Crowds Quote by James Surowiecki
“The problem is that groups are only smart when the people in them are as independent as possible. This is the paradox of the wisdom of crowds.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki, 2004
Collective intelligence works best when members think independently, avoiding herd behavior.
In simple terms: Crowds are smart when independent.
Key Takeaway
Promote independent thinking in groups.
Themes
collaboration
independence
decisionmaking
wisdom
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
explanatory
insightful
When to use this quote
- brainstorming sessions
- investment committees
- public policy panels
Key Concepts
statistics
network theory
behavioral economics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you ensure diverse opinions?
- What mechanisms protect independence?
A Different Perspective
Independence can be hard to achieve due to social pressure.
