The Encyclopedia's Controversial Origins

The first encyclopedia was a monumental undertaking, boasting 70,000 entries and over 20 million words across 35 volumes. Completed over three decades, it became a flashpoint of controversy, facing bans from both Louis XV and Pope Clement XIII. What made this encyclopedia so contentious, and who were the individuals behind its creation?

A Project Born from Rebellion

In 1749, Denis Diderot, a writer known for his provocative ideas, found himself imprisoned for challenging religious dogma. Upon his release, he embarked on an even more ambitious project: adapting an English cyclopedia for French audiences. This seemingly innocuous task would evolve into the Encyclopédie, ou dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers, a comprehensive compilation of knowledge that challenged the established order.

The Minds Behind the Masterpiece

Diderot partnered with Jean le Rond d'Alembert, a mathematical prodigy, to lead the project. Together, they assembled a team of Enlightenment thinkers to contribute to this groundbreaking work. Some key figures included:

• Jean Jacques Rousseau: Authored much of the music section, exploring themes he would later expand upon in "The Social Contract."
• Louis de Jaucourt: A prolific contributor, writing a quarter of the encyclopedia (18,000 articles, 5 million words) without pay.
• Voltaire: Contributed entries on various topics, including history, elegance, and fire.

Organizing Knowledge

Diderot structured the encyclopedia using Francis Bacon's "Classification of Knowledge," dividing it into three categories: memory, reason, and imagination. He also emphasized the importance of commerce, technology, and crafts, reflecting a shift towards valuing practical knowledge and the contributions of everyday laborers.

A Challenge to Authority

The Encyclopédie was more than just a collection of facts; it was a vehicle for disseminating Enlightenment ideals. Diderot's entries often challenged traditional authority, questioning the divine right of kings and advocating for a more equitable distribution of wealth. Such ideas were not well-received by the ruling elite.

Banned but Beloved

Upon its initial release, Louis XV banned the encyclopedia, yet he secretly kept a copy for himself. Pope Clement XIII condemned it as "dangerous" and "reprehensible," ordering it to be burned and threatening excommunication for its readers. Despite these efforts, the Encyclopédie continued to be published, thanks to Diderot's persistence and the support of influential figures within the French regime.

Enduring Legacy

The Encyclopédie stands as a cornerstone of the Enlightenment, a testament to the power of knowledge and the courage of those who dared to challenge the status quo. It represents a pivotal moment in history, marking the migration of popular opinion from the church to the public sphere. Its influence continues to be felt today, reminding us of the importance of critical thinking and the pursuit of knowledge.

Even with recipes, the Encyclopédie is irrepressibly human.