This article reviews how simple heuristics–'rules of thumb'–have guided human adaptation
and the evolution of complex cultures. First, we argue that rules of thumb have been …

Humans have made profound changes to the Earth. The resulting societal challenges of the
Anthropocene (eg, climate change and impacts, renewable energy, adaptive infrastructure …

This article analyzes cyber-communism and the feasibility of central planning from
complexity theory. It first introduces the most known definitions of complexity in economics …

A long tradition explains technological change as recombination. Within this tradition, this
Element develops an innovative combinatorial model of technological change and tests it …

We explore the limitations of the adaptationist view of evolution and propose an alternative.
While gradual adaptation can explain some biological and economic diversity, it cannot …

Patterns and processes emerge unbidden in complex systems when many simple entities
interact. This overview emphasizes the role of networks in emergence, notably network …

A large program of research has aimed to ground large-scale cultural phenomena in
processes taking place within individual minds. For example, investigating whether …

In this article, the problem of understanding multiple layers of complexity in our universe is
addressed, with particular emphasis on explaining creative evolutions in the material …

I develop a bioeconomic theory of social institutions that helps to explain the coevolution of
ideas, social institutions, and technology. The theory is “bioeconomic” because it traces …

In today's increasingly complex, rapidly changing world, organizations are challenged to not
only adapt to VUCA environments but also exploit new market niches. Even so, they …