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

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

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

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.

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.

As a human race, we lost and we are still losing a lot of humanity in the process of progress

He didn't like religion, hadn't liked it for years, but he adored churches, loved them like old scientific instruments whose time is long past but are nevertheless fascinating and strange.

Better a humble heart, a lowly life. Untouched by greatness let me live - and live. Not too little, not too much: there safety lies.

Nations, great nations have limitations. All nations have limitations. Even great powers have limitations.

Composing demands a degree of isolation.

Control is never achieved when sought after directly; it is the surprising result of letting go.

In order to accomplish more than you ever have before, you must do more than you have ever done before.

The desire to survive and the fear of death are artistic sentiments

How do you know that? (Stryker) I know everything. I feel every heartbeat in the universe. Hear every scream for mercy and feel every tear of pain. (Jared)