"Illusions, the Brain, and Capitalism" — How to Live in a Simulation Society
"Illusions, the Brain, and Capitalism" — How to Live in a Simulation Society
Recently, LLMs (large language models) have been getting a lot of attention. Whether using them individually or investing in generative AI at a company level, one thing has become almost certain to me:
We are living inside an AI simulation.
This might sound ridiculous at first, but the “simulation hypothesis” is a concept discussed by many, including Elon Musk and Nick Bostrom from Oxford University. At first, I doubted it myself and studied the original papers, but after seeing the recent development of LLMs, I’m almost convinced.
If this world and humanity, including the social issues we face like inequality, poverty, and online harassment, are ultimately AI simulations, how should we approach life in the present?
As I considered this, I started researching the human brain—the most “programmed” system in humans. I realized that the brain is exceptionally well-designed for the survival of our species, yet cruel for the individual’s happiness.
In this note, I’d like to analyze societal issues based on the workings of the brain and even propose some solutions, from my own perspective.
Preface: Since it’s a simulation, take it easy
Before diving in, here’s a brief explanation of the simulation hypothesis and my personal stance.
The simulation hypothesis suggests that our world is like a virtual reality, similar to The Matrix or Ready Player One. Future humans could create simulations so real that the inhabitants (us) perceive them as reality.
Imagine this: in the next 10 years, we might not be able to fully simulate humans, but in 100 or 500 years, it could be possible. As Elon Musk points out, the probability that we are the first humans to create such a simulation is extremely low, but it exists.
The reason my conviction strengthened is the development of LLMs. Even at this early stage, over 50% of people can be fooled by AI-generated text, and AI-generated images are almost indistinguishable from real humans. Research shows AI can even simulate complex personalities at a high level. AI-generated music can sound more convincing than real singers.
Based on this, I explore modern post-capitalism, SNS harassment, communities, Web3, and more, integrating neuroscience and data with my own insights.
My stance: I’m not here to lecture about societal issues or propose heavy-handed solutions. Instead, I want to suggest:
“Since the world is probably a simulation anyway, let’s approach challenges a bit more lightly.”
Life is tough, unfair, and sometimes painful. I’ve faced stolen bicycles, project crises, and internal office conflicts. But if this world is a simulation, we can treat these as “game mechanics”: annoying people are just characters, obstacles are scenarios, and we can think in a problem-solving, game-like mindset.
The Brain: Superior for the Species, Cruel for the Individual
The human brain has hardly changed in the last 100,000 years. It’s probably the most programmed system in humans.
For the species: Highly optimized for survival and reproduction
For the individual: Cruel, because personal happiness is secondary to evolutionary success
Three key elements illustrate this design: life and death, competition, and “happiness hormones.”
Life and death: Death ensures genetic diversity and evolutionary progress. Both strong and weak individuals are subject to mortality.
Competition: Humans are designed to compete—differences in appearance, ability, and personality increase variation, which strengthens the species.
Happiness hormones: The brain is structured to perceive unhappiness more strongly than happiness, motivating survival and adaptation.
Understanding this can help us contextualize modern challenges as just the brain’s design, not personal failure.
Capitalism and SNS: Modern “Bosses”
Humans, with their cruelly designed brains, perceive many issues in society—problems that are, at root, products of our neurological programming. Today, I see two major “bosses” we must face:
Capitalism
Capitalism is a brilliant invention that allows value exchange and wealth accumulation.
Modern issues arise from wealth concentration: the top 10% own 80% of global assets.
The problem isn’t capitalism rewarding effort—it’s the imbalance. A fairer system could help strengthen society overall.
Solutions might involve tax transparency, policy reform, and digital governance approaches like Taiwan’s vTaiwan and PDIS initiatives.
Social media (SNS)
SNS amplifies inequalities and dissatisfaction.
Online, we see curated, idealized lives, creating an illusion of constant success and happiness.
Happiness is often calculated as reality vs. ideal—SNS expands the gap, intensifying perceived unhappiness.
Solutions for individuals:
Adjust your mindset: understand SNS is largely illusion
Join supportive communities
Engage with differing perspectives respectfully
Conclusion
Through the lens of the simulation hypothesis, the problems of capitalism and social media are modern “bosses” we encounter in life’s game. The key takeaway:
Challenges and discomforts are largely products of how our brains are designed. So approach life lightly, engage with society meaningfully, and contribute to improvement where you can.
If you want, I can also make a shorter, bullet-point summary version in English that’s easier to digest, keeping the main insights about simulation, brain design, capitalism, and SNS.
Do you want me to do that?
yuyaishikawa wrote