A Crude Look at the Whole

"[A Crude Look at the Whole is a] succinct, elegant study of systems thinking, the newish science examining basic principles, such as emergence, that govern physics, biology and economics."—Nature

"A Crude Look at the Whole presents most of the starter-level examples of complexity. Social insects are an illustration crucial to Miller's economic focus. He gives an engaging account of how the simple behaviour of individual ants produces something that looks a bit like intelligence in the nest as a whole."—New Scientist

"Miller's whirlwind tour is...well-grounded; he stresses complexity theory as an approach and a complementary way of thinking, not as a cure-all."—Slate

"Miller...provide[s] a thought-provoking introduction to the study of complexity."—Publishers Weekly

"Miller offers a vigorous survey of the tools, techniques, and ideas underlying complex systems and their study."—Kirkus Reviews

"A Crude Look at the Whole is a delightful tour of the core principles of complex systems. You will see the world differently, and more clearly, after reading this erudite and wondrous romp."—Michael J. Mauboussin, Head of Global Financial Strategies, Credit Suisse

"Miller offers a vigorous survey of the tools, techniques, and ideas underlying complex systems and their study."—Kirkus Reviews

"Miller's book is a fine introduction to complex systems thinking in the context of social systems."—Jim Rutt, past Chairman of the Santa Fe Institute and Director of the Proteus Foundation

"Well-written, interesting, and stimulating. This book shows us how individual elements--bees, traders, neurons--interact to produce 'endless forms most beautiful.' John Miller makes complexity seem simple."—W. Brian Arthur, author of Complexity and the Economy and recipient of the Lagrange Prize in Complexity Science

"The 'sciences of complexity' crystallized about thirty years ago, partially at the Santa Fe Institute. John Miller was the first postdoctoral fellow at SFI. His A Crude Look at the Whole is a superb "look." Miller's range is synoptic. More, the topics are essential for the world of today. Read this book."—Stuart Kauffman, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, emeritus professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the University of Pennsylvania and author of At Home In the Universe