Episode 41: Steven Strogatz on Synchronization, Networks, and the Emergence of Complex Behavior

One of the most important insights in the history of science is the fact that complex behavior can arise from the undirected movements of small, simple systems. Despite the fact that we know this, we’re still working to truly understand it — to uncover the mechanisms by which, and conditions under which, complexity can emerge from simplicity. (Coincidentally, a new feature in Quanta on this precise topic came out while this episode was being edited.) Steven Strogatz is a leading researcher in this field, a pioneer both in the subject of synchronization and in that of small-world networks. He’s also an avid writer and wide-ranging thinker, so we also talk about problems with the way we educate young scientists, and the importance of calculus, the subject of his new book.

Steven Strogatz received his Ph.D. in applied mathematics from Harvard, and is currently the Jacob Gould Schurman Professor of Applied Mathematics at Cornell. His work has ranged over a wide variety of topics in mathematical biology, nonlinear dynamics, networks, and complex systems. He is the author of a number of books, including SYNC, The Joy of x, and most recently Infinite Powers. His awards include teaching prizes at MIT and Cornell, as well as major prizes from the Joint Policy Board for Mathematics, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Mathematical Association of America, and the Lewis Thomas Prize.

[resnanc]

Strogatz’s nonlinear dynamics course is well worth watching. Brilliant lecturer.

[sarthakmunda]

It's amazing how knowledge or insight gained from somewhere (flashing fireflies) may lead to understanding in a totally different sphere (networks). Relating it to what was talked about in the podcast, knowledge itself is like a network; you learn about one node, and suddenly you're within only 6-degree or less, separated from a knowledge-node that is worlds apart thematically!

[mitfreundlichengrussen]

Dear Dr. Carroll - Thank you infinite times - your program quality and mix is exceptional. A big Servus from Southern Bavaria and be well.

[RalphDratman]

Though I had scored near the top on the Chemistry Achievement college board test during my senior year in high school, I was "weeded out" of my freshman chemistry class at Berkeley, receiving a humiliatingly low grade. Yet it might be more accurate to say that I pulled myself up by the roots. I only wanted to understand more about chemistry. Cramming and memorization did not interest me. Sensing that the course and myself were not able to function together, I stopped trying. I still feel sad about that.

[chrisrecord]

Very accessible presentation. Made me take a look at Wolfram's, New Kind of Science (2002). Randomness, chaos and complexity applied in interesting context.

[mbaske]

Monday is my new favorite day of the week.

[schelsullivan]

Educated and curious lay person checking in!

[TheOriginalRaster]

Cool! So many great things to think about. Cheers!

[MattAngiono]

Would love to hear more! This was a great topic!

[DaveBrownScienceandphilosophy]

Cool one shall listen to this tonight, while I'm trying to sleep..

[SkyFoxTale]

Coincidentally I just got Steven’s book Sync, highly recommend!

[madderhat]

37:00 To keep a sheep awake, you have it counting humans.

[Paolo.Bassetti]

Dear professor Carroll,
allow me to suggest to you and professor Strogatz the book "Why we sleep", by Matthew Walker: although I'm still reading it, I think it's a great book about the latest discoveries and experiments about sleep, explained in a clear and scientific way. Highly recommended!

Thank you for this wonderful episode!
- Paolo

[chrisrecord]

I only do this as a public service. While looking at winners of UNESCO'S Kalinga Prize, i came across Diego Golombek a previous winner and an Argentinian chronobiologist. Golombek won a (parody) lg Nobel Prize for discovering that hamsters suffer less jet lag if they are given Viagra. While this might not be useful for Sean's jet lag, I do think Golombek would be an entertaining and informative guest.

[therugburnz]

Getting crushed in math. Me three. I did just good enough in high school only to find out I was prepared fairly well. My freshman year I Killed it, not one single error in M107 . Second semester was different they recommend I go to a double speed class M111 (6credits) as in skipping M108 thanking M109 and M110 in one semester. I was good at algebra but got lost doing trigonometry proofs. I missed one day of class and could not recover. I went from Deans list to probation in one semester.
I was a music major

[usegnu]

At what point in our evolution did tendencies become wants?

[stefanbatory]

Let say you walk on street 4 am no one around, and next thing you see someone walking towards you from the dystance 100 meters. The way you both walk will quickly sinchronize, or just the instant move of arms, settle thing like that. It is body to body speaking I am aware of you.

[unocios]

Great episode as usual, would you consider having Eric Weinstein on your podcast? Keep up the good work Dr Carroll

[jynxkizs]

This reminds me of decentralized networks like with blockchain.

[miro.s]

It is really annoying when you do interview and don't let to speak interviewer. You should control yourself, be more polite and respectful. It is no your time to show how your ideas are amazing if you are in the role of interviewer.