COMPLEXITY: THE EMERGING SCIENCE AT THE EDGE OF ORDER AND CHAOS

Rating:
Summary: Captivating, raises more questions than answers.
Review: A point made in this book specifically states that the science of complexity has much to offer beyond the physical sciences. I couldn't agree more. For example, current deterrence based crime control policies are predicated on the rational criminal that weighs the costs and benefits of their deeds. This is a problematic assumption tangentially related to the rational decision making argument raised in discussion (in the book) about economic theories and models. To the point, the players in any arena, crime or otherwise, aren't necessarily rational and they don't always make the most appropriate choice given a host of options. Why? This is the black box the science of complexity tackles. In brief, I put this book in my "top ten distractions to completing a dissertation" and take some solace in the fact that a scholar at Sante Fe felt the same kind of pangs.

Rating:
Summary: Addicting and practical!
Review: Well-written book which was a good progression for me after reading Gleick's "Chaos". I found it difficult to put the book away once I began reading. The descriptions of the various personalities responsible for the promotion of this new science were quite interesting and balanced nicely the physics and math that was presented. It forced me to view life and everyday occurrences differently. I highly recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: The Unfolding of a New Science.... A Must Read!!
Review: I had Read "Chaos" and was looking for something more... I found it in "Complexity"! Waldrop, a particle Physicist by day, has done a superb job with a potentially dry subject. The work is intellectually stimulating as he weaves the lives of cutting edge biologists, physicists, economists and computer scientists into the story of the founding of the Sante Fe Institute; a complexity think tank located in New Mexico. Waldrop's style is "emergent" in itself as the building blocks to this new science are revealed... no "unfolded" across the page. One comes away with the sense that this is truly the dawning of a new age of science. Many of my own hunches and intuitions were validated as I read. "Yes, Yes" was my reply as I encountered the paradox of competition vs cooperation... of growth vs stasis. This book inspired me to write..."Chaos and order dance together and from the perspective of love and meaning fulfills l! ife" and also... "Truth is the strange attractor of mankind and can only be understood at a level higher than our current reality". The only negative is the lack of coverage in the spiritual area. Many questions come to mind when the complexity theories on the origin of life are detailed. I got the feeling that they avoided this like the plauge.... However, even with this shortcoming this is still a must read! If you are searching for the truth.. start here! You will never be the same!

Rating:
Summary: Life, the universe and everything
Review: With the help of the biographies of the founders and members of the Santa Fe Institute Waldrop reveals the birth of this unique 'think tank', where science seems to re-invent itself. The book is sometimes demanding, never boring and page by page a good read. Straight away one is exposed to mind-boggling thoughts, from the nature of science to the origins of life. But instead of giving a dry account of the science of complexity, the stories behind the people who are involved in it lets the book come alive. One cannot help but being intrigued, encouraged and infected by the courage and passion of those who dare to think in ways different to the mainstream.

Rating:
Summary: Intellectually stimulating and mind-opening!
Review: Very probably the best review of the science of complexity I have yet read. Waldrop brings these scienstists' stuggles and discoveries to life, allowing the reader to tag along for an incredible ride. I lost several hours of sleep myself, simply because I couldn't put the book down.

Rating:
Summary: Nice reading!
Review: This book is a nice introduction in a narrative form to the science of complex adaptive systems. Probably anyone that reads it will be fascinated and will look for more information. It is engaging.

Rating:
Summary: The true foundations for atheism
Review: I have been fascinated with science of complexity since I've encountered Kaufmann's 'At home in the universe'. However, I've never realized the extend of the revolution until I've read 'Complexity'. It 's must read; it challenges and comforts. It makes one strive and want to understand, and be a part of something of such depth and importance.

Rating:
Summary: A New World "Order"?
Review: Some time ago during a working session for a "Seven Habits..." seminar, we were asked to identify something that had profoundly changed our perspective on life or our direction. I can't remember what I chose, but I remember someone else relating the story of how a particular book had changed their perspective. Immediately my focus changed to my experiences reading "Complexity...". It truly opened up opportunities for new thought in my field of research (information technology). Another book, "Leadership and the New Science" (by Margaret J. Wheatley) shows how the author evolved her research in organizational theory by understanding key concepts introduced by "new science". Ms. Wheatley aligns her work to chaos theory. In "Complexity..." Waldrop makes a very good distinction between the scientific disciplines of "complexity" and "chaos". Though somewhat related, I personally believe that the complexity theories hold greater potential. Chaos provides tremendous energy -- some of it destructive. Harnessing it diminishes its power. Complexity theories focus on optimizing the velocity provided by chaos by "riding the crest of the wave".

Rating:
Summary: Next step of Einstein's
Review: Amending my old rating to 10, it is I should do now.

Seisei

Rating:
Summary: If you think your bright, prepare to be humbled....
Review: Complexity takes one to the next level of thought. Just when you think you understand, the Next next level opens up. Very thought provoking. From religion to quarks to fractals to ants. It is tough, and it is fun. You gotta read it!