Wikipedia’s Jimmy Wales has been dubbed the last decent tech baron. While that sounds like a compliment, it’s the kind of title I usually associate with yacht-owning types who munch on homegrown macadamia nuts and rub elbows with the President and his circle of followers. Wales, however, keeps a more humble profile. As Wikipedia turns 25 this month, he seems more focused on fixing his home Wi-Fi than engaging in the over-the-top power plays of the tech elite. Lately, he’s also been promoting his new book, The Seven Rules of Trust, which uses Wikipedia’s unique strategy and its unexpected success to outline his approach for addressing the issues plaguing today’s polarized society.
In this week’s episode of The Big Interview, Wales and I discussed the significance of creating something utilized by billions that isn’t designed for maximum profit. He reflected on Wikipedia’s chaotic, human beginnings, the various government attacks targeting it, from Russia to Saudi Arabia, and the ongoing struggle to maintain neutrality in a climate that’s increasingly dismissive of facts. We also addressed current threats to Wikipedia, such as AI and conspiracy-fueled billionaires, and why he’ll never edit a page about Donald Trump. Check out our full conversation below. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
KATIE DRUMMOND: Jimmy Wales, welcome to The Big Interview. Thanks for being here.
JIMMY WALES: Thanks for having me.
We always kick off these conversations with some quick questions to warm up your brain. Ready?
WALES: Yes.
DRUMMOND: What’s an internet rabbit hole you’ve recently fallen into?
WALES: Home Assistant. I just started using Home Assistant to manage smart home devices, and there’s a huge community with tons of information. It’s what I’m obsessed with right now.
DRUMMOND: What’s this community focused on?
WALES: Troubleshooting. People are building extensions for just about everything, and it’s amazing.
DRUMMOND: What’s a subject you no longer argue about online?
WALES: I’d say I don’t debate trans issues anymore. There’s really no point; it’s too toxic. I never participated in those discussions much anyway, but now I just avoid them.
DRUMMOND: So you’re steering clear?
WALES: Yeah, it’s too unpleasant.
DRUMMOND: Which do you trust more: Wikipedia or ChatGPT?
WALES: Definitely Wikipedia.
DRUMMOND: I had to ask. What’s your favorite website or app that isn’t Wikipedia?
WALES: I actually like parts of Reddit. There are fantastic communities and great people there. I lurk in the personal finance subreddit—I’m always impressed by the kindness of the people there.
DRUMMOND: Reddit seems to be really trending right now. I find myself spending more time in the Reddit app because I’d rather read thoughtful discussions than scroll on X.
WALES: Exactly. It’s a place for paragraphs.
DRUMMOND: And often filled with really thoughtful people. What’s the best part about living in the UK instead of the US?
WALES: My family is here. I always say about the US: Tech is in Silicon Valley, politics in Washington, showbiz in LA, and finance in New York. But all of that is right here in London. If I lived in Silicon Valley, I’d only have tech friends, but in London, I meet all kinds of people. I really appreciate that.
