People's intelligence tends to be in inverse proportion to their number. People don't tend to get smarter as they get into bigger groups.

In this quote, Robyn Hitchcock, a British musician and songwriter, makes a pointed observation about human intelligence in the context of group dynamics. He suggests that as the size of a group increases, the intelligence of the collective tends to decrease. Hitchcock implies that smarter decisions or insights are often harder to come by in larger groups because of factors like groupthink, the diffusion of responsibility, and the difficulty of communicating effectively when there are many voices. Essentially, he is arguing that smaller groups or individuals may have more clarity and wisdom than larger, more chaotic assemblies.

Hitchcock’s statement reflects his skepticism about the effectiveness of large groups or crowds in making thoughtful decisions. As the group size increases, the complexity of managing diverse opinions, interests, and dynamics can dilute the overall intelligence of the group. This idea aligns with theories in psychology and sociology that suggest individual decision-making is often more rational than collective decision-making, particularly in unstructured or emotionally charged situations.

The origin of this quote is rooted in Hitchcock’s broader views on human nature and societal behavior, which often appear in his lyrics and public statements. Known for his clever and sometimes surreal commentary on life and culture, Hitchcock’s quote reflects his characteristic wit and ability to probe human tendencies, especially the way large groups can sometimes behave in unintelligent or irrational ways.

Ultimately, Hitchcock’s quote serves as a reminder of the challenges of group dynamics and the importance of preserving individual critical thinking. It suggests that sometimes, larger groups can become more about conformity and less about creativity or insight, making it harder for truly intelligent discourse to flourish. His comment encourages a reevaluation of how we view group decision-making in modern society.