One of the most valuable quotes about complexity that I have come across
is:
"If you can't find an answer, you have probably got the wrong question."
Most things can be thought of in many different ways. Imagine a complex
set of trusses that look like a confused mess until you move them around
and then they become simple.
For example. we know a lot about how to handle simple objects and
combinations of objects such as buidings, and bridges etc. However, when
we look at a gas, things get complicated. We can predict the interaction
between two molecules, but we can't predict the interaction between three.
How much less can we predict the interaction between millions.
However, if we stop worrying about individual particles, and concentrate
on collective properties, it all becomes simple again - gasses obey very
simple laws. However, you treat them in very different ways - beams and
strings are no longer any use - you need to use tubes and tanks.
Complexity becomes simplicity - but there are just very much different
ways of thinking about it.
I think there are other applications for that analogy if you are
interested.
Yours
Gray Southon
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Reply to message text:
From: Vadeboncoeur Helene <vadebonh@ERE.UMontreal.CA>
Chers collegues
We are in the process of writing a practical managers guide to complexity
to be edited in Quebec and in France in the French language.
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