1/ Developing a basic understanding (and a sense of intuition) around how complex systems work may be the most important things I've learned in the last five years.
2/ Complex systems are any system with many different components that interact with each other. They are characterized by the phrase "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts."
3/ It sounds hyperbolic to say that complex systems are the most important thing I’ve learned, because we don’t immediately identify complex systems with anything particularly important.
4/ However, they are a pervasive feature of the world we live in. When we say that the world is increasingly networked or connected, we are implicitly saying that it is complex.
5/ Getting a basic understanding of complex systems can help you go from being controlled by what can feel like invisible or unknowable to exert control over them yourself.
6/ A few examples of complex systems include:
7/ Political entities (AKA your country and city) - A country or city is a system in which many different parts (government entities, citizens, legislators, etc.) interact with each other.
8/ Organizations (AKA your company) - Your company is also a system in which the many different employees, managers, and departments interact.
9/ Organisms (AKA your body) - Your body is made up of many different components, from cells to organs to hormones that interact with each other.
10/ Markets (AKA how you make money) - Markets are one of the most studied examples of complex systems, where many different players interact with each other.
11/ In short, understanding complex systems can improve your work, your health and your relationships. That’s a pretty big bang for your (knowledge) buck.
12/ If you're interested, I just published a post of my favorite books and resources for understanding complex systems - medium.com/the-mission/th…
