The Power of Simple Rules in Complex Systems
Artificial and natural systems alike reveal a profound truth: complexity often arises not from intricate design, but from the disciplined repetition of simple rules. In biology, ecosystems thrive not because every organism follows a unique path, but because each responds to basic environmental cues—light, temperature, predation. In human-made systems, such as computer algorithms or urban planning, rules like “react to input” or “optimize for efficiency” generate adaptive, intelligent behavior without centralized control. This emergence demonstrates a key paradox: **complexity emerges not from complexity, but from simplicity**. Minimal rules, when applied consistently across dynamic interactions, yield systems capable of learning, adaptation, and resilience.