Attractors represent stable states in system dynamics from "summary" of Complexity by Mitchell M. Waldrop
Attractors are like magnets in the world of system dynamics. They are the stable states that systems tend to settle into, despite any perturbations or disturbances that may come their way. These attractors represent the natural order of things, the equilibrium points that systems strive to maintain. Think of them as the valleys in a landscape, where a ball will eventually come to rest no matter how many bumps or obstacles it encounters along the way.
When a system is in a state of chaos or disorder, it may be far from its attractor. But as time goes on, the system will gradually move closer and closer to its attractor, eventually reaching a point where it is in a state of relative stability. This is because attractors exert a powerful force on the dynamics of a system, pulling it towards a specific configuration or pattern of behavior.
Attractors can take on different forms, depending on the nature of the system in question. Some attractors are fixed points, where the system settles into a single, unchanging state. Others are cyclic attractors, which cause the system to oscillate between different states in a periodic fashion. And then there are strange attractors, which give rise to complex, non-repeating patterns of behavior.
No matter what form they take, attractors play a crucial role in shaping the behavior of complex systems. They provide a sense of order and stability in a world that is often chaotic and unpredictable. By understanding the nature of attractors, we can gain valuable insights into the dynamics of the systems that surround us, from the beating of our hearts to the movements of the stock market. Attractors are the hidden forces that govern the behavior of complex systems, guiding them towards states of stability and order.
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