There are several terms used to describe a phenomenon we see in nature, from highly intelligent animals like dolphins or lions, to fish no larger than sardines and even in swarms of locusts. Some call it herd or flock intelligence. The more familiar term is synergy. It is that almost inexplicable multiplier of ability, both physical, mental and creative, that is only realized in cooperative environments.
Hollywood often type-casts fighter pilots, like I once was, as highly competitive, rugged individualists.…