Swarm Theory

We as humans consider ourselves superior in intelligence over all other living things on this earth.  Just the mere fact that we are able to discern that the reflection of ourselves in a mirror is, well, to put it bluntly, ourselves in the mirror; this sets us apart from most animals.  There are few animals that are cognizant of the “self”.  Dolphins and chimpanzees are aware of themselves and as unique individuals.  Humans are capable of great achievements but also have the ability to self destruct and are one of the few living things that can inflict genocide, id est, can kill its own kind.  The term genocide is being used loosely here to reflect the notion that besides humans, there are few animals that will kill and cannibalize on their own for survival.  There are a few primates species that have shown this very rare trait.  Once again, I am diverting from illustrating a point, in this case, presenting “swarm theory” not as a replacement for current management/supervision philosophies, but as an alternative to failing leadership concepts.

These are not Marxist ideas but rather biological concepts derived from the animal kingdom.  Societal organisms like bees, wasps, herd animals, and birds deciding that survival of the species needs to be decided by the whole rather than the few.  In other words, a single individual may not be smart enough, but the the colony as a whole is a “genius”.   Collective interaction and feedback may seem alien to us human beings but to these organisms it makes a whole lot of sense–basically, control without hierarchy!  To read the entirety of the National Geographic magazine article “Swarm Theory” use the following link:

Swarm Theory by Peter Miller, July 2007

Do take the time to ponder on the simplicity of the concept, from the animal kingdom to humans.