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Sometimes even a smart crowd will make a mistake.

“Sometimes even a smart crowd will make a mistake.” quote by James Surowiecki
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“Sometimes even a smart crowd will make a mistake.”

James Surowiecki

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Even knowledgeable groups can err, especially when they share similar information or biases, leading to collective mistakes.

In simple terms: Smart groups can still make errors.

Key Takeaway

Question group consensus critically.

Themes

groupthink bias collective error decision making wisdom

Mood

cautious analytical

Type

advice warning

When to use this quote

  • board meetings
  • public opinion polls
  • investment committees

Key Concepts

crowd intelligence information cascades social influence

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should you trust a crowd versus an expert?
  • How can you detect shared blind spots?
A Different Perspective

Overreliance on consensus can suppress dissent.

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