We address the fundamental question why we should use PageRank and similar link-based algorithms in search engines. if at all. In a legendary article from 1998. the Google founders gave an intriguing wisdom-of-crowds justification for PageRank according to which the latter tracks quality online. https://www.jmannino.com/super-value-NFL-Atlanta-Falcons-Team-Jersey-PS5-Digital-Edition-Bundle-Skin-p121054-great-pick/