Are we living in a simulated universe?

[Aunt Marg]

Are we pawns in one colossal virtual game that's being controlled by something we can't see or don't know?

Extract from an article I read: "It’s not difficult to argue that we might all exist within a video game being played by something of intelligence far more advanced than our own."

Anyone else ever give this any thought?

 

[ohioboy]

Any "Natural Philosopher" since the beginning of time would say; NO!

 

[Murrmurr]

I've read about it and watched some youtube videos about it. It was interesting, but I wasn't at all convinced of the possibility. Too many loose ends and theories that kind of went nowhere or had little to no basis in known physics.

 

[Ruthanne]

Are we pawns in one colossal virtual game that's being controlled by something we can't see or don't know?

Extract from an article I read: "It’s not difficult to argue that we might all exist within a video game being played by something of intelligence far more advanced than our own."

Anyone else ever give this any thought?

Yes, I hear you and have thought the same thing many times! Is there something up there laughing at all this? When will they return? Will they ever let us know what they have done?
The questions go on and on.

 

[Rosemarie]

In the past, people believed they were pawns in a game being played by 'The Gods'. They made sacrifices in the hope of keeping the Gods happy. If anything bad happened it was assumed that they were angry for some reason.
Many people still blame 'God' for everything that happens, but they are still living in the world of childhood when everything was mummy's fault. People still need someone to blame!

 

[Keesha]

Interesting but I don’t think so

 

[Verisure]

Are we pawns in one colossal virtual game that's being controlled by something we can't see or don't know?

Extract from an article I read: "It’s not difficult to argue that we might all exist within a video game being played by something of intelligence far more advanced than our own."

Anyone else ever give this any thought?

Yes, often. That is to say that “something” rather than “nothing” or one of the traditional “gods” is in control/observing. There is no religion that makes any sense which is evident by the superstitious nature of them. I mean no disrespect to those who are religious believers and I fully admire the comfort they experience by following respective theological indoctrination but I am an agnostic and I am pleased with myself for being so. Suggesting that the universe is simulated is no more/less superstitious than mainstream religious conviction. Perhaps the afterlife consists of dangerous, man-eating monsters from my childhood nightmares where no one is in charge?

 

[timoc]

Are we pawns in one colossal virtual game

Marg, I do like games, but I don't fancy being a prawn.

 

[fuzzybuddy]

Yes, there is some grand super intellect that plays a game, called the "universe"., So, exactly, why is this gargantuan super mind thrilled to watch me brush my teeth? I think this theory needs a lot more facts, and data to prove this purely theoretical exercise.

 

[Aunt Marg]

Great hearing from you all, and thank you for taking the time to drop by and post.

Verisure, you touched on so much that applies to myself, in that I, too, am agnostic, and content with my beliefs and stance on life, the world, everything, and Ruthanne, your feelings are shared by me.

It's the craziest thing, the feelings I have for this life, the way I feel about life as we know it, the life we're living right now, right at this very moment. Feels like a dream more often than not, a fragment of time that's tied to something far more vast and complex than any scientific theory can define, something superior and highly advanced.

I've had conversations about this very topic with a number of people, and as with most everything, beliefs and thoughts vary vastly.

I have always been fascinated with space from the time I was young, loosing myself peering into the night sky and wondering what's out there, what awaits (if anything), and where we go from here. I wish I could put into words the sensations I get, the mental images I see, and the feelings that come over me at times related to the big picture, that is if a bigger picture in fact exists, which brings me back to the simulated universe idea.

At any rate, I'm glad I tossed the idea out there to see where others are in respect to.

 

[Aunt Marg]

Are we pawns in one colossal virtual game

Marg, I do like games, but I don't fancy being a prawn.

Timoc, I have wonderful news for you this Friday morning, you don't (at all) resemble a prawn.

 

[Glowworm]

Tongue in cheek comment. From the Monty Python Galaxy Song

Pray that there's intelligent life somewhere out in space
Because there's bugger all down here on earth

 

[Aunt Marg]

Tongue in cheek comment. From the Monty Python Galaxy Song

Pray that there's intelligent life somewhere out in space
Because there's bugger all down here on earth

ROFLMAO!

"Pray that there's intelligent life somewhere out in space
Because there's bugger all down here on earth"

Boy, did they ever get that right!

 

[chic]

Are we pawns in one colossal virtual game that's being controlled by something we can't see or don't know?

Extract from an article I read: "It’s not difficult to argue that we might all exist within a video game being played by something of intelligence far more advanced than our own."

Anyone else ever give this any thought?

Like the movie "The Truman Show"? I'm open to lots of possibilities.

 

[LSWOTE]

I have read a lot of opinions of many thinkers who not only think is it possible but likely. I disagree though for one big reason: WHY?

The argument that we are in a simulation is very compelling and frankly I don't have the scientific credibility to argue it one way or another, but as a person who has lived over 25 years with constant daily physical pain, I can't see the value to anybody as to why they would create such an elaborate artificial reality that is inhabited by people in pain.

 

[Aunt Marg]

I have read a lot of opinions of many thinkers who not only think is it possible but likely. I disagree though for one big reason: WHY?

The argument that we are in a simulation is very compelling and frankly I don't have the scientific credibility to argue it one way or another, but as a person who has lived over 25 years with constant daily physical pain, I can't see the value to anybody as to why they would create such an elaborate artificial reality that is inhabited by people in pain.

Great insight, LSWOTE.

It certainly adds to the broad notion of such.

 

[Judycat]

Probably. It's why I am often stuck talking to the air. The player must be very lonely.

 

[Verisure]

Great hearing from you all, and thank you for taking the time to drop by and post.

Verisure, you touched on so much that applies to myself, in that I, too, am agnostic, and content with my beliefs and stance on life, the world, everything, and Ruthanne, your feelings are shared by me.

It's the craziest thing, the feelings I have for this life, the way I feel about life as we know it, the life we're living right now, right at this very moment. Feels like a dream more often than not, a fragment of time that's tied to something far more vast and complex than any scientific theory can define, something superior and highly advanced.

I've had conversations about this very topic with a number of people, and as with most everything, beliefs and thoughts vary vastly.

I have always been fascinated with space from the time I was young, loosing myself peering into the night sky and wondering what's out there, what awaits (if anything), and where we go from here. I wish I could put into words the sensations I get, the mental images I see, and the feelings that come over me at times related to the big picture, that is if a bigger picture in fact exists, which brings me back to the simulated universe idea.

At any rate, I'm glad I tossed the idea out there to see where others are in respect to.

So far all of the prophesies have been fundamental superstitions. Isn’t it obvious? “I think therefore I am.” There are no explanations as to “why” I think … or if I do. We’re on a ride and we know it will end for each and every one of us. If we board a new ride at the end of this one, we cannot know. Is it like school? We take the lessons from kindergarten and apply them to elementary school and in turn apply them (and more) to high school, etc. Will we take our knowledge from earth and have the fortune to apply all of it to the next “ride” or is the end really the end? Should we worry about it?

The answers are not here, despite what thousands of different prophets claim. The fact that there are so many of them is proof that the answer isn’t here. As an agnostic, I have accepted these “facts”. When my time has come maybe I’ll know but life can be such a wonderful thing so I want to get the best out of it and if the end is the “end” then that’s it.

I don’t “believe” in anything but I do disbelieve in many things. I do not “believe” for example that going to church on Sunday or synagogue on Friday is going to increase my chances of coming to heaven. I do not believe that eating meat on Friday or pork on any day is going to put me in disfavour with “the creator” because I do not believe that any creator can possibly be as superstitious as man. That’s what religion is: It is believing that a creator is as stupid as we are. Naw, I don’t think so.

 

[Nathan]

Are we pawns in one colossal virtual game that's being controlled by something we can't see or don't know?

Extract from an article I read: "It’s not difficult to argue that we might all exist within a video game being played by something of intelligence far more advanced than our own."

Anyone else ever give this any thought?

Being a computer hobbyist- The matrix comes to mind.

Our perception, our sensory inputs and how we interpret them are totally a function of the nervous system, programmed brilliantly by an intelligence far advanced than any other in the universe. The term "God" comes to mind.

 

[Aunt Marg]

So far all of the prophesies have been fundamental superstitions. Isn’t it obvious? “I think therefore I am.” There are no explanations as to “why” I think … or if I do. We’re on a ride and we know it will end for each and every one of us. If we board a new ride at the end of this one, we cannot know. Is it like school? We take the lessons from kindergarten and apply them to elementary school and in turn apply them (and more) to high school, etc. Will we take our knowledge from earth and have the fortune to apply all of it to the next “ride” or is the end really the end? Should we worry about it?

The answers are not here, despite what thousands of different prophets claim. The fact that there are so many of them is proof that the answer isn’t here. As an agnostic, I have accepted these “facts”. When my time has come maybe I’ll know but life can be such a wonderful thing so I want to get the best out of it and if the end is the “end” then that’s it.

I don’t “believe” in anything but I do disbelieve in many things. I do not “believe” for example that going to church on Sunday or synagogue on Friday is going to increase my chances of coming to heaven. I do not believe that eating meat on Friday or pork on any day is going to put me in disfavour with “the creator” because I do not believe that any creator can possibly be as superstitious as man. That’s what religion is: It is believing that a creator is as stupid as we are. Naw, I don’t think so.

Brilliant post, Verisure!

Had I written it, it would have been word-for-word what you wrote.

I find this refreshing knowing I'm not alone in the way I think.

 

[Aunt Marg]

Being a computer hobbyist- The matrix comes to mind.

Our perception, our sensory inputs and how we interpret them are totally a function of the nervous system, programmed brilliantly by an intelligence far advanced than any other in the universe. The term "God" comes to mind.

I've never been able to buy into the term "god".

It's just always seemed too far fetched to me.

 

[SetWave]

The question remains, Who Wins?

 

[Aunt Marg]

The question remains, Who Wins?

The boys of the Starship Enterprise asked themselves the same thing back in the day.

 

[Nathan]

I've never been able to buy into the term "god".

It's just always seemed too far fetched to me.

I was raised & taught to believe in God. However, what I see is ample evidence of active thought and engineering having taken place, both on Earth and way out in space. If there is an intelligence responsible for all of this, why not call him/her/it "god"?

 

[Verisure]

Brilliant post, Verisure!

Had I written it, it would have been word-for-word what you wrote.

I find this refreshing knowing I'm not alone in the way I think.

You are not alone and I am sure you can express it better than I.