shiny things 21/ variations on a complex topic
a single topic deep dive
Idea: Complexity science. Complexity science is the study of systems composed of numerous interdependent elements, investigating emergent behavior and patterns arising from nonlinear interactions.
For the longest time I assumed the metaphors and analogies we use to explain the world was simply a lazy brain’s way of pattern matching — turns out, in many cases, the science & the math finds patterns between wildly disparate systems that make many analogies actually, y’know, true.
the core concepts of Complexity science also make me feel smart when I see examples of various phenomena around me.
Book: Complexity: The Emerging Science at the Edge of Order and Chaos — published in 1992, it’s a great origin story of the Santa Fe Institute, who is at the heart of Complexity Science to this day. There’s a solid WTF twist 2/3 of the way into the book that I won’t spoil. when you get there, send me a note.
Podcast: Simplifying Complexity but for the real deep dive, the now concluded Complexity podcast from the Santa Fe Institute itself, which got me started on the whole thing. For a quick primer, the previously mentioned Mindscape podcast hosted David Krakauer (SFI’s president) on a recent episode
Shiny bits
The paradox of green energy: we need more lithium. Lithium is hard to find, mine and refine. So when people find lithium, it’s not easy to get it. This time, it’s the local government in the way. via Reddit
Interospection is the act of listening to one’s body. The more we do it, the more we discover value, and confusion. via Jan Chipchase
I hate Calibri. Not because it is a particularly hideous font, but because it represents a lack of decision-making. But apparently the tyranny of calibri is nearly over: MSFT has selected a new default, Aptos