Sailing the Ocean of Complexity

This book gives a nontechnical survey of complex systems, strongly emphasizing the connection of fundamental physics to biology. Starting with a very nice foundational discussion, the Succi goes on to look at the connection developed by Boltzmann between microscopic physics and macroscopic biology…the thoughtful reader will be rewarded. * Choice *This is an interesting exploration of how the complex macroscopic world is derivable from microscopic physics, and how the non-linearity of complex systems leads to issues of predictability and at the same time accounts for physical structures. The author gives personal comments on his own appreciation of the physics throughout the book, as well as a thought-provoking conclusion suggesting that our experience of time is a consequence of the emergence of complexity. * E. Kincanon, Gonzaga University, CHOICE connect *Complexity is between the two infinities “very big” and “very small” - always a fascinating subject. The author explains things in a very easy-going way, and adds some entertaining stories and thoughts which make it entertaining to read. * Christian Beck, Queen Mary University of London *Complexity science is of critical importance in the modern world, but not on the radar screen of the average reader. This book, designed for the general public, is intended to fix that problem in a very enjoyable and entertaining style. * Bruce Boghosian, Tufts University *A fresh and competent view on a very interesting scientific topic. * Guido Caldarelli, School IMT Alti Studi Lucca *Sauro Succi’s new book is both superb and essential. Succi, with clarity and wit, takes us from quarks and Boltzmann to soft matter - precisely the frontier of physics and life. Someone said, “There is no truth beyond magic”. Succi shows us the magic at the edge of life. * Stuart Kauffman, MacArthur Fellow, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Gold Medal Accademia Lincea *

Sauro Succi graduated in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Bologna and holds a PhD in Physics from the Swiss Polytechnique Institute in Lausanne. He has been working at several Italian and European institutions, including the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, EPFL, IBM Europe, The Italian National Research Council and lately the Italian Institute of Technology. He also held numerous teaching and research appointments in Europe and USA, particularly at Harvard University.