The Complexity Edition

The word complex comes from the Latin root plectere: to weave, entwine. In complex systems, many simple parts are irreducibly entwined, and the field of complexity is itself an entwining of many different fields.

“Complexity science,” the SFI website explains, “attempts to find common mechanisms that lead to complexity in nominally distinct physical, biological, social, and technological systems.”

Beyond the definitions, science, and patterns that emerge, the field of complexity fascinates me because of how it has captured the imagination and interest of some of the world’s smartest people.

“People think that complex is an advanced state of complicated … It’s not. A car key is simple. A car is complicated. A car in traffic is complex.” It’s the simplest explanation of complexity I’ve ever read