The Simulation Hypothesis: An MIT Computer Scientist Shows Why Ai, Quantum Physics and Eastern Mystics All Agree We Are in a Video Game

326 Pages·2019·0english

by  Rizwan Virk

Advance Praise for The Simulation Hypothesis:
“The Simulation Hypothesis by Riz Virk lays out both the technical aspects of computer
simulation and the mystical reasons why we can take Philip K. Dick seriously when he
proposed that we are living in a computer-generated reality. His vision that this world is not
quite real informed much of his science fiction.”
Tessa B. Dick, author of Conversations with Philip K. Dick, wife of Philip K. Dick

“I have learned that we live, teach, learn and love in a virtual world. In this book, Riz Virk
combines the mind of a scientist with the heart of a mystic, using video games to explain the
virtual reality that we live in.”
Dannion Brinkley, bestselling author of Saved by the Light and At Peace in the
Light

“The Simulation Hypothesis presents a radical alternative to current models of reality. Recent
speculation in physics shows us that the world we perceive may be an emerging entity
produced by an underlying pattern inaccessible to our senses. Many fields rejected or
neglected by modern science, such as religious visions, near-death experiences, psychic
phenomena and even UFOs, can be brought under the framework proposed by Riz Virk,
relying on the latest insights of computer science and on his unique experience designing
digital games. The result is a stunning reappraisal of what it means to be human in an infinite
universe.”
Jacques Vallée, venture capitalist, author of Forbidden Science, former scientist
at NASA and Stanford Research Institute

“Very few people could explain the history of video games, the mechanics of karma, and the
implications of quantum physics in one book. Riz Virk is one of them, and his book is as
adventurous as it is educational. You may never look at reality the same way again!"
Adam Curry, founder of Entangled, former researcher for Princeton's PEAR Lab
“The Simulation Hypothesis provides a deft and knowledgeable blend of video game history,
hard science speculation, and science fiction references. Whether or not you believe we all
exist in a simulation, I found it both fascinating and entertaining.”
Noah Falstein, former chair of the IGDA, former Chief Game Designer at
Google

“In The Simulation Hypothesis, Riz Virk takes current trends of immersion in video games
and personalized entertainment to their logical conclusion: how to build a simulation as real
as what we experience in daily life. While no one can say for certain how many lives we
have, my advice is to the assume it's a "one-life game" and make the best of it!"
Brent Bushnell, Founder and CEO of Two Bit Circus,

“The idea that we might be in a simulation is one of the most interesting and provocative
around. The book that Riz Virk has written is important, because it engages, with
seriousness and depth, the idea that everything around us is a simulation. Virk’s credentials
make him the right person for the job. Whatever you think of the core idea, this book will
make you think againand that is why Virk's book deserves our attention.”
Jimmy Soni, Author of A MIND AT PLAY: How Claude Shannon Invented the
Information Age

“In this brilliant integrative work, Riz Virk astutely tackles ideas ranging from Dream Yoga to
computational irreducibility, weaving together modern disciplines and ancient traditions. Virk
presents a model of a multiplayer game that can integrate philosophical notions from
materialism to mysticism. As for the physics, he is refreshingly not afraid to be clear eyed
about the mind-boggling implications. He also maps for us a road toward a future Simulation
Point when we will be able to create, as an advanced civilization, our own Great Simulation.
This trans-disciplinary overview of The Simulation Hypothesis is a valuable read.”
Thomas Brophy, PhD physics, Co-President, California Institute for Human
Science, author of Black Genesis: The Prehistoric Origins of Ancient Egypt

“Those looking to expand their brains for a few hours should enjoy this cerebral work. A
well-crafted discussion of simulation that is unexpectedly persuasive.”
Kirkus Reviews

“Rizwan Virk's book The Simulation Hypothesis is one of the few works that could convince
me that I probably live in a simulated universe. Virk's breadth of knowledge encompasses
the history of religions, philosophy, popular culture, modern physics and computer
technology, drawing connections which show his theory is not only feasible but probably
correct.
As a scholar of religion, I was intrigued by Virk’s compelling new answer to the age-old
issue that all religions grapple with: the conundrum posed by materiality. If we understand
that the universe is not material, but probably computational, then we can identify a bridge
between mystical traditions and science.
If this sounds mind blowing, it is! This book is also really funny and engaging, with
references to popular culture and video games to keep the philosophy and science
enjoyable. I highly recommend this book—it expanded my mind's bandwidth!"
Diana Walsh Pasulka, Professor of Philosophy and Religion, University of
North Carolina Wilmington, author of American Cosmic: UFOs, Religion,
Technology

“Riz Virk's book gives both a history of video games and a roadmap on how to build the
most sophisticated game of all: The Great Simulation, which would be our version of the
Holodeck from Star Trek. Very few technologists can also dive into the philosophical
questions that come from the development of AI and high-resolution imagery that would be
needed. The Simulation Hypothesis is a fascinating read for any technologist who wonders
what the future may hold.”
Rajeev Surati, MIT PhD, founder of Scalable Display Technologies
Praise for Zen Entrepreneurship and Treasure Hunt, also by
Rizwan Virk:

“Treasure Hunt provides some well-worth-your-consideration guidance. Virk provides new
maps of understanding, based on the latest thinking of quantum physics and the multiverse,
that can guide you through today’s jungle of opportunities and dense misadventures.”
Fred Alan Wolf PhD, author of Parallel Universes and Dr. Quantum Presents:
Do-it-Yourself Time Travel

“So exciting that someone from the tech world is speaking up about synchronicities, signs, and
spiritual guidance. Thanks, Riz for giving us case studies and a compelling guide for finding
the map we all contain inside.”
Pam Grout, #1 New York Times bestselling author of E-squared

“The world around us is speaking to us every day in a language of signs and symbols, if only
we pay attention. Virk invites us to look at the patterns of everyday life as a treasure map,
offering clues we can follow to manifest our dreams.”
Robert Moss, author of Conscious Dreaming and Sidewalk Oracles

“Tales of Power meets the Peaceful Warrior... in Silicon Valley! Zen Entrepreneurship is
entertaining, humble, insightful and valuable—not just to entrepreneurs, but to anyone
looking to manifest their dreams and make a difference in the world.”
Foster Gamble, Creator and Host,
Thrive: What on Earth Will It Take

“In Zen Entrepreneurship, Riz Virk brings the wisdom of ancient Eastern traditions into a
purely Western setting. The result is an often hilarious but always insightful book that will
change how you view career success and help you discover and walk your own unique
path.”
—Marc Allen, author of Visionary Business, CEO and co-founder of New World
Library
The Simulation Hypothesis
Also by Rizwan Virk

Zen Entrepreneurship:
Walking the Path of the Career Warrior

Treasure Hunt:
Follow Your Inner Clues to Find True Success

Startup Myths & Models:
Secrets They Don't Teach You at Stanford Business School
(coming soon)

visit
www.zenentrepreneur.com
The Simulation Hypothesis
An MIT Computer Scientist Shows
Why AI, Quantum Physics and Eastern Mystics
Agree We Are in a Video Game
Rizwan Virk

V0.4.06

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Copyright © 2018-2019 Rizwan Virk

Cover Art by Jeff Brown

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Published by Bayview Books, LLC a division of Bayview Labs, LLC

No part of this publication may be used or reproduced in any manner (mechanical,
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Version .4.06
First Edition: March 31, 2019

ISBN-13: 978-0-9830569-0-4
For my siblings,
both inside and outside
of the simulation:

Irfan
Samina
Robina
Furqan
and
Adnan