The modern science of complexity has revealed how fish, birds, bees, and ants use swarm intelligence to guide group movements and to help in the search for food and shelter. Used by humans, swarm intelligence capitalizes on the diversity of our families, our groups of friends, our business contacts, and our social acquaintances to help us make better decisions.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

The emergence of swarm intelligence -- The locusts and the bees -- Ant logic -- A force in a crowd -- Group intelligence : the majority or the average? --Consensus : a foolish consistency? -- Crazes, contagion, and communication : the science of networks -- Decision rules ok? -- Searching for patterns : imagination and reality -- Simple rules for complex situations.