[nonbel]

>"E&M is far from "simple". It contains special relativity, for starters."

A theory (which is just a set of assumed first principles and rules of logic) can be simple but allow you to deduce vast complexity from it. In fact, it is ideal for a theory to be as simple as possible.

The "game of life" is not really a theory, but it demonstrates that simple rules can lead to surprising complexity: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conway%27s_Game_of_Life

EDIT:

I can't begin to imagine why this would trigger a downvote. Are there people out there who prefer complex theories that make things more difficult to understand than necessary? Perhaps because it makes them feel smart or something, I don't know.

But that is basically saying you dislike science, because the point of science is to synthesize information into a small set of simple "laws" that allow us to deduce accurate and precise predictions.

[weedwarrior]

you are being downvoted because of a problem with the nature of HN echo chamber being a symptom. if the voting/karma system was improved we wouldnt have problems with this kind of downvoting

[aj7]

I reflexively downvote the game of life. I have never heard of a single useful application or analogy of “finite automata.” Yes, there are speculations about extremely small Planck lengths, by no new physics has panned out. Finally I am sad that one of the greatest computer scientists and polymaths, Ed Fredkin, got sucked into this. We all have weaknesses.

[jle]

GoL wasn't used here because of any value or analogy... it's used as an example of how a simple set of rules can generate complex behavior. GoL can display complex behavior, but it would be a stretch to to say that the rules governing it are complex. If you think GoL is too simplistic, you are agreeing with the original comment.

[ckocagil]

Surely you mean cellular automata, not finite automata.

[aj7]

Yes, you are right. My ignorance shows, but I am still hanging on to my opinion of cellular automata.

[aj7]

It’s remarkable how many silent downvotes you get when you tweak something that people think is cool. C’mon guys. Refute what I said.