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We're as clever as we think we are, but we'll be a lot…

“We're as clever as we think we are, but we'll be a lot cleverer when we learn to use not just one brain but to pool huge numbers of brains. We're at a level technologically where we can share information and think collectively about our problems. We do it in science all the time - there's no…” quote by Lewis Thomas
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“We're as clever as we think we are, but we'll be a lot cleverer when we learn to use not just one brain but to pool huge numbers of brains. We're at a level technologically where we can share information and think collectively about our problems. We do it in science all the time - there's no reason why we can't do it in other endeavors.”

Lewis Thomas

About This Quote

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

Collaboration amplifies intelligence; pooling many minds yields greater insight than solitary effort.

In simple terms: Working together makes us smarter.

Key Takeaway

Leverage collective thinking.

Themes

collaboration intelligence technology

Mood

optimistic inspirational

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • research teams
  • open-source projects
  • crowdsourced problem solving
  • cross‑disciplinary innovation
  • community decision making

Key Concepts

collective cognition networked thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we design systems that truly harness many brains?
  • What barriers prevent broader collective problem solving?
A Different Perspective

Coordination challenges can limit effectiveness.

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