Optimal self-organization

We present computational and analytical results indicating that systems of driven entities with repulsive interactions tend to reach an optimal state associated with minimal interaction and minimal dissipation. Using concepts related to those from non-equilibrium thermodynamics as well as game theoretical ideas, we generalize this finding to an even wider class of self-organizing systems which have the ability to reach a state of maximal overall 'success'. This principle is expected to be relevant for driven systems in physics such as sheared granular media, but it is also applicable to biological, social and economic systems, for which only a limited number of quantitative principles are yet available.