The Calculus of Selfishness Quotes

“most of the strategies will be eliminated from the population. In general, only three out of the initial set of strategies will play a role: those closest to AllD, TFT, and GTFT. We shall denote these approximations by “AllD”, “TFT”, and “GTFT”, respectively. What one observes at first is a strong tendency towards “AllD.” The other strategies seem hopelessly outclassed. But then, it frequently happens (for instance if “TFT” is below the line from “AllD” to TFT) that “TFT” experiences an upsurge, and displaces “AllD.” But this is not the end of the story. The population has reached the cooperation-rewarding zone, and strategies that have higher p and q values can return. In particular, the more tolerant “GTFT” supersedes the stern “TFT,” and becomes fixed in the population. The striking point is that “GTFT” on its own can never beat “AllD.” It needs the catalytic action of “TFT.” It seems almost like the succession of three social phases: first the “dog-eat-dog” world of AllD, then the “law of the talion” represented by TFT and finally the age of the tolerant, but not too tolerant GTFT.”
― Karl Sigmund, The Calculus of Selfishness

“we have considered games between two specific players trying to guess each other’s strategy and find a best reply. Let us now shift perspective, and consider a population of players, each with a given strategy.”
― Karl Sigmund, The Calculus of Selfishness

“Reputation mechanisms have also played an important role in the emergence of long-distance trade.”
― Karl Sigmund, The Calculus of Selfishness

“Where is the invisible hand? “It is often invisible because it is not here,” according to economist Joseph Stiglitz.”
― Karl Sigmund, The Calculus of Selfishness