Complexity: The Emerging Science at the Edge of Order and Chaos

The bestselling and essential introduction to complexity science—the study of how patterns, change, and unexpected behavior emerge in nature, the economy, technology, and society. From stock market crashes to evolution, Waldrop expertly guides readers through seemingly chaotic systems and their hidden rules.

Why did the stock market crash more than 500 points on a single Monday in 1987? Why do ancient species often remain stable for millions of years and then suddenly disappear? In a world w...