René Thom

René Thom was a mathematician known for developing catastrophe theory, which studies how small changes in a system can lead to sudden, dramatic shifts—like a cliff collapsing or a market crash. His work helps explain how complex systems, from nature to human behavior, can experience abrupt transitions due to continuous underlying factors. Essentially, Thom’s ideas reveal the mathematical patterns behind unpredictable but meaningful changes, highlighting the interconnectedness of structure and dynamics in various fields.