Is Reality an Illusion?

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Reality isn’t what we think it is. We go through life assuming we experience the world as it is, but ancient wisdom and modern science suggest otherwise. Our senses give us a filtered view—an interface, not the whole reality. What we see, hear, and feel isn’t the entire picture but a simplified, survival-focused version.

Donald Hoffman, a cognitive scientist, argues that our perception of reality is like a desktop interface on a computer. The icons on the screen help us navigate and get things done, but they don’t show us what’s actually inside the computer. You don’t see the circuits or the programming code; you see a folder, a trash can, or a document. In the same way, our senses don’t show us what the world is—they show us what we need to know to navigate and survive.

Think about it: Dogs hear sounds and smell scents we can’t detect. Their world is filled with noises and smells that don’t exist for us. Cats can see in the dark, navigating a world invisible to our eyes. Dolphins use sonar to sense their environment, "seeing" with sound in ways we can’t even imagine. The world looks and feels very different to every species because their senses are tuned to a different "interface."

Understanding that our perception is only a fraction of reality can teach us humility. We often rush to form opinions, make judgments, or assume we know the whole story, but this is just our mind’s way of simplifying the world. When we realize our limited view, it opens the door to empathy and understanding. We realize our version of reality is just one of many. Each person, animal, or being might be experiencing a completely different world shaped by their senses and perceptions.

One last thought: If our reality is just an interface—a simplified version of what’s actually there—what’s the deeper truth beyond our perception? The answer is we don’t know. It’s the age-old search for meaning—the holy grail of science and the guiding light of religion. This quest for understanding and endless curiosity make life such an incredible and awe-inspiring adventure.

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