In 2001, a philosopher named Nick Bostrom provided an analysis of the possibility that we might all be living in a computer simulation. According to his theory, future generations have enough advanced technology to simulate both the universe and the human mind in sufficient detail to create a simulation that would be indistinguishable to an actual reality.

This immense computing power would make everybody a sim that is controlled by future ancestors. Since then, there has been much debate about this pervasive topic with both criticism and praise on Bostrom's reasoning. Objections have been made that the theory is merely futuristic speculation.

Although we will never know if we are living in a simulation for sure, our reality as we know it can be seen as a simulation considering the way society is set up. We lose who we really are to the simulation by acting in accordance with everybody's idealized version of us. Society's norms control us in a way that is similar to how we would be controlled in a simulation.

But for good reason. It is dangerous to be yourself.

We cut the vocal chords of everyone who dares to feel empowered. At the end of the day, empowered speakers such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X died for being themselves. The rest of those who try to speak up are mostly dismissed as pseudo-intellects.

So being yourself is quintessentially self-destructive, which is why we subconsciously adjust ourselves for other people.

The only way to combat this simulation is to treat life as if you were living in a dream, meaning to live freely. Sadly, letting go of all inhibition in favor of our happiness is a luxury not many of us have. We fall victim to inhibition to the point where we convince ourselves that we are limited by the world. That our position in life limits us to opportunities when in fact, we are the ones creating the confines.

The trick is to use your inhibition just enough to ensure survival but not so much that it controls your life.

People are starting to realize that everything in the world as we know it is a construct. If everything in our world is a man-made construction that is false, then anything is possible. Live your best life.