146
people found this helpful, as of 2023
ranked #212,256 most helpful
out of 571,544,897 reviews
★★☆☆☆
Not Worth It
The basic idea that complexity can be obtained by very simple rules is not new. The idea that the Universe, in all its complexity, may be a result of very simple (computational) rules is not new. And looking at lots (and I mean *lots*) of fractal-like, cellular automata, game of life like, black and white pictures is no fun at all. The pictures tell you nothing. You need to understand the text to understand the pictures. But if you understand the text, you don't really need the pictures. (A few pictures would be o.k., but hundreds is not good.)
I think the basic info in this book, the basic theme, could be written in under 100 pages. This is not a "how to" book. It doesn't tell you how to replace current math, physics, etc. with something new. It only suggests that it might be possible to do so by considering "it all" as computation and by finding/defining simple computable systems.
Some interesting ideas. For me, not many new ideas. Glad I didn't buy the book. (Borrowed a copy.)
