Complexity
Complexity
M. Mitchell Waldrop
Jamie Dimon
On Jamie Dimon's list of favorite books.
Vlad Zamfir
One of Vlad Zamfir's 3 answers to "what is the book (or books) you’ve given most as a gift?"
Michael Mauboussin
Documents the early days of [Santa Fe Institute] and explains many of the big ideas. - Michael Mauboussin
Michael Mauboussin
Documents the early days of [Santa Fe Institute] and explains many of the big ideas. - Michael Mauboussin
Bill Gurley
Read this book, it changes everything. - Bill Gurley
+
5
All books

Complexity

Complexity: A Guided Tour

M. Mitchell Waldrop
By
M. Mitchell Waldrop
4.1
270
ratings on Goodreads

In the intricate dance of the cosmos, where the flutter of an insect's wing can set off a cascade of far-reaching consequences, "Complexity" by M. Mitchell Waldrop emerges as a seminal guide through the labyrinthine world of complex systems. This masterpiece unravels the enigma of how simplicity begets complexity, illuminating the invisible threads that connect the bustling society of ants to the enigmatic depths of human consciousness. Waldrop, with her adept storytelling and profound insight, invites readers on a journey to the heart of complexity science, a realm where myriad individual elements interweave to spawn organized patterns, adaptive behaviors, and dynamic systems that transcend their constituent parts. Drawing from her pioneering work at the Santa Fe Institute, Waldrop acts as both a scholar and a storyteller, weaving together a tapestry that spans biological networks, technological innovations, and societal structures. "Complexity" is not merely a book; it is a panoramic window into the universe's soul, offering lucid explanations and visionary perspectives on how complexity arises in nature and human endeavors. Through vivid illustrations and captivating narratives, Waldrop demystifies the science of complexity, presenting it as the key to unlocking some of the most persistent mysteries of the universe. This book is an essential compass for anyone seeking to navigate the intricate landscapes of our interconnected world, making the profound principles of complex systems accessible, engaging, and profoundly impactful.

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Released
2009
2 Mar
Length
368
Pages

5

recommendations

recommendation

One of Vlad Zamfir's 3 answers to "what is the book (or books) you’ve given most as a gift?"
On Jamie Dimon's list of favorite books.
Read this book, it changes everything. - Bill Gurley
Documents the early days of [Santa Fe Institute] and explains many of the big ideas. - Michael Mauboussin
Documents the early days of [Santa Fe Institute] and explains many of the big ideas. - Michael Mauboussin
This statement is not provable.” Think about it for a minute. It’s a strange statement, since it talks about itself—in fact, it asserts that it is not provable. Let’s call this statement “Statement A.” Now, suppose Statement A could indeed be proved. But then it would be false (since it states that it cannot be proved). That would mean a false statement could be proved—arithmetic would be inconsistent. Okay, let’s assume the opposite, that Statement A cannot be proved. That would mean that Statement A is true (because it asserts that it cannot be proved), but then there is a true statement that cannot be proved—arithmetic would be incomplete. Ergo, arithmetic is either inconsistent or incomplete.
— M. Mitchell Waldrop, Complexity

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