Stephen Wolfram

SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

But then—basically starting in the early 1980s—there was a burst of progress based on a new idea (of which, yes, I seem to have ultimately been the primary initiator): the idea of using simple programs , rather than mathematical equations, as the basis for models of things in nature and elsewhere. One is so-called Böhm trees.

Physics 65

Physics Science Sciences Mathematics 65

Stephen Wolfram

SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

But then—basically starting in the early 1980s—there was a burst of progress based on a new idea (of which, yes, I seem to have ultimately been the primary initiator): the idea of using simple programs , rather than mathematical equations, as the basis for models of things in nature and elsewhere. One is so-called Böhm trees.

Science 64

Science Sciences Physics Mathematics 64

Stephen Wolfram

AUGUST 22, 2023

It didn’t help that his knowledge of physics was at best spotty (and, for example, I don’t think he ever really learned calculus). But I think at least in the later part of his life, Ed felt his greatest achievements related to cellular automata and in particular his idea that the universe is a giant cellular automaton.

Computer 68

Computer Physics Science Sciences 68