Fwd: In Memoriam: Thomas C. Schelling

[Stephen Guerin-5]

In Memoriam: Thomas C. Schelling
December 13, 2016

Tom Schelling, master of the important idea in a complex world, passed away, Tuesday, December 13, 2016. His work on mutual assured destruction and on segregation showed he knew what the most important questions were and had the ability to answer them. In each case we gained new insight as well as essential aspects of dealing with important real world problems.

In the former, he identified the way we could survive nuclear confrontation between the US and Soviet Union, showing the way to stability through mutual assured destruction---whose recognition would provide not just deterrence but calming assurance---an incredible force for peaceful coexistence in a century of the massive conflicts in world wars and political uncertainty that actions might be taken leading to global destruction.

In the latter, he recognized the central insight of complex systems science, the ability of individual agent choices to result in collective behavior s. He understood that the connection between them might, and often is, not clear to a casual observer, but yields to the right kind of analysis. In this case, the choice of individuals who prefer to live near others of the same type, manifests in the creation of segregated communities.

Both of these contributions to our understanding reflect deep and important questions, and remarkably clear and (in retrospect) simple answers. And the answers were, and are, essential to our understanding of the world around us and the challenges we are facing.

This spring when I learned of concerns about North Korea from the National Security Council and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, I spoke with Tom to learn from his insights into this version of the nuclear confrontation. He was clear and straightforward in his view that we should not be concerned, and should not act with concern. After some thought about the unique conditions of the North Korea confrontation, I unde rstood better not only the reason for his statements but their wisdom---one of the greatest destabilizing forces is the concern itself.

Perhaps we should formally define the difference between intelligent and wise as the ability to include one's own words into the frame of analysis.

I am sure I still have much to learn from Tom and will be reading his papers and books for years to come. Still, I will miss the chance to talk with him.

There are many who have gained from his intellectual contributions, there are few if any who have not benefitted from his wisdom. We are diminished at his passing.

Yaneer Bar-Yam, New England Complex Systems Institute, Cambridge, MA

New England Complex Systems Institute
210 Broadway Suite 101
Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: <a href="tel:(617)%20547-4100" value="[phone]" target="_blank">617-547-4100
Fax: <a href="tel:(617)%20661-7711" value="[phone]" target="_blank">617-661-7711
necsi.edu

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[Merle Lefkoff-2]

Thanks so much for the memory--one of my first aha! moments as I discovered Complexity science was watching Schelling's segregation ABM.

On Wed, Dec 14, 2016 at 5:29 PM, Stephen Guerin <[hidden email]> wrote:

In Memoriam: Thomas C. Schelling
December 13, 2016

Tom Schelling, master of the important idea in a complex world, passed away, Tuesday, December 13, 2016. His work on mutual assured destruction and on segregation showed he knew what the most important questions were and had the ability to answer them. In each case we gained new insight as well as essential aspects of dealing with important real world problems.

In the former, he identified the way we could survive nuclear confrontation between the US and Soviet Union, showing the way to stability through mutual assured destruction---whose recognition would provide not just deterrence but calming assurance---an incredible force for peaceful coexistence in a century of the massive conflicts in world wars and political uncertainty that actions might be taken leading to global destruction.

In the latter, he recognized the central insight of complex systems science, the ability of individual agent choices to result in collective behavior s. He understood that the connection between them might, and often is, not clear to a casual observer, but yields to the right kind of analysis. In this case, the choice of individuals who prefer to live near others of the same type, manifests in the creation of segregated communities.

Both of these contributions to our understanding reflect deep and important questions, and remarkably clear and (in retrospect) simple answers. And the answers were, and are, essential to our understanding of the world around us and the challenges we are facing.

This spring when I learned of concerns about North Korea from the National Security Council and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, I spoke with Tom to learn from his insights into this version of the nuclear confrontation. He was clear and straightforward in his view that we should not be concerned, and should not act with concern. After some thought about the unique conditions of the North Korea confrontation, I unde rstood better not only the reason for his statements but their wisdom---one of the greatest destabilizing forces is the concern itself.

Perhaps we should formally define the difference between intelligent and wise as the ability to include one's own words into the frame of analysis.

I am sure I still have much to learn from Tom and will be reading his papers and books for years to come. Still, I will miss the chance to talk with him.

There are many who have gained from his intellectual contributions, there are few if any who have not benefitted from his wisdom. We are diminished at his passing.

Yaneer Bar-Yam, New England Complex Systems Institute, Cambridge, MA

New England Complex Systems Institute
210 Broadway Suite 101
Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: <a href="tel:(617)%20547-4100" value="[phone]" target="_blank">617-547-4100
Fax: <a href="tel:(617)%20661-7711" value="[phone]" target="_blank">617-661-7711
necsi.edu

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[Roger Critchlow-2]

Ah, the mortality is getting thick.  My high school buddy Aaron had a fatal massive heart attack in August.  My sister-in-law Mimi succumbed to cancer on October 30 while I was flying back from visiting her and my brother.  Dave Weininger, master of chemical information, passed away on November 2.  Cosma Shalizi has posted a memoriam for Stephen E. Fienberg today on his weblog, his first entry since the end of August.  You begin to worry about the people you haven't checked in with lately.

-- rec --

On Wed, Dec 14, 2016 at 8:38 PM, Merle Lefkoff <[hidden email]> wrote:

Thanks so much for the memory--one of my first aha! moments as I discovered Complexity science was watching Schelling's segregation ABM.

On Wed, Dec 14, 2016 at 5:29 PM, Stephen Guerin <[hidden email]> wrote:

In Memoriam: Thomas C. Schelling
December 13, 2016

Tom Schelling, master of the important idea in a complex world, passed away, Tuesday, December 13, 2016. His work on mutual assured destruction and on segregation showed he knew what the most important questions were and had the ability to answer them. In each case we gained new insight as well as essential aspects of dealing with important real world problems.

In the former, he identified the way we could survive nuclear confrontation between the US and Soviet Union, showing the way to stability through mutual assured destruction---whose recognition would provide not just deterrence but calming assurance---an incredible force for peaceful coexistence in a century of the massive conflicts in world wars and political uncertainty that actions might be taken leading to global destruction.

In the latter, he recognized the central insight of complex systems science, the ability of individual agent choices to result in collective behavior s. He understood that the connection between them might, and often is, not clear to a casual observer, but yields to the right kind of analysis. In this case, the choice of individuals who prefer to live near others of the same type, manifests in the creation of segregated communities.

Both of these contributions to our understanding reflect deep and important questions, and remarkably clear and (in retrospect) simple answers. And the answers were, and are, essential to our understanding of the world around us and the challenges we are facing.

This spring when I learned of concerns about North Korea from the National Security Council and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, I spoke with Tom to learn from his insights into this version of the nuclear confrontation. He was clear and straightforward in his view that we should not be concerned, and should not act with concern. After some thought about the unique conditions of the North Korea confrontation, I unde rstood better not only the reason for his statements but their wisdom---one of the greatest destabilizing forces is the concern itself.

Perhaps we should formally define the difference between intelligent and wise as the ability to include one's own words into the frame of analysis.

I am sure I still have much to learn from Tom and will be reading his papers and books for years to come. Still, I will miss the chance to talk with him.

There are many who have gained from his intellectual contributions, there are few if any who have not benefitted from his wisdom. We are diminished at his passing.

Yaneer Bar-Yam, New England Complex Systems Institute, Cambridge, MA

New England Complex Systems Institute
210 Broadway Suite 101
Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: <a href="tel:(617)%20547-4100" value="[phone]" target="_blank">617-547-4100
Fax: <a href="tel:(617)%20661-7711" value="[phone]" target="_blank">617-661-7711
necsi.edu

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Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College
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[Merle Lefkoff-2]

You're right, Roger.  We must pay more attention to the dearest live ones.

On Wed, Dec 14, 2016 at 7:45 PM, Roger Critchlow <[hidden email]> wrote:

Ah, the mortality is getting thick.  My high school buddy Aaron had a fatal massive heart attack in August.  My sister-in-law Mimi succumbed to cancer on October 30 while I was flying back from visiting her and my brother.  Dave Weininger, master of chemical information, passed away on November 2.  Cosma Shalizi has posted a memoriam for Stephen E. Fienberg today on his weblog, his first entry since the end of August.  You begin to worry about the people you haven't checked in with lately.

-- rec --

On Wed, Dec 14, 2016 at 8:38 PM, Merle Lefkoff <[hidden email]> wrote:

Thanks so much for the memory--one of my first aha! moments as I discovered Complexity science was watching Schelling's segregation ABM.

On Wed, Dec 14, 2016 at 5:29 PM, Stephen Guerin <[hidden email]> wrote:

In Memoriam: Thomas C. Schelling
December 13, 2016

Tom Schelling, master of the important idea in a complex world, passed away, Tuesday, December 13, 2016. His work on mutual assured destruction and on segregation showed he knew what the most important questions were and had the ability to answer them. In each case we gained new insight as well as essential aspects of dealing with important real world problems.

In the former, he identified the way we could survive nuclear confrontation between the US and Soviet Union, showing the way to stability through mutual assured destruction---whose recognition would provide not just deterrence but calming assurance---an incredible force for peaceful coexistence in a century of the massive conflicts in world wars and political uncertainty that actions might be taken leading to global destruction.

In the latter, he recognized the central insight of complex systems science, the ability of individual agent choices to result in collective behavior s. He understood that the connection between them might, and often is, not clear to a casual observer, but yields to the right kind of analysis. In this case, the choice of individuals who prefer to live near others of the same type, manifests in the creation of segregated communities.

Both of these contributions to our understanding reflect deep and important questions, and remarkably clear and (in retrospect) simple answers. And the answers were, and are, essential to our understanding of the world around us and the challenges we are facing.

This spring when I learned of concerns about North Korea from the National Security Council and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, I spoke with Tom to learn from his insights into this version of the nuclear confrontation. He was clear and straightforward in his view that we should not be concerned, and should not act with concern. After some thought about the unique conditions of the North Korea confrontation, I unde rstood better not only the reason for his statements but their wisdom---one of the greatest destabilizing forces is the concern itself.

Perhaps we should formally define the difference between intelligent and wise as the ability to include one's own words into the frame of analysis.

I am sure I still have much to learn from Tom and will be reading his papers and books for years to come. Still, I will miss the chance to talk with him.

There are many who have gained from his intellectual contributions, there are few if any who have not benefitted from his wisdom. We are diminished at his passing.

Yaneer Bar-Yam, New England Complex Systems Institute, Cambridge, MA

New England Complex Systems Institute
210 Broadway Suite 101
Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: <a href="tel:(617)%20547-4100" value="[phone]" target="_blank">617-547-4100
Fax: <a href="tel:(617)%20661-7711" value="[phone]" target="_blank">617-661-7711
necsi.edu

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Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College
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FRIAM-COMIC http://friam-comic.blogspot.com/ by Dr. Strangelove

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Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College
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FRIAM-COMIC http://friam-comic.blogspot.com/ by Dr. Strangelove

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Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College
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[Frank Wimberly-2]

Yes, having left Carnegie Mellon in 1998 I occasionally inquire about former colleagues only to learn that they are deceased. Fienberg's office was down the hall from mine but I didn't know him well.  On the other hand I can count about 10 whom I did know well.  Most were younger than I.

Did you answer Nick about the bubble's performance in very cold weather.

Frank

Frank

On Dec 14, 2016 7:45 PM, "Roger Critchlow" <[hidden email]> wrote:

Ah, the mortality is getting thick.  My high school buddy Aaron had a fatal massive heart attack in August.  My sister-in-law Mimi succumbed to cancer on October 30 while I was flying back from visiting her and my brother.  Dave Weininger, master of chemical information, passed away on November 2.  Cosma Shalizi has posted a memoriam for Stephen E. Fienberg today on his weblog, his first entry since the end of August.  You begin to worry about the people you haven't checked in with lately.

-- rec --

On Wed, Dec 14, 2016 at 8:38 PM, Merle Lefkoff <[hidden email]> wrote:

Thanks so much for the memory--one of my first aha! moments as I discovered Complexity science was watching Schelling's segregation ABM.

On Wed, Dec 14, 2016 at 5:29 PM, Stephen Guerin <[hidden email]> wrote:

In Memoriam: Thomas C. Schelling
December 13, 2016

Tom Schelling, master of the important idea in a complex world, passed away, Tuesday, December 13, 2016. His work on mutual assured destruction and on segregation showed he knew what the most important questions were and had the ability to answer them. In each case we gained new insight as well as essential aspects of dealing with important real world problems.

In the former, he identified the way we could survive nuclear confrontation between the US and Soviet Union, showing the way to stability through mutual assured destruction---whose recognition would provide not just deterrence but calming assurance---an incredible force for peaceful coexistence in a century of the massive conflicts in world wars and political uncertainty that actions might be taken leading to global destruction.

In the latter, he recognized the central insight of complex systems science, the ability of individual agent choices to result in collective behavior s. He understood that the connection between them might, and often is, not clear to a casual observer, but yields to the right kind of analysis. In this case, the choice of individuals who prefer to live near others of the same type, manifests in the creation of segregated communities.

Both of these contributions to our understanding reflect deep and important questions, and remarkably clear and (in retrospect) simple answers. And the answers were, and are, essential to our understanding of the world around us and the challenges we are facing.

This spring when I learned of concerns about North Korea from the National Security Council and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, I spoke with Tom to learn from his insights into this version of the nuclear confrontation. He was clear and straightforward in his view that we should not be concerned, and should not act with concern. After some thought about the unique conditions of the North Korea confrontation, I unde rstood better not only the reason for his statements but their wisdom---one of the greatest destabilizing forces is the concern itself.

Perhaps we should formally define the difference between intelligent and wise as the ability to include one's own words into the frame of analysis.

I am sure I still have much to learn from Tom and will be reading his papers and books for years to come. Still, I will miss the chance to talk with him.

There are many who have gained from his intellectual contributions, there are few if any who have not benefitted from his wisdom. We are diminished at his passing.

Yaneer Bar-Yam, New England Complex Systems Institute, Cambridge, MA

New England Complex Systems Institute
210 Broadway Suite 101
Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: <a href="tel:(617)%20547-4100" value="[phone]" target="_blank">617-547-4100
Fax: <a href="tel:(617)%20661-7711" value="[phone]" target="_blank">617-661-7711
necsi.edu

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Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College
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Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College
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FRIAM-COMIC http://friam-comic.blogspot.com/ by Dr. Strangelove

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Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College
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FRIAM-COMIC http://friam-comic.blogspot.com/ by Dr. Strangelove

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Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College
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FRIAM-COMIC http://friam-comic.blogspot.com/ by Dr. Strangelove

[Steve Smith]

All the old men (and women) are dying! 

Is it a sign or is it a portent of things to come that Leonard Cohen and Fidel Castro both checked out soon with the election!?

Thanks Roger for letting us know about Weininger and Fienberg... I hadn't heard.

On 12/14/16 7:45 PM, Roger Critchlow wrote:

Ah, the mortality is getting thick.  My high school buddy Aaron had a fatal massive heart attack in August.  My sister-in-law Mimi succumbed to cancer on October 30 while I was flying back from visiting her and my brother.  Dave Weininger, master of chemical information, passed away on November 2.  Cosma Shalizi has posted a memoriam for Stephen E. Fienberg today on his weblog, his first entry since the end of August.  You begin to worry about the people you haven't checked in with lately.

-- rec --

On Wed, Dec 14, 2016 at 8:38 PM, Merle Lefkoff <[hidden email]> wrote:

Thanks so much for the memory--one of my first aha! moments as I discovered Complexity science was watching Schelling's segregation ABM.

On Wed, Dec 14, 2016 at 5:29 PM, Stephen Guerin <[hidden email]> wrote:

In Memoriam: Thomas C. Schelling
December 13, 2016

Tom Schelling, master of the important idea in a complex world, passed away, Tuesday, December 13, 2016. His work on mutual assured destruction and on segregation showed he knew what the most important questions were and had the ability to answer them. In each case we gained new insight as well as essential aspects of dealing with important real world problems.

In the former, he identified the way we could survive nuclear confrontation between the US and Soviet Union, showing the way to stability through mutual assured destruction---whose recognition would provide not just deterrence but calming assurance---an incredible force for peaceful coexistence in a century of the massive conflicts in world wars and political uncertainty that actions might be taken leading to global destruction.

In the latter, he recognized the central insight of complex systems science, the ability of individual agent choices to result in collective behavior s. He understood that the connection between them might, and often is, not clear to a casual observer, but yields to the right kind of analysis. In this case, the choice of individuals who prefer to live near others of the same type, manifests in the creation of segregated communities.

Both of these contributions to our understanding reflect deep and important questions, and remarkably clear and (in retrospect) simple answers. And the answers were, and are, essential to our understanding of the world around us and the challenges we are facing.

This spring when I learned of concerns about North Korea from the National Security Council and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, I spoke with Tom to learn from his insights into this version of the nuclear confrontation. He was clear and straightforward in his view that we should not be concerned, and should not act with concern. After some thought about the unique conditions of the North Korea confrontation, I unde rstood better not only the reason for his statements but their wisdom---one of the greatest destabilizing forces is the concern itself.

Perhaps we should formally define the difference between intelligent and wise as the ability to include one's own words into the frame of analysis.

I am sure I still have much to learn from Tom and will be reading his papers and books for years to come. Still, I will miss the chance to talk with him.

There are many who have gained from his intellectual contributions, there are few if any who have not benefitted from his wisdom. We are diminished at his passing.

Yaneer Bar-Yam, New England Complex Systems Institute, Cambridge, MA

New England Complex Systems Institute
210 Broadway Suite 101
Cambridge, MA 02139
Phone: <a moz-do-not-send="true" href="tel:%28617%29%20547-4100" value="[phone]" target="_blank">617-547-4100
Fax: <a moz-do-not-send="true" href="tel:%28617%29%20661-7711" value="[phone]" target="_blank">617-661-7711
necsi.edu

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To unsubscribe from the cx-web list, please FORWARD this message to [hidden email], EDIT the subject to read "Unsubscribe" and include all alternate email addresses in the body of your message. Do not reply to this message. 

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Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College
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Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College
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FRIAM-COMIC http://friam-comic.blogspot.com/ by Dr. Strangelove

============================================================
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Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College
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FRIAM-COMIC http://friam-comic.blogspot.com/ by Dr. Strangelove

============================================================
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Meets Fridays 9a-11:30 at cafe at St. John's College
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FRIAM-COMIC http://friam-comic.blogspot.com/ by Dr. Strangelove