Notes on Complexity

By: Neil Theise

Narrated by: Kaleo Griffith

Length: 4 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

An electrifying introduction to complexity theory, the science of how complex systems behave, that explains the interconnectedness of all things and that Deepak Chopra says, “will change the way you understand yourself and the universe.

Nothing in the universe is more complex than life. Throughout the skies, in oceans, and across lands, life is endlessly on the move. In its myriad forms—from cells to human beings, social structures, and ecosystems—life is open-ended, evolving, unpredictable, yet adaptive and self-sustaining. Complexity theory addresses the mysteries that animate science, philosophy, and metaphysics: how this teeming array of existence, from the infinitesimal to the infinite, is in fact a seamless living whole and what our place, as conscious beings, is within it. Physician, scientist, and philosopher Neil Theise makes accessible this “theory of being,” one of the pillars of modern science, and its holistic view of human existence. He notes the surprising underlying connections within a universe that is itself one vast complex system—between ant colonies and the growth of forests, cancer and economic bubbles, murmurations of starlings and crowds walking down the street.

The implications of complexity theory are profound, providing insight into everything from the permeable boundaries of our bodies to the nature of consciousness. Notes on Complexity is an invitation to trade our limited, individualistic view for the expansive perspective of a universe that is dynamic, cohesive, and alive—a whole greater than the sum of its parts. Theise takes us to the exhilarating frontiers of human knowledge and in the process restores wonder and meaning to our experience of the everyday.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Neil Theise (P)2023 Spiegel & Grau by Spotify Audiobooks

Critic reviews

“Mind-blowing . . . [There is] a very small amount of people we’ve interviewed who seem to be able to see the entire world in all of its complexity, in one view . . . . Neil might have his arms around perhaps as much of the big picture as one can get their arms around.”—Dax Shepard, Armchair Expert Podcast

“Lucid and accessible . . . This slender work offers a compelling retreat into the exhilarating and oddly reassuring world of complexity.”—Washington Post

“This is an extraordinary book that will change the way you understand yourself and the universe. It will empower you. We should all be indebted to Neil Theise for this monumental contribution to the science behind all reality.”—Deepak Chopra

 The perspective I have been looking for to bring together science, philosophy, and spirituality.

Easy to read/listen to and understand. Not an easy task, considering the subject matter. Many thanks to the author.

Excellent Definition of the Levels of Complexity

I really enjoyed Theise’s journey down through the levels of Complexity from Macro to Quanta in the first part of the book. It was well written and comprehensive.

While I chose this book for its attempt to draw the lines between this Complexity of The Universe to the Consciousness we employ to experience it. Here is where I was disappointed. Any discussion of the study of Consciousness must include the Masters of Philosophy, Logic, Physics, and Cosmology who spent their lives tracing its roots. We are treated to the History of this effort and this too is mostly well done. Unfortunately, as we get closer to the Present, the Author’s Zen bias injects itself.

He dismisses any validity to a Materialist Theory of The Brain/Sensorium’s ability to conjure up Consciousness, instead assigning Godel’s Theories the task of limiting Science’s capabilities. To fill in the gaps caused by these shortcomings he elevates the role of “Metaphysics”.

Ignoring the fact that this word is usually used to introduce Theology and The Spirit World into any Philosophic discussion, he reduces his theory to a very cliched and Woo-Woo statement that since “there are more things on heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy”, those things must be found in Intuition, Spirituality or Meditation. He devotes the rest or the book to arguments for this theory because of its similarity to Buddhist, Kabbala, Vedanta, et al practices.

I completely agree that Today’s Science has yet to trace all the roots of Consciousness but it gets closer every day. I also agree that any Scientific approach should be supplemented by Inspiration drawn from everyday experience. But only a combination of the two will lead to a valid, provable explanation. Meditation may be a useful tool but resorting to outdated and debunked Theologies will only lead to dead ends!

All in all though, I enjoyed hearing his mind work and Notes was a good read. Four Stars for the writing. ****

Finally someone combined quantum physics, Vedic philosophy and complexity theory!

Being born in Indian subcontinent as Catholic then grew up in the US, studied this subject as student of physics and engineering in the 70s and 80s. Neil Theise has done a great job!! I have been looking for a book like for a long time.

Incredible book!

I love the way the book ties so many belief systems together. It is truly a great read for those who want to expand their minds.

Mind expanding!

The second half of this book required concentration for me - I think I had to listen at least 3 times before I could really follow along! But a very hopeful message for humanity, in my judgment. Great book!

Theory of everything so well-explained!

This book. As a non-scientist spiritual-sciency seeker - curious about meaning and - this is the closest I’ve felt to the Truth of our reality. I’ve gifted a few copies and keep referring to it. I enjoyed reading this book as much as listening to it…and it’s a great listen!

Fantastic read!

I have only one complaint…it’s much too short! I highly recommend this book to anyone curious about consciousness, the origin of everything, and how one might go about exploring the nature of consciousness on their own.

If we Eliminate all Humans …

Much said, well expressed but “Meaningless” without humans!

For Complexity to persist,
we need Non-linearity, Open systems, and need to eliminate Reductionism in order to begin to understand Complexity.
The earth will survive and thrive without humans.
Imagine a world without Homo sapiens …

Thanks Neil, it was fun!

We are all Connected!

There is no science without philosophy and I enjoyed this book having both. I enjoyed it very much.

Excellent and accessible

I enjoyed this book - it is concise and eye-opening to all the things that make life both hopeful and meaningful.
Definitely worth a listen.