Wikipedia:NOPUBLICTHINKING
![]() | This essay contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. Essays are not Wikipedia policies or guidelines. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints. Some are just bonkers. |
![]() | This page in a nutshell: Keep your thoughts to yourself. |
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2a/INF3-274_Anti-rumour_and_careless_talk_Zipp_it%21_Careless_talk_costs_lives.jpg/200px-INF3-274_Anti-rumour_and_careless_talk_Zipp_it%21_Careless_talk_costs_lives.jpg)
Wikipedia's fundamental principles are encapsulated in its "five pillars": it is an encyclopedia; it is written from a neutral point of view; its content is free to use and edit; participants are expected to act with respect and civility; there are no firm rules. These ideals carry no requirement (or even permission) for critical thinking. Indeed, there is no requirement that editors even be sentient beings—a large fraction of the project's edits are made by "bots."
It follows that editors must not expect their colleagues to act rationally or sensibly. Criticizing another's remarks as internally inconsistent or nonsensical is uncivil regardless of the truth or falsity of such criticism, and may result in sanctions. Similarly, displays of critical thinking or logical analysis may induce feelings of inadequacy in those incapable of such activities, and consequently must be avoided. Keep your thoughts to yourself.