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Wisdom of Crowds
Wisdom of Crowds
Author: James Surowiecki
?No one in this world, so far as I know, has ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the great masses of the plain people.?  ?H. L. Mencken —   — H. L. Mencken was wrong. — In this endlessly fascinating book, New Yorker columnist James Surowiecki explores a deceptively simple idea that has profound implications: large g...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780349117072
ISBN-10: 0349117071
Publication Date: 3/3/2005
Pages: 400
Rating:
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0 stars, based on 0 rating
Publisher: Non Basic Stock Line
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Audio Cassette
Members Wishing: 1
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reviewed Wisdom of Crowds on + 20 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Democracy *does* work, and Surowiecki explains how. He also explains how the process goes wrong. Many heads really can think better than one -- but only if each of us is thinking for ourselves!
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reviewed Wisdom of Crowds on + 3 more book reviews
This book is centered around an interesting concept: when the circumstances are favorable, a group of people can be smarter and more successful than any of its members. It's a good read for exploring the concept, but I did find myself having to use some critical thinking regarding some of the sections, which are built on anecdotal evidence or are not well-tied to the argument. Overall, it was worth my time and changed my perceptions on the way that groups can be used effectively, and provided an interesting look into some phenomena. The argument wasn't airtight, but he does make some compelling points. I wish it was about thirty pages shorter, though. The last half dragged.