generative systems: a discussion featuring brian eno and will wright

i love the process of constructing thought. i especially love being inside or observing the intellectual dance of clever minds as they begin from disparate points, distinct and well-formed in their own right and then through the machinations of discourse, end up forging a new and distinct space from which the child of the discourse emerges.

i’d like to share a video recording of a discussion between two clever minds. they belong to the musician, avant-thinker, advisor to the p.m. of england, video artist, and writer, brian eno.


the other is game designer will wright, best known as the designer of popular computer games such as simcity and the sims. currently, he is working on the life simulation game spore.


each has spent time investigating generative systems, or systems in which the input is relatively simple but generates complex algorithms. much of their work relies on the notion of “planned accidents” or serendipitous moments that emerge without the direct control of the person beginning the process. in the course of the discussion, each interviews the other about where they get their ideas and compare the similarities of their process.

brian eno and will wright:



a wide range of seminars sponsored by the long now foundation can be listened to or downloaded here at long now seminars.