Wikipedia:Five pillars

All of Wikipedia's 28 official policies and 35 semi-policies are really based on five unchangeable pillars that define Wikipedia's character. These can be summed up in a few short sentences each:

• Wikipedia is an encyclopedia incorporating elements of general encylopedias, specialized encylopedias, and almanacs. Wikipedia is not a mere collection of primary source documents, nor a soapbox, newspaper, free host or webspace provider, vanity article or memorial collection, or grouping of links (whether internal or external).
• Wikipedia writes articles from a neutral point-of-view: Write from a neutral, accurate standpoint. Citing sources greatly aids in this, especially on controversial topics, and makes an article much more credible. When a conflict arises as to what version is the most neutral, declare a cool-down period and tag the article as disputed; hammer out details on the talk page and follow dispute resolution.
• Wikipedia is free-content: Wikipedia is free-content, licensed under the GFDL, and may be freely distributed and linked. Recognize that articles are owned by the community at large and not by a single person or group.
• Wikipedia follows the writers' rules of engagement: Respect your fellow Wikipedians even when you may not agree with them. Be civil. Avoid making personal attacks or sweeping generalizations. Stay cool when the editing gets hot; avoid lame edit wars by following the three-revert rule; remember that there are 6,929,935 articles on Wikipedia to work on and discuss. Act in good faith by never disrupting Wikipedia to illustrate a point, and assume the same of others in the absence of compelling evidence to the contrary. Don't use sockpuppets. Be open, welcoming, and inclusive; never act like a dick.
• Wikipedia doesn't have firm rules besides the four general statements above. Be bold in editing, moving, and modifying articles, because perfection is not required.