Emergence: The Connected Lives of Ants, Brains, Cities, and Software

The theory of emergence is a complicated one, but author Steven Johnson describes it in accessible terms in this riveting read. When various parts come together to perform a single function, their power as a whole can often surpass the power of the sum of their parts. Just as servers located all around the globe come together to make the internet work, or ants move synchronously for the good of the colony, an emergent property arises when various pieces come together to form something new and bigger than the pieces on their own. In the age of the internet and in our hyperconnected world, emergence is cropping up more and more frequently. Johnson explores the implications of this trend for the future of science and technology, and tracks our understanding of emergence through history. A highly compelling read.

(This book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)