I think an important continuation of this same thought however is that since complex systems can emerge out of simple rules. And since reasoning about the behav

I think an important continuation of this same thought however is that since complex systems can emerge out of simple rules. And since reasoning about the behavior of entire systems (emergent or otherwise) is an essential element of being a programmer. It true that over simplification of the elements and generalization can actually result in a much more complex and difficult to reason about system, just as you point out about the game of life. I guess my point is that sometimes the systems model essential complexity, and by trying to over simplify and generalize elements of that system, you may make the system as a whole more difficult to understand and reason about.