The Wisdom of Crowds
The Wisdom of Crowds
Book Brief
Beta306
Book • Nonfiction
2000s
2005
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki explores how collective intelligence can lead to better decision-making. It demonstrates that diverse, independent groups are often more effective at problem-solving and predicting outcomes than solitary experts. The book covers various contexts, including markets, politics, and science, illustrating the power of group thinking.
Reviews & Readership
25,384 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
James Surowiecki's The Wisdom of Crowds receives acclaim for its compelling argument that collective intelligence often surpasses expert opinion. Readers appreciate its engaging examples and clear writing but note occasional overgeneralizations. Critics argue that the book oversimplifies complex issues and lacks depth in certain areas. Overall, it's thought-provoking and insightful.
Who Should Read The Wisdom of Crowds?
A reader who enjoys exploring the collective intelligence and decision-making processes would appreciate The Wisdom of Crowds by James Surowiecki. Fans of Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point or Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow would find this book particularly engaging.
25,384 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Wisdom of Crowds explores the idea that large groups of people can often arrive at decisions and predictions more accurately than individuals or small groups, even when those groups are experts.
James Surowiecki's inspiration for the book includes historical anecdotes, such as the famous story of a crowd at a country fair accurately guessing the weight of an ox.
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The book delves into various fields such as psychology, economics, and biology, illustrating how collective decision-making impacts industries and societies.
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306
Book • Nonfiction
2000s
2005
Adult
18+ years
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