By Ira Rabois

At times, we encounter a book, article, or podcast that resonates deeply, making us think, "This really clarifies so much." I had this experience recently while delving into Notes on Complexity: A Scientific Theory of Connection, Consciousness, and Being by Neil Thiese. The intriguing title piqued my interest, and upon reading the first three chapters, I found my initial impression reinforced.

Complexity theory examines the patterns of interactions that are dynamic, evolving, and unpredictable, yet capable of self-organization—essentially, the essence of life itself. It suggests that new characteristics or behaviors may emerge within a group or an individual, though the specifics of these developments cannot be precisely forecasted. This concept is evident across various fields, including biology, ecology, climatology, anthropology, and economics.

The theory acts as a bridge between the minuscule details captured by Quantum Mechanics and the expansive universe described by Relativity. It goes beyond Chaos Theory, which posits that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, while still allowing for predictability. It illustrates natural phenomena, such as the behavior of clouds, whirlpools, and waves.

Though these ideas may initially appear abstract, further exploration reveals their relevance to our everyday lives. The theory serves as a metaphorical lens through which we can better understand the complexities we encounter.

Often, we assume that comprehending all the components of a system enables us to predict the behavior of the entire unit. We tend to perceive the universe as a large, predictable machine without realizing it. However, complexity offers a fresh perspective. For instance, we can anticipate the overall behavior of water in a glass, but we cannot pinpoint the location of an individual molecule. Similarly, while we can use computational models to simulate human body functions, we cannot predict the behavior of a human being as a complete entity. This highlights the importance of humility in our inquiries; thorough research does not guarantee possession of the singular correct answer.

Complexity introduces four fundamental rules that offer insights into navigating the universe, and these rules have significant applicability to our lives.

1. Quantities Matter: A complex system only emerges when there are enough elements present. For instance, a few ants will not exhibit self-organizing behavior, such as cooperative tunneling or food sharing. However, when the number reaches 25 or more, such behaviors begin to manifest. With a population of a thousand, cooperation can flourish even further.
2. Interactions are Local: While numbers are significant, so too are individual contributions. We may envision interactions as predominantly hierarchical, assuming a single leader oversees everything, much like a boss ant or our brain controlling bodily functions. Yet, reality is more intricate. No single entity governs the whole system. The mind affects the gut, and vice versa. Organization arises from local interactions among individual components, whether in nature or within our bodies.

Authoritarian figures often believe they are in control, striving to exert their influence. While some individuals wield more power than others, no one exists outside the interconnected web of life. Each being influences others while also being influenced.

3. Negative Feedback is Crucial: Both positive and negative feedback loops play essential roles. Here, "negative" and "positive" do not imply "bad" or "good," but rather indicate the direction of energy flow. Positive feedback tends to accelerate processes, while negative feedback introduces balance and adaptability, promoting a return to homeostasis. Stability arises from equilibrium rather than rigidity.

Negative feedback prevents any one element or group from overpowering others and destabilizing the system. For instance, in a healthy organism, cells regulate each other through contact inhibition, halting division through negative feedback. However, when a mutation occurs, as seen with cancer cells, unchecked growth can ensue, risking the health of the entire system.

In 1929, the U.S. Congress enacted legislation to curb runaway economic policies that benefited a select few at the expense of the overall system. During the Great Depression, President Roosevelt implemented further regulations to stabilize the economy. However, during the 1980s, President Reagan began rolling back those protections. In recent years, efforts to dismantle regulations have led to the concentration of power and wealth, creating a precarious situation for democracy and the system itself.

4. Embracing Randomness: Some degree of randomness is essential in complex systems, facilitating creativity and adaptability. Without it, novel actions cannot emerge, stifling life itself. If living cells were entirely predictable, our bodies would be too rigid to combat diseases, injuries, or external threats.

In the context of political complexity, authoritarian regimes require the support of others to maintain control. They often manipulate education to foster blind loyalty and curtail independent thought, thereby stifling randomness. This approach can be likened to a cancerous growth, undermining democracy and threatening the overall stability of society.

The four principles and the intricate web of complexity articulated by Thiese evoke the imagery of the Net of Indra, possibly conceived in India around 1000 BCE. This metaphor depicts a radiant web, with each being represented as a multifaceted jewel on a delicate thread, reflecting all others.

Susan Murphy, in her book A Fire Runs Through All Things: Zen Koans for Facing The Climate Crisis, likens this web to a holographic perspective of reality, emphasizing our shared responsibilities in confronting the dual crises of authoritarianism and climate change. Our suffering is interconnected; our health depends on collective well-being. The climate crisis impacts us all. Numbers matter. Local interactions have global implications. Unchecked economic expansion resembles cancer.

Awakening to our interconnectedness highlights the role each of us plays in rejuvenating and safeguarding our systems, our communities, and the planet.