New encyclopedism

New encyclopedism is a term used by English writer H. G. Wells in 1937 to describe a proposed modern movement for the codification of knowledge in encyclopedic format.

Lecture delivered in America, October and November, 1937

For half a century I have resisted temptations to lecture in America -- if for no reason than the inefficiency of my voice. But the microphone is a great leveller and here I am at last on terms of practical equality with your most audible speakers and very glad indeed of this belated opportunity of talking to you. I want to talk to you about an idea which seems to me to be a very important one indeed. I want to interest you in it, and if possible find out what you think of it. I call that idea for reasons I shall try to make clear as I proceed, The New Encyclopaedism, and the gist of it is that the time is ripe for a very extensive revision and modernization of the intellectual organization of the world. Can I put it more plainly than that? Perhaps I can.

Our world is changing and it is changing with an ever-increasing violence. An old world dies about us. A new world struggles into existence. But it is not developing the brain and the sensitiveness and delicacy necessary for its new life. That is the essence of what I have to say. (pp. 39-40)

— II: The Brain Organization of the Modern World
H. G. Wells. World Brain. Doubleday, Doran & Co. Inc., Garden City, New York, 1938.

Wells argues against the old, traditional encyclopedism as aimed "for gentlemen by gentlemen" as may be illustrated by the Encyclopaedia Britannica and the like. From the egalitarian and utilitarian perspective, therefore, he argues for a new encyclopedism aiming for the world citizen so as to safeguard the world peace. He wished it to be the best solution to the world problems and disasters such as the World War II that was approaching vividly and depressing him deeply indeed at the moment. Thus he wished it to be a free encyclopedia (etymologically meaning 'general education'), and a free general education after all.

This may be worth a graphic representation of new encyclopedism.