WHODATHUNKIT?
Jimmy Wales— libertarian, free thinker, Wikipedia founder and unschooler:
Wales, whose wife Christine teaches their 5-year-old daughter Kira at home, says he is disappointed by the “factory nature” of American education: “There’s something significantly broken about the whole concept of school.” A longtime opponent of mandatory public school attendance, Wales says that part of the allure of Florida, where his Wikimedia Foundation is based, is its relatively laissez-faire attitude toward homeschoolers. This makes it easier for Wales and his wife to let Kira (a tiny genius in her father’s eyes) follow her own interests and travel with her parents when Wales gives one of his many speeches abroad.
Kira has recently become interested in Ancient Egypt, and a few books on the subject lie on the kitchen counter of their sparse house. When she was younger, Kira was transfixed by digital clocks, staring at one minute after minute, trying to guess which number would be next. “She just needed time to do that,” says Wales. “Once she figured it out, she stopped. Christine and I were a little worried, but we let her do her thing, and it turned out fine.”
It’s a long profile but a really good read. Highly recommended, especially for libertarian-leaning geeks.
2 Responses to “WHODATHUNKIT?”
 Comment by JJ Ross February 7th, 2008 at 8:13 pm |
Ahem. |
 Comment by COD February 7th, 2008 at 8:38 pm |
I haven’t read the article yet, but I’m pretty sure I read that Wales was moving out to the Silicon Valley area. |