Brief summary Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos by Steven H. Strogatz is a comprehensive introduction to the fascinating world of nonlinear dynamics. It explores the behavior of complex systems and the emergence of chaotic phenomena, making it an essential read for anyone interested in this field.

Chaos theory, catastrophe theory, and complexity are all examples of nonlinear dynamical systems theory or nonlinear science. The central idea is that systems change over time in many possible patterns that we can analyze and evaluate. Events that seem to be random might not be random at all.

Overall rating: 5 (excellent).

Nonlinear dynamics is the branch of physics that studies systems governed by equations more complex than the linear, aX+b form. Nonlinear systems, such as the weather or neurons, often appear chaotic, unpredictable or counterintuitive, and yet their behaviour is not random.