The Wisdom of Crowds

by James Surowiecki
The Wisdom of Crowds cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Business and Economics
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Paperback • £12.99
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  • ID: 2179
  • Added: 2025-10-12
  • Updated: 2025-10-12
  • ISBN: 9780307275059
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published: 2005-08-16
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In 'The Wisdom of Crowds,' James Surowiecki delves into the intriguing concept that large groups of people, regardless of individual intelligence, can collectively make smarter decisions than a select few experts. Through a wide-ranging exploration of fields such as psychology, economics, and military history, Surowiecki demonstrates how this principle can be applied to various aspects of life, from business leadership to political governance. The book challenges conventional wisdom and offers a fresh perspective on decision-making and innovation. Surowiecki's engaging prose and extensive research make this book a compelling read for anyone interested in understanding the power of collective intelligence. By examining real-world examples and theoretical frameworks, he illustrates how diverse groups can often arrive at better solutions than homogeneous teams of experts. This book provides valuable insights into how we can harness the wisdom of crowds to improve our personal and professional lives.

Reviews
theinvisiblementor.com · 2025-05-04
insightful 4.50

The reviewer found the book eye-opening and filled with valuable insights, making it a worthwhile read.

The reviewer at theinvisiblementor.com shares their thoughts on 'The Wisdom of Crowds,' describing it as eye-opening and filled with valuable insights. They appreciate the book's exploration of how collective intelligence can lead to better decision-making. The reviewer finds the examples compelling and believes the book offers a fresh perspective on societal and business dynamics. Overall, they highly recommend it for its thought-provoking content.

Quick quotes

    It is worth reading James Surowiecki's The Wisdom of Crowds for yourself

    The book was eye opening for me because it is filled with lots of practical examples

    The insights are valuable and thought-provoking

arbtech.co.uk · 2017-02-01
brilliant 4.00

The reviewer finds the book brilliant and insightful, though they question some of the hyperbolic praise. They appreciate the book's exploration of collective intelligence and its practical applications.

The reviewer at arbtech.co.uk is generally positive about 'The Wisdom of Crowds,' highlighting its brilliance and insight into how large groups can make better decisions than individuals. They appreciate the practical examples and the way the book challenges conventional wisdom. However, they also note that some of the praise for the book might be overstated, suggesting that while it's an excellent read, it's not without its flaws.

Quick quotes

    Dazzling … the most brilliant book on business, society and everyday life that I've read in years

    That's a mammoth overstatement

    The book is filled with practical examples and thought-provoking insights

nytimes.com · 2004-05-22
thought-provoking 4.20

The reviewer praises the book for its exploration of collective intelligence and its practical applications, though they note it may raise controversy.

The reviewer at nytimes.com praises 'The Wisdom of Crowds' for its exploration of how large groups can make better decisions than individuals. They appreciate the book's practical applications and its potential to challenge conventional wisdom. However, they also note that the book may raise controversy, particularly in its suggestions for the intelligence community. Overall, they find the book insightful and thought-provoking, making it a valuable read.

Quick quotes

    James Surowiecki says that people in large groups are better informed and more rational than any single member might be

    The Wisdom of Crowds is likely to raise controversy

    The book offers a fresh perspective on problem-solving and decision-making

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