Unlocking Reality: Donald Hoffman on Consciousness, Simulations, and the Limits of Space-Time | Impact Theory
May 18, 2026
46 min
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915 of 945
May 18, 2026
Unlocking Reality: Donald Hoffman on Consciousness, Simulations, and the Limits of Space-Time | Impact Theory
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46:44This episodeUnlocking Reality: Donald Hoffman on Consciousness, Simulations, and the Limits of Space-Time | Impact Theory
Summary
<p>Most people think that space-time and the physical universe are the ultimate reality—something solid and unchangeable, governed by the laws of physics. But what if that's just the tip of the iceberg? What if our everyday experience is nothing more than a kind of VR headset, a useful interface that hides the deeper layers of reality from us? I find this idea not only fascinating, but increasingly convincing, especially as breakthroughs in both physics and computational theory keep bending the boundaries of what's possible.</p>
<p>To challenge our assumptions and help us explore what's really behind the headset, I bring you today's guest—a cognitive scientist who argues that space-time is not fundamental, and that consciousness might be the true base reality. He believes that if we figure out the code underlying the simulation, we could unlock possibilities that make nuclear weapons look like firecrackers—and that the future of science is about to blow our collective minds. With that in mind, I bring you Donald Hoffman.</p>
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