Three years of Complexity Thoughts
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Three years ago I started this space with a simple idea: write about complexity and science in a way that feels useful, honest and a bit more thoughtful than the usual hype cycle. That idea turned into something I’m genuinely grateful for: a community that keeps growing and conversations that keep getting better.
A few highlights from the past 12 months:
+1,200 readers joined along the way
41 posts published in 2025: 18 short essays and 23 Issues. (Since I have started this Substack in early November, the true number of short essays is 20, with 27 Issues since November 2024. So I ended up posting more often than “every two weeks on average” anyway)
We moved to a hybrid free + paid model (and if you’re curious about the reasoning, read the post below, where I report the full chain of events, actions and data-driven summary)
The podcast reached 200+ listeners on Spotify (given that I’m doing this for fun alongside my day job, it still feels unbelievable)
And, maybe the best part: I connected with other Substack writers who care about doing science communication properly: no hype, no overclaims, just careful thinking and honest takes
If you’ve been reading, replying, sharing or simply showing up here from time to time: THANK YOU. Substack can feel like “a platform”, but this has never felt like a platform to me: it has felt like a small, evolving community.
The top 10 Thoughts
Here are the ones you seemed to enjoy most this year. If you missed any, this is a good place to start:
I’m looking forward to another year of exploring complex systems. Meanwhile, here’s a small simulation that — just for this occasion — might seem to violate the second law of thermodynamics. Remember: not impossible, just unlikely.
Happy Xmas and New Year!
Manlio
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