To Believe: A Man’s Quest to Understand Reality

by M I A Harba

  He noticed Zak was already up, and the cooker was hooked to an LPG bottle. The stoves were buzzing in action, and cooking breakfast was underway. Sam prepared the coffee and tea for all, while Zak prepared the main breakfast. Sam filled two large pots with drinking water and placed them on the cooker. He threw a handful of tea bags in one, and a few spoonfuls of ground coffee beans in the other and left them to boil.

  Breakfast was ready by the time the labourers started emerging from their tents. The smell of coffee and tea must have been the incentive. Sam served their tea in the Istikans and the coffee in small mugs. They helped themselves with sugar and powdered milk.

  Fried eggs, baked beans and pita bread were the breakfast, and the labourers could help themselves to as much as they wanted. A hard day’s work awaited them.

  As Sam sat eating his breakfast, he remembered those events that brought him here. After meeting Salam with his outlandish simulation conundrum, he started searching for physics articles and videos to find evidence to refute this theory. Salam had used solid physics facts but for the wrong conclusions, Sam thought.

  Do scientists understand everything in the universe? Only 5% of the universe is the matter that we observe, and the remaining 95% are unknown, named arbitrarily as Dark Matter and Dark Energy. Scientists use the word ‘dark’ to mean they have no idea what it is. Even the 5% is not entirely understood, and discoveries are being made every day. What makes Salam so sure of his theory when we don’t even understand, in full, this minuscule 5%?

  Sam planned to meet Salam again, but this time armed with evidence to refute this insane theory. In Quantum Mechanics, Sam read that the elementary particles, at the sub-atomic level, behave in a very strange way. For example, they have no particular position until they are observed, or detected, by a conscious being. This is very absurd because it means these particles could be in many places or locations at the same time. Scientists still don’t understand this behaviour, although it was discovered more than 100 years ago.

  Experiments after experiments were conducted, and they all proved that indeed, a particle at that sub-atomic level could be in many places at the same time. Its position is a wave function of probability, with certain positions being the most likely position that particle could be found at.

  They start behaving as particles with defined positions when they are observed by a conscious being. This behaviour has been observed for photons, electrons, protons, and even complete atoms or molecules comprising many atoms. How can Salam explain this?

  The universe was created in a big bang, or so says the most acceptable theory at this time. That big bang kick-started everything: mater, energy, light, stars, and galaxies. The universe started as an extremely hot point, which then inflated to create the space-time and everything in it. Where is this big bang in Salam’s simulation theory?

  That was the challenge for Salam to deal with in their next meeting, which took place about 2 weeks after their first.

  ‘Salam, I thought about what you said about simulation, and do you know what? Its bullshit,’ Sam started his argument.

  ‘Fine, tell me how,’ Salam answered coolly, taking this very rude statement in his stride.

  ‘There are two accepted theories at the moment, the Big Bang theory for the creation of everything, and the Evolution theory of Darwin,’ Sam said confidently and continued,

  ‘If we are simulated characters, then a computer should’ve created us instantly. There is no need for a big bang, or gradual creation of the universe, right? There is no need for the universe to grow from a hot point, into a hot soup of protons and electrons, then to the stars and galaxies, we see now. A computer programme could create the universe instantly, right? Sam asked with a smile on his face, feeling he sealed the argument.

  ‘OK, Sam. I can deal with this. Do you understand how programs and computers work?’

  ‘Yes, to a certain extent. I’m not a programmer, but read a few articles,’ said Sam.

  ‘Fine, then let me explain. A program on the hard disk of a computer, or any storage devices, is nothing but a large series of 1’s and 0’s or a binary image. When a program is initiated or run, the main processor reads this binary image, and gradually creates the runnable environment from bottom up. I mean for a game, for example, the program gradually builds the basic requirements first, e.g. the hardware drivers, the networking components to connect with other players, the game rules and environment or game scenes, the character shapes playing the game, etc. Then it reads the previous history of the game before it connects to other computers, where other people are playing.’

  ‘OK, fine. I guess this applies to most programs,’ Sam said.

  ‘Just think about it for a minute, isn’t this similar to the big bang? The initiation of the program is the big bang and building the play environment gradually is how galaxies and stars are built. In fact, I believe the simulation concept is a better explanation than the big bang for the creation of the real world. In the big bang, you may ask the question, what made the big bang happen? It, presumably, started from nothing, so no one can answer your question. In other words, what was before the big bang? No one knows.’

  ‘Doesn’t this apply to the simulation concept as well? Who wrote the simulation programme, and what was before it? Who created its big bang?’ Sam asked.

  ‘The program is initiated by the programmer who ran the program. Easy,’ responded Salam.

  ‘Isn’t this like the religious belief that a divine creation started the universe’s big bang?’ Sam quickly added.

  ‘Indeed, there are similarities. However, science doesn’t believe in the divine creation theory. It is looking for theories to explain what caused the big bang, and it is still a big unknown. The simulation idea provides a better explanation, in my opinion,’ Salam added.

  ‘OK, what about evolution? It is an accepted fact that life started as a tiny cell in a pond, and gradually developed into the animals and humans we see today. And it took more than 3.5 billion years, on a planet created 4.5 billion years ago. Show me where the simulation can explain this,’ Sam said with some confidence.

  ‘Sam, you haven’t listened to my explanation earlier. When the program starts, it builds its environment and characters gradually. They evolve gradually as though governed by the Darwin Evolution Theory. Do you get it?’

  ‘Wait, Salam. Evolution took 3.5 billion years to produce us. A computer generates its characters in seconds if not shorter,’

  ‘But what is time? It is what the programmer sets for its characters. The characters have a sense of time they are programmed to feel. The speed of the program can be fast-forwarded or slowed down. The characters feel no difference. Time feels the same for them,’ Salam said.

  Sam thought about this for a long moment, while Salam waited for him to digest this.

  ‘Let me add something you haven’t mentioned yet. What about the paranormal? Ghosts, UFOs, ESP, Incarnation, etc,’ Salam asked and then continued, ‘tell me how science explains these.’

  Sam saw the trap, so he said,

  ‘Science does not believe these are true. It explains them away as individual experiences perceived by the psyche of the individuals. So, are you saying that in your simulation theory, these can be explained?’

  ‘Yes, absolutely. The paranormal are glitches or unintended behaviour in the program. Ghosts, for example, are unfinished characters, and the programme shows them to us, the characters, by mistake,’ Salam explained.

  ‘This is very convenient, isn’t it? A mistake,’ Sam said sarcastically.

  ‘But it is a plausible explanation. The simulation builds billions of humans, animals, insects, bacteria, viruses, etc. Isn't it possible, some unfinished characters escape the scrutiny of the control programme? I’ve seen it in many simpler programmes. However, science disregards this altogether, saying they don’t exist but in the minds of the individuals,’ Salam added.

  ‘And religion says they are beings from a different dimension
that humans can’t see or feel, as in genies, demons, and angels. Is simulation adding anything new?’ Sam asked.

  ‘Religion offers no evidence for this other dimension. Believers have to believe it without asking questions. If they don’t, they are not true believers. The simulation, at least, offers a potentially plausible explanation,’ said Salam and continued, ‘reincarnation is another area where simulation excels. Science does not recognise re-incarnation as science and disregards it outright. However, psychologists have investigated many cases of reincarnation and are convinced it exists beyond doubt. Do you understand re-incarnation, Sam?’ asked Salam.

  ‘Yes, everybody knows what reincarnation is, but please go ahead, explain it.’

  ‘OK. People over the ages have witnessed children remembering events from previous lives. These previous lives might have existed 10 s or 100 s of years ago. And those children have no idea about these lives. They remember events, often distressful ones, they could not explain. These previous lives might have existed in remote areas, far away from where they were born. Such children were found everywhere in the world: America, India, Middle East, etc.’ Salam explained.

  ‘Well, isn't it possible these children heard about such stories and then interpreted them as a previous life?’ Sam quickly added.

  ‘This is what science says in brushing these cases away. But trust me, you can research this further if you want. Reputable scientists investigated many such cases and are convinced reincarnation exists. In other words, those who departed left something that, somehow, was planted in the brains of those children,’ Salam explained, ‘and you know what? Many religions also try to brush these experiences away. Those religions that believe in the afterlife, mandate that people will be judged based on the sins of their unique identity, or souls. Re-incarnation means a human has multi-identities or multi-souls, his and those re-incarnated into him. How would judgement be performed on such a human in the afterlife?’ Salam asked.

  ‘OK, but are you implying that simulation offers a better explanation?’ Sam asked inquisitively.

  ‘Yes, indeed. In programs, when characters are killed, or when they are deceased, the small program codes for those characters are deleted and its memory space is placed in a heap, or the deleted characters’ memory storage. The memory that was occupied by the deceased characters becomes available for the program to use for the creation of new characters. If the deceased character’s code is not deleted in its entirety, and this may happen in some programmes, the newly created characters might have data from the heap belonging to the dead character. Isn’t this re-incarnation? In other words, it is a glitch in the program,’ Salam explained and appeared happy that he won the argument.

  ‘Here we go again, another convenient give away,’ said Sam.

  ‘Well, again it is a plausible explanation. Science and religion deny it altogether. So which is better?’ Salam inquired, and continued, ‘what about the control of mind over matter? Science and religion ignore it, too, but simulation has an explanation. It is a feature given to some simulated characters that enables them to control objects purely by their brainpower. Again, this phenomenon has been proved unequivocally. Science says it’s bullshit, and religion says perhaps demons or genies caused it. I find the simulation idea explains it better. What do you think?’ Salam asked with confidence.

  To Sam, it appeared that Salam was ready with his answers, and nothing worked to dissuade him. Sam was still not convinced he was living in a simulation environment. But what annoyed him most was that he couldn’t bring forward an argument against it. But there must be flaws. He needed more time to research and investigate it. That would be for the next meeting.

  Physics and Reality

  One day, Salam called Sam and asked to meet him as soon as he could. He wanted to know how he was progressing with his research in physics and the simulation idea. Sam agreed, as he was equally keen to throw his newly found evidence at Salam’s face, to convince him, once and for all, his simulation theory was flawed.

  Salam was waiting when Sam arrived at his house. He suggested they went to his small farm, on the outskirts of Baghdad, for more privacy. He often used this farm for solitude, when he had the urge to write something. Salam was a play writer, and many of his plays were serialised on TV. He only invited close friends to this hide-out, and thus it was a special treat for Sam to be invited out there.

  Salam drove Sam in his Toyota SUV, heading outside Baghdad. He left the tarmac and continued on a dirt road that snaked between date-palm trees on the eastern side of the Tigris. His farm was about three acres and had a thatched roofed cottage at one end. It was dotted with palm trees throughout. Next to the cottage, he had planted vine that cobwebbed on supports made from palm tree fronds. The vine provided shade in the hot sun, and indeed, it was more comfortable and cooler than in the city. He installed a few wooden benches and a table under the vine, where he sat to ponder on his writing.

  ‘I bought this plot a few years back, but the vine and the cottage are my project,’ Salam said.

  ‘It is indeed a nice recluse,’ answered Sam.

  ‘I don’t think I could’ve written anything if I stayed in the city. Too many phone calls, messages, and interruptions. I’m the kind of person who, once interrupted, would find it difficult to get into it again,’ said Salam.

  They sat on one bench, and Salam retrieved, from the fridge inside the cottage, drinks and some dates. They sat drinking, eating, and talking about nothing in particular.

  ‘So, have you thought about what we discussed?’ Salam asked.

  ‘Indeed I have. I still don’t believe it. OK, you’ve stated good physics facts, which might support the theory. This is circumstantial evidence, though. Is there tangible evidence of your simulation theory?’ asked Sam.

  ‘First, it’s not my theory. It is not even a theory but a hypothesis. It goes back to the 1970 s, when a scientist, Philip Dick, mentioned the possibility of simulation to the disbelief of many of his colleagues. Then it acquired more providence in 2003, when Nick Bostrom, a professor at Oxford University, postulated this theory and gave it some scientific basis.’

  ‘Go on,’ responded Sam.

  ‘Bostrom postulated that our descendants might have coded this simulation program on one of their supercomputers, to see how we evolved to where they are. He concluded there is a 50/50 chance that we are in a simulation’ Salam said.

  ‘Obviously, this takes us to the same query people had with religion over the ages. If a divine Creator created us, who created the Creator? If one of our descendants simulated us, who are these descendants? Are they real or simulated themselves?’ asked Sam, thinking he made a good point.

  ‘Good point. It is quite plausible they are in a simulation themselves, by one of their descendants. Their descendants could themselves be simulated. So, we have this possibility of simulation within a simulation, and we have no idea how long this chain goes for,’ Salam said.

  ‘This is still too simple, and not convincing. Is this the theory of this Oxford professor?’ asked Salam.

  ‘Certainly not, I’ve given you only but his very simplified conclusion. His paper is too sophisticated even for me to fully understand it. But he explained that it was human nature to simulate themselves. He cited those game programs that are getting better and better in mimicking humans on screens that will soon be indistinguishable from real humans. He argued, this trend was likely to continue as long as computers continue to get better in their processing powers. And Moore’s law suggests it will. Also, we are on the verge of going into quantum computers, whose powers are humongous,’ Salam explained.

  ‘You mentioned this before, but where does this take us to?’ Sam asked.

  ‘Well, Bostrom postulated that in the future, there are three scenarios: humans continue to simulate the evolution process that created their ancestors, humans lose interest in simulation and stop at some stage, or humans annihilate each other and go instinct. It is clear that by the na
ture of humans, they will continue their simulation efforts. So, we are left with either humans die off, or they continue to simulate. A 50/50 chance,’ Salam explained.

  ‘Interesting,’ said Sam, not able to come up with any other words.

  ‘Many other reputable scientists caught up on this idea, and many research papers and books have been written on the subject. The concept is no longer in the science fiction arena but found in mainstream science and scientific research. It is named the Simulation Hypothesis’ Salam explained.

  ‘Fine, but again, is there tangible physical evidence that we are in a simulation? Something that we can feel, measure and repeat,’ Sam added.

  ‘This is tricky. The simulation program appears to be solid. There are no measurable glitches, if any, that we can measure, for two reasons. The program appears to go back, erases what went wrong, and continues again from before the glitch. This experience is deleted from all characters, i.e. us, and thus we have no memory of this. I’m sure you’ve heard of Deja Vu, where sometimes you feel that what you see is something you saw before, i.e. it already happened before, and you’re seeing it for the second time. This, some say, is where such a scenario of error correction in the simulation program happens,’ Salam said.

  Sam didn’t respond immediately, as he was absorbed in his thoughts. Indeed, there were a few times where he experienced this Deja Vu. He could swear he experienced something he’d seen before. But it was still inconclusive evidence. This Deja Vu might be a hidden event in our minds, in our subconscious, that we don’t understand it well.

  ‘Ok, I think you have a contradiction. You said the simulation program erases its mistakes and that we don’t sense these mistakes. But you mentioned before that the paranormal was a glitch in the program. Why couldn’t the program correct them?’ asked Sam.