Richard Mann

Abstract Better decision-making in larger groups than smaller groups or individuals has been observed across various taxa. While this phenomenon is thought to result from the pooling of independent information in collective decision-making, an alternative mechanism is the better retention of learned information in larger groups: collective memory.

If you want to turn a good idea and a fairly decent initiative into a major fiasco, here’s how: put together a benefit for the poor. Then make it available to only some of said poor, needy and desperate. Make the organisation and the criteria so loose and vague that there’s lots of room for fraud, theft, nepotism and favouritism. Make sure that the communication is so vague as to be almost nonexistent, so that jolly rumours can abound and have people scrambling around like chickens at feeding time.

Good news for the Christian church in South Africa. There is a massive spiritual awakening among honourable members. They are attending church services in droves. Even leading singing and preaching inspirational sermons. Who better than those who have lived shining lives of humble service to the people? In whose mouths a lie dare not dwell. Whose fingers have never caressed a R10 note earned dishonestly. I wish that I could attend such services. Just the notion raises the gooseflesh on my arms.