Patrick Wilson

Patrick Wilson (1927–2003) was a distinguished American philosopher, librarian, and information scientist . He earned his Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley, where he later served as a professor and dean of the School of Library and Information Studies . Wilson's academic work focused on the philosophical foundations of bibliographic control and cognitive authority, exploring how knowledge is organized and how individuals come to be recognized as authoritative sources of information .

Among his significant contributions are his books: Two Kinds of Power: An Essay on Bibliographical Control (1968), Public Knowledge, Private Ignorance: Toward a Library and Information Policy (1977), and Second-Hand Knowledge: An Inquiry into Cognitive Authority (1983). These works have had a lasting impact on the field of library and information science, influencing how information systems are designed and how knowledge is disseminated and trusted .

Some of his notable quotes include:

"The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter" .

"When the going gets tough, the tough get going" .

"Nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it" .

These quotes reflect his insightful perspectives on democracy, resilience, and the enduring nature of memory.