Are We Living in a Simulation—Inside a Simulation?
The idea that we might be living in a simulation has fascinated philosophers, scientists, and the general public alike. Popularized in modern times by thinkers like Nick Bostrom and depicted in films like The Matrix, the simulation theory proposes that our reality might be an artificial construct, created by an advanced intelligence. But even if we set aside the possibility of a universal, computer-based simulation, the fact remains that humans live in a kind of simulation of their own making—a “mental simulation,” shaped by biology, culture, and collective agreement.
What if we are, in essence, living in a simulation within a simulation?
The Universal Simulation Theory
Simulation theory suggests that if it’s possible to simulate consciousness, then it’s statistically probable that we are living in a simulated reality. After all, if advanced civilizations exist and have the capability to run billions of simulations, then the odds of us living in the "real" world become vanishingly small.
This premise rests on three key assumptions:
Technologically advanced civilizations exist.
They can create simulations indistinguishable from reality.
They would have reasons to run these simulations, whether for study, entertainment, or something else entirely.
If these are true, we might be nothing more than digital entities, existing in a reality crafted by beings far beyond our understanding.
The Simulation We Create Ourselves
Even if we dismiss the idea of a cosmic simulation, there’s another, subtler kind of simulation we live in: the one created by our own minds. Our perception of reality is limited and shaped by:
Biological Constraints: Our senses only capture a tiny fraction of the universe’s information. We see visible light but not ultraviolet or infrared. We hear within a narrow range of frequencies. What we perceive is a filtered, simplified version of reality, optimized for survival rather than truth.
Cognitive Biases: Our brains take shortcuts, creating assumptions and patterns to make sense of the world. These biases lead us to see connections that aren’t there or to cling to beliefs despite contrary evidence.
Delusions and Illusions: From optical illusions to deeply held misconceptions, our minds constantly create a “reality” that deviates from objective truth.
Cultural Conditioning: The stories, norms, and values passed down through culture form a shared simulation, influencing how we interpret events, relate to others, and define meaning.
In a sense, we all live in simulations—mental constructs that overlay the raw data of the world with layers of interpretation, emotion, and narrative.
A Simulation Within a Simulation
What makes this dual-simulation idea compelling is the interplay between the universal simulation theory and the mental simulations we create ourselves.
Imagine this: If our reality is indeed a simulated construct, then the biases, illusions, and cultural frameworks we overlay on top of it are simulations within that simulation. We are, in effect, both the products and the creators of simulations.
Take, for example, the agreed-upon reality of money. In the physical sense, money is just paper or numbers in a database. Its value is entirely based on a collective belief—a shared simulation. This "real-world" construct is further filtered through our personal biases and narratives: how we view wealth, poverty, and success.
Thus, we’re constantly navigating layers of constructed realities:
The possible universal simulation.
The shared cultural simulation.
The individual mental simulation.
The Fragility of Shared Reality
Our collective simulation—society’s agreed-upon reality—is surprisingly fragile. History shows us how quickly it can shift:
The belief in divine right once justified monarchies; now, democracy is the dominant narrative.
Cultural myths about gender, race, and class have been challenged and reshaped over time.
Technological advances, like the internet, have disrupted long-standing narratives, creating new shared realities (and new divides).
These changes reveal that much of what we take for granted as “real” is, in fact, a social construct—a simulation built and maintained by collective agreement.
Simulated Timelines
Our perception of time is another fascinating layer of the simulation. We think of time as linear—past, present, future—but this is largely a mental construct. Different cultures perceive time differently: some focus more on the past, others on the present or future.
Even on an individual level, our timelines are subjective. Memory is malleable, shaped by emotion and reinterpretation. We simulate our pasts, reliving them in ways that may have little to do with objective truth. The future, too, exists only as a projection, a simulated narrative of what we think might happen.
Could We Recognize the “Real” Reality?
If we are indeed living in a simulation, how would we know? And if we did realize it, would it even matter? Consider this: even if we discovered that our universe is a simulation, it wouldn’t change the fact that we experience it as real.
Similarly, understanding our mental simulations—biases, illusions, and cultural constructs—doesn’t free us from them entirely. We may recognize the illusion of control, yet still act as if we have control because doing so makes life manageable.
Embracing the Simulation
Instead of resisting the idea of living in a simulation (or simulations), perhaps we should embrace it. Recognizing the layers of constructed reality can help us approach life with curiosity, humility, and flexibility.
If reality is a universal simulation, what does that say about our place in the cosmos?
If our minds create simulations, how can we refine them to better navigate life?
If our shared cultural constructs are simulations, how can we reshape them for greater equity and understanding?
The Endless Mystery
Simulation theory, whether universal, cultural, or personal, highlights one profound truth: reality is elusive. Every attempt to understand it reveals new layers of complexity, leaving us with more questions than answers.
And perhaps that’s the beauty of it. Whether we’re living in a simulation or not, the search for meaning, truth, and connection is what makes life worth living. The simulation—whatever its form—isn’t just a trap; it’s a canvas, a mystery, and a journey.
As we navigate this intricate web of realities, one thing is clear: the act of questioning, exploring, and creating meaning is the most human thing of all.