Complexity Theory as a Way of Life

To live well in the Anthropocene, I find understanding complexity extremely valuable. It differs so much from my previous way of understanding the world - mechanical, linear, controllable, knowable, purposeless - that it's not only a knowledge system but informs another way of being and acting in the world.

It isn't just a theory; it's the story of how the universe likes to throw surprises at us. As Neil Theise said, "Think of it as the universe's favorite game of Guess What Happens Next?"

Complexity theory, also known as complex systems theory, is a multidisciplinary framework that studies the behavior and properties of complex systems composed of numerous interacting and interdependent elements. It explores how these systems exhibit emergent phenomena, where the collective behavior of the whole system cannot be simply deduced from the properties of individual components. Complexity theory examines how small, seemingly insignificant changes or interactions within these systems can lead to nonlinear, unpredictable, and often unexpected outcomes. It is applied across various fields, from physics and biology to economics and sociology, to better understand the dynamics of complex systems and the patterns that emerge from their interactions.

The transition from understanding the world as a complicated machine to understanding it as a complex system can have implications on our ways of knowing, being, and acting in the world that are more conducive to a regenerative future. Imagine that your lived philosophy is that you are connected to everything else, that your actions might be the tipping point to a regenerative future, and that you can cease to try to control outcomes and trust in the process. How would that change your life?

In the following, I want to point out how I think some of the guiding principles that govern complexity can impact our lives:

Emergence

A key "feature" of complexity is that the whole transcends the sum of its parts. Even when we possess a comprehensive understanding of the attributes and behaviors of individual elements within a complex system—whether it be a cell, an organism, or an ecosystem—we remain unable to anticipate the properties that materialize through their interactions. These outcomes are referred to as emergent properties or simply emergence. This intrinsic unpredictability defines the essence of complexity, where systems, including human societies and biological entities, might respond to interventions in unforeseen ways.

As Bobby Azarian compellingly describes in his book "The Romance of Reality" "It turns out that the collective behavior of interacting part, not simply how they function in isolation, is key to understanding the emergence and evolution of all the fascinating organisms and ecosystems that make up the biosphere." Including us.

Unlike the predictability inherent in chaos theory, complexity theory treads into intrinsic unpredictability. Even when provided with identical initial conditions, discerning the precise nature of emergence within complex systems is impossible. That means our response to climate change - to "bring it under control" - is also impossible. Instead, we can create conditions that make sustainable outcomes more likely than unsustainable outcomes.

Numbers Matter

The birth of a complex system necessitates a sufficient number of interacting components. That's why every single person caring about and acting on socialecological concerns is important.

Local Interactions

Complexity emerges from interactions among local elements rather than global control. That's why individual action matters.

Negative Feedback Loops

Feedback mechanisms assume a pivotal role in the adaptability of complex systems, fostering stability amidst change. All living systems are homeostatic while constantly changing. As we are part of the living system, the question is: what can we contribute to foster homeostasis?

Degree of Randomness

Balanced randomness, often described as "quenched disorder," proves essential in nurturing creativity and adaptability within complex systems. That's one reason why we want to avoid societal collapse (pure randomness), as it would make it a lot harder to build something new.

Complexity theory unveils creativity.

The capacity to evolve and innovate amidst uncertainty is a defining characteristic of complexity. It is through this creative impulse that complex entities progressively weave themselves into ever-expansive structures. Step by step, they forge the foundation of our daily lives and the dynamic, organic, living systems enveloping our existence. We need to stay creative. And to be creative, we have to be open and receptive. And we can only be open and receptive if we don't fall into panic or reactivity - something very difficult to do in the face of massive challenges. That's why tools such as mindfulness and deep reflection play a crucial part for regenerative futures.

I find complexity theory to offer us a deeper understanding of our place in the university and into the essence of who we are. More about how this another time.

📚 A book I recommend

The Romance of Reality by Bobby Azarian, because he makes a compelling argument about the nature of the universe. “Cosmologist and science communicator Carl Sagan once said of humanity that “we are a way for the cosmos to know itself.” The Romance of Reality shows that this poetic statement in fact rests on a scientific foundation and gives us a new way to know the cosmos, along with a riveting vision of life that imbues existence with meaning—nothing supernatural required.“

💌 A quote

“This whole universe was made in order that God might know Himself. The seed wished to realize what it is, what is in it, and therefore became the tree.” Hazrat Inayat Khan

✍️ A journal prompt

Consider your life's purpose and the impact you hope to have on the world. How does this purpose align with your understanding of your role in the grand scheme of the universe? Do you see your actions as interconnected with larger cosmic forces?