Are We Living in a Computer Simulation?

Get ready for the ultimate brain teaser and thought experiment. Are we living in a computer simulation? Can our entire existence really be deduced to a string of binary code and series of 1’s and 0’s? Just like a videogame, are we unknowingly being controlled by some supercomputer or entity mashing away at controller or entering some commands on a celestial keyboard that exists beyond what we currently know and understand as reality? Think of it like the Matrix or even Grand Theft Auto where you control the interactions of your protagonist with just background characters. Many leading physicists of our generation are challenging every theory and concrete law of our physical world in favor of a digitized realm. After all, why should the simulation theory hold any less credulity than the laws of physics themselves? We can’t actually see the outline of gravity in motion, but we know it exists through experimentation and painful trial and error, much like what happens when you misjudge the depth of a flight of stairs when carrying groceries up to your apartment.

Since the dawn of humanity, civilization has struggled to give meaning, or at the very least, a point of origin to our evolving tapestry and narrative. To this day, the “Big Bang” theory is the best explanation scientists can give us as to how the universe was created? What actually preempted the spark to ignite this grand, reverberating explosion that gave birth to the cosmos? To corroborate his supposition that is only now beginning to gain traction in the scientific community, consider the Mandela Effect. As a more fully fleshed-out version or explanation of Deja vu, the Mandela Theory hinges upon the belief or phenomenon that “false beliefs” held by a larger group of people is proof of the existence of a parallel universe of computer simulated universe. Cult believers point out to many discrepancies in our present day and past to support this roundabout conclusion. Like, did JC Penney’s always have that second “e” tucked between the “n” and the “y?” These inaccuracies are ubiquitous in even mainstream media. For example, did you know that Snow White actually says “Magic Mirror on the wall?” but so many people could’ve sworn she uttered, “Mirror, mirror on the wall.” Even Star Wars are rattled by these uncomfortable blemishes on their fondest of childhood memories. Did you know Darth Vader really said “No, I am your father,” when legions of the overzealous fanbase still believe the archvillain says, “Luke, I am your father.” Did we have it wrong this entire time? Did all of our brains and collective consciousness just agree on the more fan-friendly versions, and if so, isn’t this just further proof of the simulation theory? It would be much easier to just write a string of code to implement such changes systemwide than to reprogram the hippocampus of every single human.

Going Further Down the Rabbit Hole

Simulation theory and the most far-flung hypothesis of philosophy, and what it really means to exist, are kissing cousins. They hinge upon infinite “what ifs” of our entire reality with the ever-fleeting, ever elusive proof of even the most ardent believers of whatever prevailing theory exists today. Concrete, definitive proof is the antithesis of any good esoteric story arch or conspiracy theory. Wouldn’t you agree? Would you really want the ending of the greatest story ever told spoiled halfway through? So, he ponder this perplexing questions. Does a tree make a sound in the woods when it falls? Any ecologist or physicist will tell you that of course it does. Hairlines cracks in the forest floor and a fractured tree trunk is proof that sound waves penetrated a weaker material and produced visible impacts. But how can you be so certain if no one was around to experience this tedium of Mother Nature? This is where relationist theory takes hold. Take many videogames, as an example. You control the main character or protagonist. As you explore some exotic world, the game’s graphic render changing scenery and give you a host of non-player controlled background characters to enhance the gaming experience. But what happens when you leave these characters and the map you’re playing behind? Do they cease to exist? Of course, at least until you go back and interact with these environments once again. Simulation advocates say this where computer simulation comes into play and supports the theory that no one particular object can ostensibly exist unless its interacting with another entity. This would of course explain why there’s so much homogeny in our universe. It’s easier to program nearly identical situations across an entire universe rather than write code for each and every entity. Great diversity would also slow down processing speeds of a super computer. The fact that we are so obsessed with making playing video games is even more proof we are living in a simulation. Eccentric billionaire Elon Musk even referenced the fact that soon, video games will be indistinguishable from reality, meaning this really was just a great simulation all along. Not convinced? Take Facebook’s evolving metaverse as proof we are fully transitioning to a virtual world.

What Would Happen if Simulation Theory Goes Mainstream?

The more diehard conspiracy theorists believe our government knows the truth about computer simulation theory, and the only reason they haven’t gone public with the information is the same reason they keep denying the existence of aliens. They’re afraid the masses just can’t handle the truth. Since so many people still believe in a supreme being ruling the universe, they worry what will happen if suddenly this belief is discredited? Will nihilism run amok and society collapse? Will people riot in the streets and go on killing sprees if they believe life really is just one big game? If that was to ever happen, you would want to make sure your family is protected. Our formidable safe rooms and bunkers can withstand looters, ballistic threats and biological attacks in the event of societal collapse and rampaging opportunists. When the grid completely collapses, you will be thankful you have a fortified steel fortress to retreat to and escape the pillaging taking place just beyond the safe confines of your new steel home.