Chaos by James Gleick

This book delves into the complex world of chaos theory, a branch of mathematics that studies the behavior of dynamic systems highly sensitive to initial conditions, often referred to as the butterfly effect. Through engaging storytelling, the narrative explores the pioneering work of scientists who uncovered patterns in what seemed to be randomness, from weather systems to population growth. It charts the evolution of chaos theory from a scientific curiosity to a field that has profound implications across disciplines, offering insights into the inherent unpredictability of nature and the universe. The book makes a compelling case for the beauty and universality of chaos, transforming how we understand the interconnectedness of the world around us.

The 2156th greatest book of all time


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Total Points: 219

Since this book was first published in 1987, there is a penalty of 20.8%. The age adjusted score is 173.45.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.