This chapter consists of a summary of some general features of communication strategies such as quorum sensing or signal transduction, i.e. the transformation of gradients, amplification and assessment, followed by a resetting of the pathway to a state that is sensitive to a new signal. We stress that regulatory pathways tend to be universal; what is different, however, is the possible networking of such pathways in different ‘lineages ’ that also brings the importance of signal transduction crosstalk. This is how symbionts, pathogens, commensals, etc. are able to couple to their partner or host ’s signaling networks, and mutually adjust each other ’s responses (e.g., mycorrhiza or bacterial symbionts). Within this signaling information boom, the role of extracellular matrix is also involved. At this point we remind the reader of Monod’s term gratuity, which represents the accumulated experience of the living. This brings us to a discussion of the regulation of gene expression together with signal processing and responding, and again to epigenetic coding and transgenerational memory. At last, the term simplicity is introduced to explicate the way that the enormity of organismal complexity is organized: channeled according to experience, gratuity and the habits of the community.