Evolution continually innovates, but at each level it conserves the elements that are recombined to yield the innovations.

nonlinear interactions almost always make the behavior of the aggregate more complicated than would be predicted by summing or averaging.

If we are to understand the interactions of a large number of agents, we must first be able to describe the capabilities of individual agents.

If there is to be a competition, there must be some basis for resolving it. It is also clear that the competition should be experienced based.

The recycling of resource by the aggregate behavior of a diverse array of agents is much more than the sum of the individual actions.

Unwrapping occurs when the "solution" is explicitly built into the program from the start.

Particular individuals do not recur, but their building blocks do.

Looking back to data, we can see if the consequences are plausible; looking forward to theory, we can see if general principles are suggested.

This use of building blocks to generate internal models is a pervasive feature of complex adaptive systems.

From the point of view of physics, it is a miracle that [seven million New Yorkers are fed each day] without any control mechanism other than sheer capitalism.

The measure of performance of any given agent is the amount of money it accumulates through its actions.

There are no bad words. Bad thoughts. Bad intentions, and wooooords.

I do tasks for the gods, usually things like tracking down rare items or taking someone safely to a destination."D'Molay the Freeman Tracker

We have heard the rationales offered by the nuclear superpowers. We know who speaks for the nations. But who speaks for the human species? Who speaks for Earth?

I always say Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is my biggest influence. But for painters, I like many, many painters, but I love Francis Bacon the most, and Edward Hopper.

Don't push me I've got a corner at my back I've nowhere to go except over you.

The invisible realm is superior and far more real than the visible realm.

When you're an actress, you become this thing in people's hands that people are trying to manipulate. I cannot stand it.

I think the major device for me is that narrator's voice. I'm always trying to find a different kind of form to tell whatever story it is, and I wish that weren't so, because it drives me crazy.

I have full faith in my people that they will rise to every occasion worthy of our past Islamic history, glory and traditions.

Oh, I'll live Ender's life, too. It's so much more interesting than my own." ~Val