  The physics of matter in the condensed state is concerned with problems in
which the number of constituent particles is vastly greater than can be easily
comprehended. The inherent physical limitations of the human mind are
fundamental and restrict the way in which we can interact with and learn about
the universe. This presents challenges for developing scientific explanations
that are met by emergent narratives, concepts and arguments that have a
non-trivial relationship to the underlying microphysics. By examining examples
within condensed matter physics, and also from cellular automata, I show how
such emergent narratives efficiently describe elements of reality.
