Is Reality Real? - This One Idea Might Change Your Entire Life | Donald Hoffman

Let’s dive into the mind-bending world of Donald Hoffman on this episode of Impact Theory where Hoffman, a cognitive scientist and consciousness expert, challenges our understanding of reality and consciousness.

This conversation isn't just thought-provoking; it's life-changing. Ever wondered if we're living in a simulation? Or questioned the true potential of AI and its consciousness? Hoffman addresses these riveting concepts and more.

But why does any of this matter? It's simple. Hoffman's insights can help you see the world from a radically different perspective, inspiring you to question your assumptions and rethink your understanding of reality. This isn't just about theoretical musings - it's about empowering you to explore new realms of self-awareness and understanding.

Whether you're keen on technology, interested in the mysteries of consciousness, or just love a good intellectual challenge, this episode is a must-watch. Tune in and let Hoffman's groundbreaking theories shake up your worldview, spark curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of the world around you.
Join us in exploring these fascinating theories that could redefine your perception of reality and self-awareness. Tune in, challenge your assumptions, and expand your mind!"

QUOTES:

“Behind space time there is an incredibly complicated realm to explore.”

“Consciousness is the ability to have experiences like the taste of chocolate.”

“What we are, are avatars of the one effectively and the one awareness is exploring all of its possibilities through different avatars.”

“No system can completely know itself.”

Follow Donald Hoffman:

[TomBilyeu]

WARNING: I will never ask for your contact info in the comments section, that is someone impersonating me!

[peternguyen]

"We are living in a simulation. None of this is real!" I've repeated Tom's words to my credit card company, referring to my debt, but they won't believe me!

[car]

Since an NDE more than 15 years ago I have been living without the notion of time passing. The difference is that you are always present in the moment. The transcendence was blissful unconditional love and oneness and that feeling has lingered on ever since. Also resulted in no real fear of death.

[anniegaffney]

I cannot count how many times this man said "I don't know" or "we don't know". I have so much respect for every other thing he says because he is honest and humble to admit that he does not know certain things. Very genuine and not pompous... Like I like my Scientists. Are there many out there like him?

[codinginflow]

I became an instant fan of Donald. Not only does he explain these concepts so well, he also seems very humble 💚

[dinahpredelus]

Take it from someone who died and was brought back. We are not the body. When I died (ascended), I simply left my body. I came out of this meat suit and I could see everything and everyone. I remember my family but had an understanding that they were fine. It was absolutely beautiful. There was no pain, worry, stress or that sad feeling. It feels like you were held down for the longest and all of a sudden you're light as a feather. I seen colors and realistic cartoon characters. The colors can't be explained. They don't exist in this physical realm. You can see everything vibrating at its frequency. For example, if I looked at a tree I could see the vibration of it, I could see the life in it and realized they are literally living but we communicate in different ways. It makes you feel one with everything even dirt. You see it Alive and realize how we have been hurting and torturing them. We hurt them daily and not realize because we can't hear their screams when we are cutting them down or burning them. Another thing I can say is that I cried immediately when I opened my eyes and realized I was back in this realm. Like, why did you have to bring me back to this shitty place. I now suffer with depression and most wouldn't understand. I was literally at peace. This is a simulation that we are trapped in under light code lockdown. It's an illusion

[sherimedford]

I love this podcast because Tom doesn't just ask questions, he thinks and interacts with the guest. This play between Donald's way of seeing in juxtaposition with Tom's way of seeing makes it clearer and deeper somehow. I love this.

[EmilyW.isawakenotwoke]

The first time I listened to Donald, my head swam and I had to play the interview again and again to grasp what he was saying. Now, i can follow along, grasping the general concepts... I love his genius brain ❤️🕊️🪷

[mikefatah]

Absolutely love what Mr. Hoffman has to discuss each time!

[ricky]

The more science there is, the closer it aligns to spirituality. It seems we forgot. We are not learning, we are remembering.

[joshgordon]

I worked in Professor Hoffman's lab while an undergrad at UC Irvine, he was my favorite professor, what an amazing mind!

[XenoMassxx]

I like the vibes these type of conversations give me. It's hard to explain but it always helps with stress and life problems and makes me feel in a way as if to say to myself "bruh, what your stressing over isn't that serious. Besides, it's all just a simulation anyway, why are you caring about something that isn't real?". Don't get me wrong, I know it's real but at the same time it's not real.. right?... RIGHT!? LOL

[cameronbdaily]

A transformative journey led me to a pivotal moment of change. A severe migraine became the catalyst for my decision to cease drinking abruptly. This choice plunged me into a week of intense withdrawal symptoms, known as delirium tremens, where I encountered visions of the so-called "Hatman, " which tested my spirit. In this trying time, I felt a divine presence of the Virgin Mary affirming the value of my soul.
The ordeal continued with another week in the ICU, where, amidst a manic episode, I found myself escaping the confines of my room, only to be gently guided back by my family’s comforting embrace. What I believed to be a late Thursday evening was, in fact, a bright Friday afternoon—a humorous twist to an otherwise harrowing experience.
Reflecting on these events, I’m filled with gratitude as I approach a milestone of four and a half years of sobriety, coinciding with my 33rd birthday. This journey serves as a testament to the belief that anything is possible and that a higher power watches over us all. Peace, love, and blessings. 🕊❤🙏

[ambition]

0:00: 🤔 The speaker believes that we are living in a simulation, with Consciousness being fundamental, and argues that both quantum theory and evolution support this idea.
14:53: 🧠 Consciousness is the fundamental reality and space-time is an emergent phenomenon from Consciousness.
28:39: 🧠 Consciousness is the fundamental awareness that animates us and explores different qualia states through various avatars.
44:14: 🧠 The discussion explores the concept of infinity and the potential for a Theory of Consciousness that goes beyond space-time.
58:32: 🧠 The fundamental nature of space-time is still an open question in physics, with the possibility of non-computable functions and influences beyond our current understanding.
1:12:47: 🤔 The speaker's leading theory is that consciousness is fundamental and gives birth to space-time, but they are not confident in this theory.
1:28:06: 🧠 The concept of persistence is crucial in understanding consciousness, as it allows for consistent perception and recognition of objects.
1:41:02: 🤔 The conversation explores the concepts of persistence, qualia, free will, and the nature of consciousness in relation to the simulation hypothesis.
1:54:42: 🧠 Consciousness is fundamental and exists outside of space and time, while our physical reality is a simulation created by conscious agents.
2:09:57: 🧠 The interview discusses the possibility that consciousness creates space-time and the brain is just a headset and explores the idea of exploring different dimensions of reality beyond our current understanding.
2:36:46: 🧠 Near-death experiences may offer insights into conscious experiences that transcend our space-time interface.
2:39:29: 🔍 Donald Hoffman discusses near-death experiences and the implications for consciousness and sensory perception.
Recap by Tammy AI

[bigpicture]

I like Donald Hoffman's approach to this subject, and how he is trying to tie it into the seeming weirdness of Quantum Physics. By examining the connection to "consciousness" itself. Because there are so many words and shades of meaning connected to "consciousness" it may be necessary to dispense with a whole bunch of them and narrow it down to just two or three words. Maybe just "conceptualization" and "knowing". Just define "conceptualization" as the process of connecting symbols, words, numbers, pictures, time, space etc. and define "knowing" as the thing that makes "conceptualization" possible. In the normal waking state of human consciousness everything is "conceptualization" including the concept of Self as being separate from other things that are "conceptualized". Jung called this conceptual self the Ego. Behind this is the Jungian (individual and collective) "unconscious" where "the knowing" seems to reside, and that makes all this "conceptualization" possible. When we approach the "dreaming consciousness" we move away from the "hard conceptualization" and time and space and gravity and mass become very fluid, and not firmly structured any more. If Donald Hoffman can take this and turn it into a theory of "Conscious Agents" that can be expressed in the mathematical structure that science understands, and can relate to, and cannot refute, this will be a long way towards the unification of ALL SCIENCES, and stop the "isolated" discipline approach "where never the twain shall meet."

[realitysurfer-sr]

The collective thinking mind is finally catching up with the wisdom of the feeling heart. What a time to be alive.

[coleenlawrence]

He articulates the research so well... And I love his passion and humility... His content is awe inspiring & leaves me endlessly thinking, reflecting, figuring.... Truly fascinating guest. A favorite! ❤

[tclondon]

I'm just happy to be alive in a time when these discussions are not only taking place but are being taken on by some great thinkers.
It will always be tricky to comprehend the infinite from a finite perspective.. ✌🏾

[ChipWhitehouse]

I’m only 38 mins into this video but it’s amazing watching this. I’m seeing science slowly catch up to spirituality in real time 😭 Things certain people have known for thousands of years. Something that is unknowable with our human minds but we’re getting better and better analogies to explain “realities” and getting closer and closer to the “truth”. Science & Spirituality are the same thing. One day humanity will understand this. This video excites me immensely because I feel like I’m watching that merge begin in real time! SUCH an exciting time to be alive!!! 👏👏🙌💖💕 **goes back to watching the rest of the video**

[_SoundByte_]

Donald Hoffman's work aligns with Indian and Eastern spirituality, revealing the illusory nature of our reality. By challenging conventional understanding, he invites us to question our subjective experience. His fusion of science and spirituality inspires a transformative journey towards self-realization and a deeper comprehension of reality.