Conversations with Tom | Donald Hoffman on Why Our Reality Is False

On this episode of Conversations with Tom, Donald Hoffman and Tom Bilyeu discuss the fascinating possibilities that stem from the theory that evolution gave us the equivalent of a desktop interface that hides the real truth from us so that we can take effective action. They discuss the nature of consciousness, free will, space-time, causality and the self. This episode is brought to you by: BLUblox: Go to blublox.com/impacttheory for 15% off your order or use discount code ImpactTheory at checkout. Blinkist: Go to https://blinkist.com/impact Try it FREE for 7 days and save 25% off your new subscription. SHOW NOTES:  Most of us believe that we see reality as it is. But we don’t. [1:14] Donald describes how mathematical game theory explains natural selection [3:42] Donald talks about a game he created to simulate evolution [9:33] Seeing the truth and seeing what you need to survive are very different things [13:51] Evolution gave us the equivalent of a desktop interface, not the truth [18:11] Every creature has a different user interface and perceives a different reality [24:57] If we let go of logic and reasoning, then we have nothing left [32:10] There will always be unprovable truths. You can never know it all. [35:14] Donald describes the process by which you “see” an apple [42:05] Evolution tells us that the language of space and time does not describe reality [47:53] Donald proposes that reality is a vast social network of conscious agents [49:39] A conscious agent creates their interpretation from their experiences [53:32] What is consciousness? [57:12] What does a conscious agent need to do? [1:00:49] Donald and Tom discuss fascinating cases of split-brain patients [1:08:13] If space-time is doomed then is causality doomed as well? [1:22:17] Donald discusses free will and its relationship to cause and effect [1:28:01] The self is a construction just like space and time [1:30:27] You can never experience yourself choosing [1:39:15] Donald describes the experience of realizing that he is just inside a VR headset [1:40:01] What’s the difference between math all the way down and turtles all the way down? [1:50:25] Tom and Donald discuss the double-slit experiment in physics [1:56:18] Donald talks about his wife and his marriage [2:01:49] Donald and Tom discuss the possibility of taking off the headset [2:03:10] Donald and Tom discuss why they haven’t used psychedelics [2:07:10] Since space-time is doomed, what’s next? [2:13:27]  FOLLOW DONALD: WEBSITE: https://bit.ly/2WLu47l  TWITTER: https://bit.ly/2WKJ0SX  Are You Ready for EXTRA Impact? If you’re ready to find true fulfillment, strengthen your focus, and ignite your true potential, the Impact Theory subscription was created just for you. This is not for the faint of heart. This is for those who dare to learn obsessively, every day, day after day. Subscription Benefits: Unlock the gates to a treasure trove of wisdom from inspiring guests like Andrew Huberman, Mel Robbins, Hal Elrod, Matthew McConaughey, and many, many, more New episodes delivered ad-free Exclusive access to Tom’s AMAs, keynote speeches, and suggestions from his personal reading list You’ll also get access to an 5 additional podcasts with hundreds of archived Impact Theory episodes, meticulously curated into themed playlists covering health, mindset, business, relationships, and more: Legendary Mindset: Mindset & Self-Improvement Money Mindset: Business & Finance Relationship Theory: Relationships Health Theory: Mental & Physical Health Power Ups: Weekly Doses of Short Motivational Quotes  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3PCvJaz Subscribe on all other platforms (Google Podcasts, Spotify, Castro, Downcast, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Podcast Addict, Podcast Republic, Podkicker, and more) : https://impacttheorynetwork.supercast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices