Sam Arbesman — Science, Complexity and Humanistic Computation (EP.277)

Sam Arbesman, complexity scientist, author of "The Magic of Code," and scientist in residence at Lux Capital, joins me for a wide-ranging exploration of how we navigate an increasingly complex world that often exceeds human comprehension.

We dive into the oral traditions that preserve crucial scientific knowledge, why cognitive diversity trumps demographic diversity, the forgotten innovations hiding in technological history, and Sam's vision for "Maxis 2.0".

This conversation had everything—from science fiction's cultural impact to the philosophy of intellectual humility. Sam and I discovered we're remarkably simpatico on how to think about complex systems, the importance of historical context, and why saying "I don't know" is the foundation of genuine learning.

I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our Substack.

Important Links:

• Personal Website
• Book Page: The Magic of Code
• Sam’s X Profile

Show Notes:

• Sam’s Sci-fi Origins
• The Oral Tradition in Science and Technology
• Cultivating the Unexpected
• Open-Endedness and Large Language Models
• “All Models Are Wrong, but Some Are Useful”
• Culture’s Role in Shaping Everything
• Patching Bugs in HumanOS
• Tech History and Forgotten Innovations
• A Tech Archaeology Fellowship
• Humility and Knowledge
• Learning Via Negativa
• The Complexity of Our World
• Sam’s Current Obsessions in Science and Gaming
• Sam As Emperor of the World

Books Mentioned:

• Dune; by Frank Herbert
• Foundation trilogy; by Isaac Asimov
• Overcomplicated: Technology at the Limits of Comprehension; by Sam Arbesman
• The Half-Life of Facts; by Sam Arbesman
• When We Cease to Understand the World; by Benjamín Labatut
• White Mirror; by Tinkered Thinking
• Nonzero; by Robert Wright
• The Evolution of God; by Robert Wright
• God and Golem, Inc.; by Norbert Wiener
• The Road; by Cormac McCarthy
• The Guide for the Perplexed; by Moses Maimonides
• The Story of Civilization; by Will and Ariel Durant
• Mistakes Were Made, and Yes, by Me; by Jim O'Shaughnessy