Topic
complexity
- The Simplest Thing That Could Possibly Work
This latest issue of Res Extensa riffs on an idea from wiki-inventor Ward Cunningham: “Given what we’re trying to do now, what is the simplest thing that could possibly work?” In other words, let’s focus on the goal.…
- Simplicity On The Other Side Of Complexity
My latest post on Res Extensa:
- The Other Side of Complexity
The latest issue of Res Extensa, on the path from "simplistic" to "simple" understanding, over the hill of complexity: Superficial simplicity is our first impression, a naïve jump to conclusion. Simplicity on the othe…
- The Shirky Principle
“Institutions will try to preserve the problem to which they are the solution.” — Clay Shirky
- Simplifying with Gall's Law
In the latest issue of Res Extensa, I dove into "Gall's Law", which says: A complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple system that worked. A complex system designed from scratch never…
- Pond Brains and GPT-4
Are complex ecosystems like ponds actually smarter than we are? Are they "thinking"? Gordon says yes: Evolution is a pragmatist. It only cares about actual behavior. It is the getting and the doing that matter. The ho…
- Mycopunk Principles
What would it look like to apply principles of mycelial (fungal) networks to other systems? A sampling: 🕸 NETWORKED/DISTRIBUTED/ANARCHIST: No central command. Local subsidiarity, problem solving at the edges. 💪 ANTI…
- Simplicity on the Other Side of Complexity
“I would not give a fig for the simplicity on this side of complexity, but I would give my life for the simplicity on the other side of complexity.” What a great line from Oliver Wendell Holmes. When you think you're…
- The Midwit Trap
Some solutions rely on convoluted chains of logic that are strictly dependent on every single statement being true. They are more likely to have hidden “divide by zero” problems that may be easily noticeable to the ex…
- Systems and Constraints
There are so many good little pieces in this brief interview with Alicia Juarrero, who studies complex systems and complexity theory. Three options are possible once a complex system reaches a threshold of instability…
- The Efficiency-Destroying Magic of Tidying Up
A thought-provoking post from Florent Crivello. Engineers’ continuously seek structure and organization assuming that it’s a proxy for efficiency. Here the author points out that with new tools enabling AI systems to…