Why we possibly live in a simulation and why love is the key to its escape

Albert Einstein once said: “Reality is an illusion — albeit a very persistent one”. Over the years, there have been a growing number of people who have suggested that we are inhabiting an illusion or virtual reality. Elon Musk has said that the chances we’re living in base-reality are “a billion to one” and has suggested that at the rapid rate at which video-game graphics’ sophistication and verisimilitude is increasing it won’t be long before games become “indistinguishable from reality”. In which case, the argument goes, how do we know we aren’t already in a computer simulation now created by more advanced beings? Philip Dick once said: “We are living in a computer-programmed reality and the only clue we have to it is when some variable is changed and some alteration in our reality occurs”. This is more than whimsical thinking and science-fiction. While exploring the mathematics of String Theory, physicist James Gates discovered literal “computer code” buried deep within the equations, with Gates saying: “I’m left with the trouble of trying to figure out if I live in The Matrix”.



A common argument that we could be in a virtual reality or computerized simulation comes from the discovery of Quantum Entanglement (otherwise known as Nonlocality) which describes the ability of objects to instantaneously correspond with one another, even when separated by large distances (supposedly even across the known universe). In a simulation or video-game, distance doesn’t limit instant correspondence because all points in the game are equidistant with respect to the source of the simulation. In which case, Nonlocality would make sense if the world were a simulation. The implications of the Double Slit experiment also suggest that we could be living in a simulation due to the fact that the particles which behave like waves are in a superstate. They are neither there nor are they not there. In other words, what you don’t see isn’t actually present. This is how performance optimization works in video-games and how we are able to represent massive open worlds. What is not visible to the observer simply does not exist and doesn’t have to be rendered (see the book The Simulation Hypothesis).

Another argument that we could be in a virtual reality or computerized simulation comes from the fact that when examined closely, all matter is essentially nothing but empty space. Researcher and author David Icke, explains how nothing has solidity, saying “even the particles are found to be empty as you go deeper into the subatomic realm. If you magnify anything powerfully enough and go deeper than the atom, you find that nothing has solidity”. He goes on to say that the world as we know it could be a “dreamworld that we mistakenly believe to be real”. David Icke argues that the mental realm is primary reality and the material world is derivative, saying “everything is consciousness”. The originator of Quantum Theory, Max Planck, expressed similar views in 1944 when he said: “As a man who has devoted his life to the most clear-headed science, to the study of matter, I can tell you as a result of my research about atoms this much: There is no matter as such. All matter exists only by virtue of a force. We must assume behind this force the existence of a conscious and intelligent mind”.



The idea that ordinary humanity is trapped or imprisoned in a virtual reality is a very old one of course. Plato once allegorized our perception of existence to that of shadows on a cave that had been watched by a group of prisoners since they were born. The prisoners in the cave (being representative of unenlightened humanity) believed that the shadows represented true reality because that is all they ever knew. In Buddhism, there is also the concept of Maya which tells us the world is an illusion. But it doesn’t just refer to any illusion. Maya is used to represent the fact that we take the world around us to be real when it’s only a temporary illusion. Meanwhile, according to Gnosticism, our souls have been trapped in materialism. Gnostics believed the world had been created by a malevolent being called the Demiurge and that our souls have descended from above and are capable of reascending through “gnosis”. They identified the Demiurge with Yahweh. According to Gnostic researcher John Lash, Gnostic “cosmological text explains that the [realm] of the Demiurge is a virtual reality”.

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a reply to: Nathan-D

Reminds me of the 13th Floor.

Have you ever heard of the Nobody?

Blue Eisenhower November

originally posted by: NightSkyeB4Dawn
a reply to: Nathan-D

Reminds me of the 13th Floor.

A classic example of what is being discussed here and a brilliant film with some wonderful moments.

----------------------------

My first proper "glitch" in The Matrix happened only a few months ago.

Static bird in the air which was frozen in time for a second.

Wierd.....but a reminder not to be lazy with perception.

a reply to: Nathan-D

The way I think of it isn’t so much a simulation, but rather an actualisation of a program. If we consider the laws of physics to be that program, ordering everything we think of as material by its immutable laws. Then I think we can understand the nature of reality.

For instance a car is a human construct, it is not naturally occurring in nature yet it must work according to its principles, which are the laws of physics. DNA makes us and all life what we are. It is a program which programs physical reality.

So while everything is essentially information and energy, that still manifests into the very real and tangible reality we find ourselves in.

a reply to: Nathan-D

I think the main philosophy with Gnostics and the Demiurge, is that the Demiurge to represent the deadly combination of ignorance and arrogance. He is described as a foolish god, blinded by clouds, ignorant of his own birth and inner workings. He can even be depicted as a omnipotent being, with the temperment of a child, he has control over thing but himself.

While, the mother of the above god name means wisdom, while gnostics mean "knowing". It more about self reflection really, however, if one stares into the abyss long enough, the Demiurge will stare back. Just dont blink or you will miss out on all the great deals.



It would be stupid to miss out on these savings for it will only cost pennies an cut the umbilical cord like Papa Logos has been for Aeons, so he could stop being an Eternal Child for once in an infinity.

The idea suggests a creator.

originally posted by: Nathan-D
This is more than whimsical thinking and science-fiction.

It isn't really, but there are those who are very good ay promoting this stuff under the marketinglabel "science" (along with promoting themselves). Therefore, the correct terminology for these type of ideas is pseudoscience.

While exploring the mathematics of String Theory...

Which is also pseudoscience. Every now and then one of these marketeers of unverified philosophies/ideas steps out of line and almost admits to it (note the phrase, "collection of ideas" and what he says about string theory later on after 1:33):

Here's another one that exposes some common misconceptions about quantum physics (note the conclusions after 21:05, 22:16 to be exact, but you might want to hear the context):

Don't fall for those merely 'tickling your ears' with things designed to intrigue, fascinate and captivate your attention, as per 2 Timothy 4:3,4:

For there will be a period of time when they will not put up with the wholesome* [Or “healthful; beneficial.”] teaching, but according to their own desires, they will surround themselves with teachers to have their ears tickled.* [Or “to tell them what they want to hear.”] 4 They will turn away from listening to the truth and give attention to false stories.

Hebrews 5:14

But solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their powers of discernment* [Or “their perceptive powers.”] trained to distinguish both right and wrong.

Real science, knowledge of realities compared to unverified philosophies and stories

...
Use discernment: Discernment is “acuteness of judgment.” It is “the power or faculty of the mind by which it distinguishes one thing from another.” A person with discernment perceives subtleties of ideas or things and has good judgment.

Using discernment, we will be able to recognize those who are merely using “smooth talk and complimentary speech” in order to “seduce the hearts of guileless ones.” (Romans 16:18) Discernment enables you to discard irrelevant information or misleading facts and distinguish the substance of a matter. But how can you discern when something is misleading?

Put information to the test: “Beloved ones,” said John, a first-century Christian teacher, “do not believe every inspired expression, but test the inspired expressions.” (1 John 4:1) Some people today are like sponges; they soak up whatever they come across. It is all too easy to absorb whatever is around us.

But it is far better for each individual personally to choose what he will feed his mind. It is said that we are what we eat, and this can apply to food for both the body and the mind. No matter what you are reading or watching or listening to, test to see whether it has propagandistic overtones or is truthful.

Moreover, if we want to be fair-minded, we must be willing to subject our own opinions to continual testing as we take in new information. We must realize that they are, after all, opinions. Their trustworthiness depends on the validity of our facts, on the quality of our reasoning, and on the standards or values that we choose to apply.
...

Source: Do Not Be a Victim of Propaganda! (Awake!—2000)

The people quoted in the OP will neither wake you up to some hidden knowledge or mystery* nor enlighten you. *: I would have said "hidden reality" were it not for the fact that they are denying the very existence of reality, so I guess if I put it like that it might fry the brain of some poeple here even more; but that is what I meant to say, "some hidden reality/fact/truth/certainty". They haven't made any factual discovery here. And that's what the pursuit of science/knowledge is all about, making factual discoveries akin to Newton's discovery of the law of gravity. Which stands unrefuted till this day (in spite of all the spin and misleading impressions given by many a theoretical physicist or quantum physicist regarding that subject).

When you see me using a / I'm using synonyms above.

a reply to: Nathan-D
But what is this 'you' that is assumed to be living 'in' a simulation?

Surely the body and thoughts are all appearances......just part of the simulation.

What are you??

a reply to: Nathan-D
Is there really a 'you' that needs to escape?

Maybe it is only the truth that shall set 'you' free.

What if what is appearing is all there is......and there is no 'you' inside the appearing body.

The movie is here now....... you are the screen on which the movie appears.

Nothing can appear without the ever present screen.

Welcome to the "Mind Only" (or "Yogacara") school of Buddhism, updated for our more technolgy-saturated era.

The philosophy of "mind only":
www.buddhismtoday.com...

What is and isn't Yogacara:
www.acmuller.net...

Basic idea of Yogacara Buddhism:
online.sfsu.edu...

a reply to: Never Despise
THE OPEN DOORWAY
www.theopendoorway.org...
The Fullness of Unresolvable Reality by Peter Brown:

a reply to: Nathan-D
First, are you sure you want to "escape" from your reality, be it simulation or not?
You can't answer that unless you know the purpose of the simulation or what you are within it.
Maybe, at your core, you are just a small number of bits and bites of the giant super computer.
In which case, what would escape mean? To have those bits and bites be repurposed, to be absorbed into the Borg?
Many of the new age philosophies seem to strive to become one with the creator.. Is that what "escape" is? If we have souls, then there is a you that continues on after death. There is still a sense of self, of individuality. You lose that if you become one with the creator.
Some religions offer rewards for the faithful and punishment or death to those found undeserving.
That would be like carrying you over to a different simulation, a paradise or a hell, or even deletion (escape).
Or, let's say we can completely escape, that we consist of more than just bits and bites, outside of the supercomputer.. What is outside of the simulation you are in? Another simulation? Nothingness?
A multitude of other supercomputers eager to absorb you into their simulation?
You can probably escape anytime you chose, just decide that life is a worthless venture, even if starting with a clean slate. That you have learned as much as there is to know. That you have experienced all there is to experience. That you are ready to bring all that you have gathered throughout the multitude of lives back to your creator and rejoin (merge) back into that supercomputer.

love!
lol dont be fool'd.
only if you are blind sheep.
to long has this game been playing.
time to stop it.
and religon will only blind you more.

a reply to: Nathan-D

Interesting topic. I have made a few threads like this as well.

a reply to: Nathan-D
Would you mind explaining how love is the key to escaping please?

a reply to: Itisnowagain
Could events like the jim jones incident be an attempt to escape?

Get enough people believing in your not so realistic view of the world. Get them trusting you, hopefully worshipping you, willing to die if told to. Like instilling a virus within the computer system, building the framework separated from the whole. And then, relocating your followers, via mass suicide, to that isolated framework with it's new god is in at least partial control of the reality. The unsuccessful, lazy man's way to temporary godhood.

a reply to: dawnstar
I would say that every suicide is an attempt to escape. Even Jim Jones's followers sought escape.

But what is it that one wants to escape from really?

Why rush to wake up from the Dream or Nightmare?

There's so much to discover within it!

Take your time.

^_^