Increased knowledge and research.

A good introduction to complexity theory as it applies to social animals like bees and ants. I wouldn't say that I walked away with an understanding of how this can make me "better at communicating, decision making and getting things done" but as a basic science book aimed at a lay audience, I thought it was a fun and informative read!

This book is a clear, concise exposition of certain behaviors in macro-organisms which consist of many individuals. By themselves, the individuals are not too "smart" but each is programmed with certain simple rules. When gathered together the hive, colony, swarm or flock behaves with more appropriate reactions than each individual can.

Systematic and well written. Understandable almost to the point of being "dumbed down" and organized to sell the lesson. This book couldn't be better for an interested layperson.

This is a very good and informative book to read. The principles described could be utilized by numerous small business to increase productivity and efficiency. It could also be utilized by our Federal Government to streamline programs, financial allocations, and just improvement of inefficiencies in general. It should be a recommended reading for all Governmental personel. It could also be very applicable to logical support programs for the military in the field of battle.

This book surprised me and not many books do. I was surprised at the little gems of wisdom and insight I received from it. It took me a while to get thru it because the books takes a long time to get to the point. But I'm glad I stuck it out. The last paragraph of the book socked the air right out of my lungs. It sums up the whole reason I stuck with reading it before I knew why. And it's a great metaphor for how to live your life.

This book is a very nicely put together. There is a question being indirectly probed here: "What does it means to be human?" Are we just somewhat self-aware animals? I personally believe humans can be much more than herd animals or members of a hive. The author may not have been aware that his book would be interpreted as saying we, as a species, are just as limited as ants in our potential. The last 10 years of American history would seem to bear out that hypothesis, though. However, raising awareness about our shared animal characteristics is a very positive step toward better understanding and, potentially,change! If you found the content of this book unexpected and amazing, then the author is already making progress.

This is a popular science book that provides a shallow view of an important area. A five star review actually commented that the book was "almost too dumbed-down." If one is non-expert and feels this way, then it is. Popular science writing can tell both, or more, sides of a story, bring us to the cutting edge and controversies, and challenge our way of thinking. Unlike the lovable termite which has, how can I put it charitably, a limited behavioral repertoire, humans are intellectually adaptive, becoming progressively better at solving puzzles of all types. However, we most improve our own capacity when not spoon-fed. As an entry point to sociobiology I recommend E.O. Wilson's books, and caution any manager impressed by the ability of termites to build a city for termites and ants to build a city for ants to think twice, and again, before subjecting employees and shareholders to over-simplified ideas from whatever source.

Some of the principles lend itself to a "herd" mentality where we function as part of a group dynamic, and that has purpose, but the real insight comes in our participation as individuals and our contributions are part of a higher consciousness.

Interessante. Studiato per un esame di sociologia. Molto ricco di informazioni e scorrevole. Affascinante e preciso nel riportare i fatti.

This is an excellent book on the flight of birds and was relevant only last nigh on winter watch on TV. Every home should have one

Adquirimos 12 ejemplares para entregar en una dirección en París y el envío fue un desastre. Lo dividieron en varias partes y lo enviaron con mensajeros diferentes. Unos dieron con la dirección y otros dijeron que no existía, cuando ponía exactamente lo mismo. Finalmente se entregaron 2 meses más tarde. Unos en París y otros en Madrid.

En atención al cliente me hicieron hablar con las distintas mensajerías para localizar los envíos. Pero si yo hago el pedido a Amazon ¿por qué tengo que hablar yo con los subcontratistas? En fín, creo que nunca más

Peter Millers SMART SWARM gives a good overview of one of the most focal research issues for complex system dynamics, i.e. how decision makers can interact and what kind of the collective behaviour emerges from simple interaction rules.

I'd recommend this book to anyone how may not be familiar with this field, but seeking an entertaining story about it. The references are good enough to pursue the original articles granted that the reader want's further in depth understanding.

For the curious reader thinking "cool - what's this complex stuff all about?" I would recommend this book as an easy read prior to reading Scott Page & John H. Miller's Complex Adaptive Systems, as Peter Miller's book gives a good story to remember, whilst Page & Millers provides a more in-depth explanation of how it works.

a new vision of animals behaviour and a new definition of intelligence. A possible extension to humans is amazing.