Bostrom, the Economy, Apocalypse, and You (Part III)

Part III: Till Kingdom Come

"For you I'd wait till kingdom come
Until my day, my day is done
And say you'll come and set me free
Just say you'll wait, you'll wait for me."
~Coldplay, "Till Kingdom Come"

The number of possible scenarios that could occur if this universe is a computer-simulation is limited only by the human imagination. This universe could be an experiment, it could be for entertainment, or it could be for a host of other reasons. This universe simply could be a massive, multiplayer role-playing game to which we all consented before our births. We simply have no way of knowing, and it would appear that there would be no way of travelling to the supposed "higher dimension" save for if the architects wanted to bring individuals to their level.

It could very well be that the universe began with a big bang and all of this is the result of that event. It could be that humanity is left unto itself to evolve and spread through the galaxy and universe for some futile end. We don't have all the answers, and even if we had the answers, they would probably lead to even more questions. Even in this time period where humanity has found answers to some of our greatest scientific questions, there remains so much that we do not and can never know about our universe.

If we are somehow living in a computer simulation, then perhaps we would find a satisfactory explanation for perceived miracles in our lives. Miracles could be intervention or some other sort of anomaly with the universe's programming. If our universe is being guided by some invisible architect or designer sitting in a higher dimension than ours (much like how our world is the higher dimension of the "universes" of video games), then we may find a source of comfort and relief in a somewhat chaotic and troubling world.

There is a major piece to this puzzle that I have not yet discussed, and that is the Fermi Paradox. The Fermi Paradox asks why we have not yet detected any evidence of extraterrestrial colonization or exploration. Even if travel is difficult, if life is common, why have we not detected extraterrestrial radio transmissions? Given that the universe is 13.7 billion years old, the Fermi paradox suggests that we should see some evidence of foreign intelligent life in the galaxy let alone the universe. But alas, although there should be cosmic noise of foreign extraterrestrial intelligence, the universe is filled with a "Great Silence".

One idea to resolve the Fermi paradox is the hypothesis that the Earth is some sort of cosmic zoo, set aside by highly-developed intelligent civilizations. The zoo hypothesis helps explain our world in light of Bostrom's simulation hypothesis. If the universe is a computer simulation being controlled in a higher dimension, then it makes sense that we have not detected evidence of extraterrestrial intelligent life. We are meant to be alone here; we were designed to be alone.

If we take a good look at our planet and the role of humans in shaping the fate of the Earth, the Fermi paradox appears to support the idea that this is all a divine epic on a cosmic scale. Why are humans alone? Why has humanity come so far in 6,000 years compared to the astronomical age of our universe? Why is humanity on the edge of developing technology to simulate entire universes from our planet?

An excellent example of the developing simulating power of humans is in video games. I remember when I was a child, video games were a crude amalgamation of blocks and pixels that formed somewhat entertaining schemes. A football video game of the 70's or 80's was played with dots for players. Within a few decades, video games became much more realistic and entertaining. The players developed numbers, facial expressions, and signature movements. Their motions became more vibrant and lifelike.

I remember a few years ago while walking through a Best Buy BBY from a distance I saw a TV from with a football game on. I thought to myself, "Oh wow, a football game's on. I wonder who's playing." It was not until I got closer that I realized that it was a video game. From afar, I could not tell if it was a video game or an actual NFL game. I had the same experience recently with a baseball video game. To say the least, the experience is sublime. As video games become increasingly more realistic, the line between fantasy and reality becomes blurred. And as the simulation of reality and actual reality become indistinguishable, the argument that we are living in a computer simulation becomes that much more plausible.

With respect to Bostrom's simulation hypothesis, we have to ask ourselves: would humans create such a universe-simulation if they could? Given the extent of human nature and human imagination, the answer to that question is a resounding yes. C.S. Lewis: "Did you ever think, when you were a child, what fun it would be if your toys could come to life?" To echo C.S. Lewis' comment in the book "Mere Christianity", who among us as children would not have wanted toys with whom we could walk and talk? Humans love to create and design, how likely it is then that we and our world are the products of some other humans' creation and design. And when we sit back and think about our world with this idea in mind, the computer-simulation suggestion appears to make some sense of all this drama and excitement. Perhaps one day in the faraway future some highly-evolved human in some created reality somewhere will be guiding two of his created humans through a magnificent, green garden -- telling them wondrous tales and warning them what is to come if they eat of the fruit from a certain tree.

The question of whether or not we are living in a simulation exists on a timer of sorts. As these ideas are diffused into the collective consciousness, their speculation becomes that much more a part of our reality. Obviously, if there are simulators and the simulators did not want this information to be known, they would not have allowed these three articles to be written. As human technology gets to the point of simulating universes, we come that much closer to the answers. I believe that by the year 2100 we will have sufficient, viable answers to some of our deepest questions -- including questions about God, the afterlife, the creation of the universe, and the meaning of life.

If the answer is that we are not to know the answers, then that is something we will have to live with. If humanity is able to simulate universes on Earth, then we most likely are living in a simulation -- even if the simulators refuse to make us aware of their presence. If the simulators do make us aware of their presence and emerge as the saviors, then Earth may welcome them. If the Great Silence remains, humanity may only have the "music of the spheres" to keep it company in this empty universe.

But given the toil and crudeness of our lives, there has to be something greater than this. In our hearts, I believe all of us realize this. And whether it comes about by design, nature, or a self-fulfilling prophecy, this divine epic appears to be coming to a close. From the climate to global economics to human technology, so much of our global story is coming to a climax. Perhaps after that climactic point, humanity will be able to find the greater part of reality that so many of us long for and desire.

And even if it is the end, so what? An end is only the beginning of something else...