The Magic of Code: Wonder, the Experience, and Future of Programming | Sam Arbesman

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Aug 12, 2025

Sam Arbesman, a complexity scientist and author of The Magic of Code, dives into the enchanting world of programming. He shares his journey from childhood coding with a Commodore VIC-20 to exploring the beauty of simulations and dynamic modeling. Discussing the dichotomy between utilitarian and playful coding, he emphasizes the importance of creativity and personal expression in programming. Sam also forecasts how AI could revolutionize the coding experience, democratizing software creation and reshaping teams. His insights bridge technology, knowledge, and wonder seamlessly.

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ANECDOTE

Early Personal Spark From Hobbyist Computing

Sam Arbesman learned programming early using his father's Commodore VIC-20 and HyperCard, seeing direct links between code and on-screen results.
His first wonder came from creating visual programs like screensavers that revealed mathematical beauty through iterative computation.

ADVICE

Look At Code To Build Appreciation

Don't shy away from looking at code even if you don't fully understand it; exposure builds familiarity and appreciation.
Treat code like a cultural landscape worth visiting to rekindle curiosity about computational work.

ANECDOTE

High School Screensaver Victory

In high school Sam defied his teacher by building a visual ‘stars flying by’ program when told visuals were impossible in that language.
That project taught him to apply trigonometry and pushed his limits, leaving a lasting pride despite losing the code.

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Sam Arbesman writes deep, beautiful books about the boundary between technology, knowledge, and wonder. His most recent book, The Magic of Code, is another profound exploration—this time into the wonders revealed by code. Sam describes code as “a universal force—swirling through disciplines, absorbing ideas, and connecting worlds.” In this episode, Dart and Sam talk about the experience of coding: what makes it great, when it feels arduous or magical, and how AI could change the experience.

Sam Arbesman is a complexity scientist trained in computational biology and applied mathematics. He is the author of The Magic of Code, Overcomplicated, and The Half-Life of Facts. Sam is currently Scientist in Residence advising on emerging trends at Lux Capital—a venture firm investing at the outermost edges of what’s possible.

In this episode, Dart and Sam discuss:
- The experience of writing software—and how to improve it
- How Sam first discovered the magic of code
- When code feels magical and why
- How simple tools spark creativity
- Two ways to see computing: utilitarian vs. wondering
- The joy of coding just for yourself
- What simulations teach us about reality
- How coding reframes how we see the world
- The hidden connections and limits of debugging
- How AI could reshape coding and create leaner teams
- Why the history of computing matters
- And more…

Sam Arbesman is Scientist in Residence at Lux Capital, where he advises on emerging trends at the edges of science and innovation. Previously he was a Senior Scholar at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and a Research Fellow at Harvard. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Wired, Wall Street Journal, and Harvard Business Review. He holds a PhD in computational biology, and is the author of The Magic of Code, Overcomplicated, and The Half‑Life of Facts.

Resources Mentioned:
The Magic of Code: How Digital Language Created and Connects Our World―and Shapes Our Future, by Sam Arbesman: https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Code-Language-Connects-World_and/dp/1541704487/

Connect with Sam:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arbesman/
Website: https://arbesman.net/

Work with Dart:
Dart is the CEO and co-founder of the work design firm 11fold. Build work that makes employees feel alive, connected to their work, and focused on what’s most important to the business. Book a call at 11fold.com.