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The controversial origins of the Encyclopedia - Addison Anderson

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The first encyclopedia contained 70,000 entries and over 20,000,000 words. It was broken into 35 volumes written over the course of 3 decades. It was also banned by Louis XV and Pope Clement XIII. But why was this encyclopedia so controversial, and who wrote it in the first place? Addison Anderson recounts the controversial origins of the first encyclopedia.

How has our perception of people who find things out for us changed or stayed the same since Diderot’s time?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Addison Anderson
  • Animator Patrick Smith
  • Composer Stephen LaRosa
  • Sound Designer Stephen LaRosa
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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