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What is common to cells, rainforests, markets, and language? John Holland demonstrates that each of these complex systems can be analyzed by studying the signals between their evolving parts, the changing boundaries that define these parts, and the coevolution of the signals and the boundaries. The result is a deeper understanding of all complex systems as each application enlightens the others. A remarkable achievement. -- Robert Axelrod, author of The Evolution of Cooperation Complex adaptive systems assume definition as agents arise and organize themselves into specialized units with boundaries and signals that sustain those boundaries, becoming agents themselves in ever-more-complex hierarchies. In his characteristic engaging style, John Holland elucidates the universal organizational principles that characterize hierarchical pattern formation across the spectrum of science. -- Simon Levin, Moffett Professor of Biology, Princeton University

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What is common to cells, rainforests, markets, and language? John Holland demonstrates that each of these complex systems can be analyzed by studying the signals between their evolving parts, the changing boundaries that define these parts, and the coevolution of the signals and the boundaries. The result is a deeper understanding of all complex systems as each application enlightens the others. A remarkable achievement. -- Robert Axelrod, author of The Evolution of Cooperation Complex adaptive systems assume definition as agents arise and organize themselves into specialized units with boundaries and signals that sustain those boundaries, becoming agents themselves in ever-more-complex hierarchies. In his characteristic engaging style, John Holland elucidates the universal organizational principles that characterize hierarchical pattern formation across the spectrum of science. -- Simon Levin, Moffett Professor of Biology, Princeton University

About the Author

John H. Holland is Professor of Psychology and Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Michigan; he is also Trustee and External Professor at the Santa Fe Institute. He is the author of Hidden Order- How Adaptation Builds Complexity and other books.