VarietyisperhapsthemostamazingattributeofNature, withanalmostendlessarrayof different molecules and aggregates and tens of millions of distinct forms of life. Yet, in spite of this bewildering diversity, there are some common patterns, henceforth called phenomenological universalities, that are found over and over again in completely different contexts. A quest for universalities is not only interesting per se, but can also yield practical applications. If several elds share a common mathematical or conceptual background, a cross-fertilization among them may lead to quick progress, even if...

VarietyisperhapsthemostamazingattributeofNature, withanalmostendlessarrayof different molecules and aggregates and tens of millions of distinct forms of life. Yet, in spite of this bewildering diversity, there are some common patterns, henceforth called phenomenological universalities, that are found over and over again in completely different contexts. A quest for universalities is not only interesting per se, but can also yield practical applications. If several elds share a common mathematical or conceptual background, a cross-fertilization among them may lead to quick progress, even if...

This book explains - in simple terms and with almost no mathematics - the physics behind recent and glamorous discoveries in Cosmology, Quantum Mechanics, Elementary Particles (e.g. Higgs bosons) and Complexity Theory. En route it delves into the historical landmarks and revolutions that brought about our current understanding of the universe.

The book is written mainly for those with little scientific background, both college students and lay readers alike, who are curious about the world of modern physics. Unsolved problems are highlighted and the philosophical implications of the...