or C about 2,000 years?

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

The answer is A nearly 2,000 years.

[Volume Seven (Talking Encyclopedia)]

The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, who lived around 350 BCE, wrote texts attempting to organize all known human knowledge. Natural science, politics, ethics, logic, literature. He wanted to write down everything so it wouldn't be lost. He is considered by many to be the original encyclopedia guy.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Oh, wow, then what?

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

He worked on it constantly. During meals, during travel, even in the bath.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

I admire his dedication to writing and hygiene.

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

Through the Middle Ages, monks in Europe copied all of this knowledge by hand, preserving science, history and philosophy so it wouldn't be lost forever.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Wait, by hand?

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

By hand. Before printing was invented, encyclopedias had to be copied by hand every single page, which meant very few people had access to them.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Smartypants, do you know what invention changed the game? Why, of course. It's the printing press.

[Volume Seven (Talking Encyclopedia)]

Invented in the mid-1400s by Johannes Gutenberg. Books, including encyclopedias, could be made much faster and shared more widely.

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

This brings us to the 1700s and perhaps the most famous encyclopedia project in history.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

And we'll find out all about it right after this quick ad break and a word from our sponsors. Hey, smarty friends trusty here. I hope you're enjoying learning about encyclopedias. Personally, I was always super excited to explore every page of my encyclopedia set when I was a kid. Which is why I'm trying to create a special brand new Encyclopedia of smarting just for you, Smarty pants. Imagine an encyclopedia crammed with fun facts, lots of learning and tons of fun, all made by the creators of who Smarted. Now I said it's something I'm trying to do because right now it exists only as a Kickstarter campaign. That means if it doesn't get funded, it doesn't get made. We're over halfway through the campaign and we're just over halfway to our target goal. So time is of the essence if you want to own a beautiful three volume hardcover set of books that will inspire unlimited hours of curiosity, excitement and learning as only Whosmarted can provide. Go to whosmarted.com and click on the books link to learn more and back our Kickstarter campaign. As always, with Kickstarter, you only get charged when the project fully funds. And if it doesn't, you don't get charged at all. But I'm really, really hoping that we get across the finish line, because I just know you're going to love it. Again, go to WhoSmarted.com and click on the books link and make my dream of the Encyclopedia of Smarting come true for you. Now, back to WhoSmarted. You'd think with this rainfall, the giant bug would go away. Nope, still there. Still staring. Still scary.

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

Oh, stop being such a scaredy pants. Trusty. Have you ever heard of the Encyclopedie?

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

The Encyclopedy? I can't say I have. What about you, smarty pants? Nope. Most of them haven't either. But some are laughing because it has the word pee in it.

[Volume Seven (Talking Encyclopedia)]

In 1751, two French thinkers named Denis Diderot and Jean Laurent d' Alembert began publishing a massive encyclopedia in France. They went about collecting all human knowledge from every possible source about science, arts, history, philosophy, as well as new ideas about freedom, equality and democracy.

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

Best of all, they wanted to make it available to ordinary people, not just the wealthy kings or scholars.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

That sounds amazing. Were people excited?

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

Some were. Others? Not so much. The French government actually tried to ban it. Twice.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Wait, the government tried to ban the encyclopedia?

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

They sure did.

[Volume Seven (Talking Encyclopedia)]

But why?

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

Because it challenged some powerful ideas of the time. And they were afraid of it.

[Volume Seven (Talking Encyclopedia)]

An educated population is harder to control than an ignorant one. But Diderot kept going anyway.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Smartypants, how many volumes did Diderot's Encyclopedie wind up being was it A, 5 volumes, B 17 volumes of articles plus 11 volumes of illustrations, or C 200 volumes that filled an entire room?

[Volume Seven (Talking Encyclopedia)]

The answer is B, 7 volumes of text and 11 volumes of detailed technical illustrations. It also featured articles by the greatest minds of the age, philosophers, scientists and mathematicians, all arguing that the world made more sense when more people understood it.

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

It helped spark the French Revolution.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

A collection of books did that? Wow. Books are a big deal.

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

That's what I've been trying to tell everyone for 30 years. Anyway, on to the next chapter in encyclopedia history. Trustee, do you know what the most famous printed encyclopedia in the English language is?

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Hmm, smarty pants, any guesses? Is it A, the World Book, B the Encyclopedia Britannica, or C the Big Book of Knowing stuff?

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

The answer is B, Encyclopedia Britannica. First published In Scotland in 1768, it became the gold standard for encyclopedias for over 200 years.

[Volume Seven (Talking Encyclopedia)]

Experts in every field wrote their own sections. Marine biologists, scientists wrote about dolphins, geologists wrote about volcanoes. All checked, verified and updated with each new addition.

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

At its peak, a full set of Britannica could fill an entire shelf, 32 volumes, and cost as much as a used car.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

A used car?

[Volume Seven (Talking Encyclopedia)]

For books, knowledge was considered worth the investment.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

I agree. But wait, if encyclopedias were so great, what happened? Why don't you see giant encyclopedia sets in everyone's living room anymore?

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

Smarty pants, do you know two words trusty? The Internet.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Ah, right. The thing I desperately wish I had right now. Smarty pants, do you know the name of the encyclopedia most associated with the Internet? Is it A, Wikipedia, B, AOL or C Napster? The answer, of course is Wikipedia. Next question, smarty pants. When was Wikipedia launched? Was it A, 1995, B, 2001, or C 2010?

[Volume Seven (Talking Encyclopedia)]

The answer is B. Wikipedia launched in 2001 and it changed everything. Suddenly, everyone in the world could look up almost any topic for free. Instantly. First on a computer, and later on a device that fits in your pocket.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Which is amazing, except for when you're on a deserted island with no signal.

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

There is also the matter of accuracy. Wikipedia can be edited by anyone, which means it can sometimes contain errors. Encyclopedias were written and fact checked by

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

experts, so encyclopedias are like the reliable friend who really did the research. And Wikipedia is like asking the whole Internet at once and hoping for the best.

[Volume Seven (Talking Encyclopedia)]

That is a surprisingly accurate summary, Volume seven.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Did you just compliment me?

[Volume Seven (Talking Encyclopedia)]

I acknowledged accuracy. It's not the same thing.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

I'll take it. So, smarty pants, here's the big question. Now that we Have Wikipedia, Google, AI assistants, and an entire Internet. Do we still need printed encyclopedias?

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

I'd say yes, and not just because I'm a librarian. Encyclopedias teach you something. The Internet doesn't always how knowledge is organized. When you look something up in an encyclopedia, you often discover three other things you didn't even know you wanted to know. That's not by accident.

[Volume Seven (Talking Encyclopedia)]

Also, encyclopedias work without electricity, without wi fi, without a charging cable, without a data plan. On a deserted island, for instance.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Well, not completely deserted. There's still that enormous bug which is looking at me like it knows I'm talking about it.

[Volume Seven (Talking Encyclopedia)]

Turn to page 89. Beetles of the tropics.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Beetles. Beetles. Oh, look, smarty pants. I found a picture of it. I think it's a Hercules beetle. One of the largest beetles on Earth. It says they're totally harmless to humans. Oh, it's not trying to eat me, it's just being friendly. He's about the size of a volleyball, so I think I'll name him Wilson. Look at that. Thanks to the encyclopedia, I know more and I made a new friend.

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

The power of books is limitless.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

I'll say. Now I just need to look up how to build a raft.

[Volume Seven (Talking Encyclopedia)]

Chapter 14, Maritime Survival and Emergency Watercraft.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Okay, I just need to lash some logs together, add a crossbeam and.

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

Or we could just take my Jet Ski.

[Volume Seven (Talking Encyclopedia)]

The prototype for the first Jet Ski was designed in 1965 by American power sports enthusiast Clayton Jacobson 2 who called it a water motorcycle.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

You had a Jet Ski this whole time?

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

How do you think I got here?

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Good point. I must say, that is one fancy looking Jet Ski.

[Ms. Kim (Librarian)]

It belongs to the library. I bought it with overdue book fines. You ready to go?

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

Actually, I think I'll hang out here a little longer and read some more of your encyclopedias, if you don't mind. Hey, Wilson, would you rather learn how a jet engine works or who invented the first magic trick? Cool. Hey, Smartypants. We talked a lot about how amazing encyclopedias are. And guess what? Me and your friends at who Smarted are actually making our very own. The Encyclopedia of Smarting. The first three volumes are about dinosaurs, explosions and food. To learn more, please Visit our website WhoSmarted.com and click Books. We think you're gonna love them. A big shout out to super smarty fans who Smarted. Plus subscribers and encyclopedia backers, Aiden Axton and their amazing mom, Jenny in San Diego, California. We're so glad you love who Smarted and we're thrilled to have your amazing smarty family smarting with us. We could not appreciate you more this episode. Encyclopedias was written by Adam Index Davis and voiced by Kim Dewey Decimal Davis. Adam Index Davis and Jerry Encyclopedia Brown Colber.

[Volume Seven (Talking Encyclopedia)]

Look at that.

[Trusty (Host/Explorer)]

I got a nickname. Technical direction and sound design by Josh Hardcover Hahn. Our associate producer is Max Wiki Kamasky. The theme song is by Brian Britannica Suarez with lyrics written and performed by Adam Tex Davis. Who Smarted was created and produced by Adam Tex Davis and Jerry Colbert. This has been an Atomic audio production.