Emergence

Biological Parallel

No single neuron understands calculus; no single ant designs the nest; no single starling choreographs the murmuration's shape-shifting dance. Emergence is when simple local rules generate complex global behavior. Each starling follows three rules: match neighbors' speed, maintain distance, move toward the group center. From these simple interactions, predator-evading aerial ballets emerge that no individual bird controls or comprehends. Consciousness, ecosystems, markets—all emergent phenomena from simple agents following local rules.