Book description
In this fascinating book, New Yorker business columnist James Surowiecki explores a deceptively simple idea: Large groups of people are smarter than an elite few, no matter how brilliantābetter at solving problems, fostering innovation, coming to wise decisions, even predicting the future.
Ā
With boundless erudition and in delightfully clearā¦
Why read it?
2 authors picked The Wisdom of Crowds as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
I love this book because it suggests that while we may not know the best answer as individuals there is āwisdomā in what large numbers of people think. That large numbers of people make better decisions than smaller numbers.
I donāt always agree with this, but I do think for many things we shouldnāt spend a lot of time working on them without putting them into the world and seeing how others respond.
From Alan's list on unlocking your curiosity and awesomeness.
When I started my career in urban design, I was finding great success in bringing diverse groups around the table to develop ideas and find breakthrough solutions. James Surowiekiās book helped me to understand why this worked, offering compelling examples. And why, under the right circumstances, diverse groupsāacross different backgrounds, skills, and experiencesācan often make better decisions than individual experts.
His insights had huge implications for me in dealing with cities, where the collective input of stakeholders can shape better urban outcomes. It reinforced my confidence in inclusive urban planning, participatory governance, and bottom-up approaches as a way to achieveā¦
From Ken's list on helped me understand cities.
If you love The Wisdom of Crowds...
These Blue Mountains
A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.
German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancĆ©, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Heddaā¦
Want books like The Wisdom of Crowds?
Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Wisdom of Crowds.
Share your top 3 reads of 2025!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,395
readers submitted
so far, will you?
š If you like The Wisdom of Crowds, you might also like...
In Bad Faith
Nelson West, a former Chicago homicide detective, is hired by wealthy heir Lionel Bing to discreetly help āfixā scandals and legal problems for his fatherās wealthy friends.
Bing, a brilliant but troubled investigator, suffers from PTSD symptoms as a result of being kidnapped and witnessing the murder of his motherā¦
Your Sun Will Rise Again
Your Sun Will Rise Again is a powerful collection of poetic reflections on hope, resilience, and the human spirit. Written with sincerity and depth, these poems speak directly to those navigating lifeās challenges, offering comfort, clarity, and quiet strength in difficult moments.
Through simple yet profound language, the book remindsā¦
