What is the Matrix?

 

There is a lot of confusion about the matrix. Everyone wants to know what it is, who controls it, and how to escape it. There are several various explanations about what the matrix is and sometimes these don’t match up. Then there are people who deny that it exists at all. Then you have people talking about the idea that we are in a simulation. It all get’s very confusing unless you’re grounded somewhere. Let’s unravel this entire mystery and answer the question once and for all: what is the matrix.

 

The Movie

 

What is the matrix? That’s a tough question to answer without some background knowledge. The term itself wasn’t known, at least not in this context, until the release of the movie in 1999 called The Matrix.

The story behind this movie is that machines, basically artificial intelligence inside of robot machines, were using human’s as batteries. They would capture humans and put them inside of these incubator machines so that they could harness their energy. While the humans were in these incubators, they were given a computer program so that they could live a life inside of their mind. However, some people were able to break free from this fake imaginary computer program world and gain access to the real world. In the real world, the humans and machines were at war against each other.

Let me introduce you to two characters. Neo was the main character of the movie. He was originally in the computer program, which they called the matrix, but was broken free by Morpheus’ team. Morpheus is the second character that you need to understand. Morpheus is the man that trained Neo how to defeat the matrix completely. He taught Neo how the matrix was programmed. He taught Neo how everything works and showed him the ways of the matrix.

 

The Take-Away

 

There are two layers that people discuss from the movie, The Matrix. The first layer of questions are about simulation theory. Are we living in a simulation? Do we live in a false reality? Does a computer program or something similar determine the world that we live in. The second layer of questions are about symbolism of how the world functions. Are people brain-washed? Is there someone controlling ideas? Are there agents set in place to keep people from escaping the mental prisons that the matrix has set in place?

So from here on, as we discuss the first layer of questions, we will call this simulation theory. As we discuss the ideas and principle of how the world works, we will refer to this as the matrix. Even though it is a new word, the word “matrix” has become synonymous with the idea and there aren’t really any other words to describe it. So now that you understand what terminology we will use and where it comes from, let’s dive into this rabbit hole. Or as they say in the matrix movie: “Follow the white rabbit”.

 

Simulation Theory

 

There is an idea that the world we live in is a computer simulation. They claim it is some kind of high tech computer system and essentially we are video game characters. Some people that discuss simulation theory get into interesting discussions based on theoretical ideas such as rendering. If we were in a game simulation, how would the world render? If we walk to a new location, would the map need to load? What happens if we experience lag? Then there are other people who go above and beyond. If you research simulation theory, you’ll find people that claim they can see computer code in certain parts of the world. You’ll also find certain number sequences that people believe are either code, or a way to hack the code.

 

Science on Simulation Theory

 

In reality, we can look to science for an answer. Science has labeled this a hypothesis. A hypothesis is an explanation / prediction about how the world works. However, being a hypothesis means that it is not considered factual. Which literally means that some Loony dude had an idea and the scientific community cannot test it OR they can’t reasonably prove it’s validity. There are tons of science hypothesis and most of them are wrong. However, some of them would make a cool science fiction movie, and these are often adopted by some who are often very vocal about their ideas. However, with this said, the scientific community does not take these claims factually

 

Religion of Simulation Theory

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Likewise, we can look to religion for an answer. Not surprising at all that I cannot find a single religion that teaches that we are inside of a computer program. In addition, we can look toward ancient philosophers for an answer: “A computer? What’s that?” said every ancient philosopher to ever live. Jokes aside, there’s absolutely no form of support or authority for any of these claims. With that said, it doesn’t hurt to enjoy a good time chatting and laughing about science fiction with friends to have a good time.

I do want to apologize that I did not present and debunk evidence for this theory. The only problem is that there isn’t a single piece of evidence with any weight to support this idea. This means that I had no evidence to analyze and debunk. So, yeah, that’s why.

 

The Matrix Outside of the Movies

 

The matrix movies essentially teach that people’s minds are enslaved to a system of beliefs, ideas, actions, and knowledge that dictates how they live their lives. The interesting thing is that this idea is not new to the matrix movies. We can go back to biblical times and find evidence for this. We can find examples of people fighting against this from the beginning of time. Also, We can also look at ancient philosophers and find that they also spoke about this. We can also look at science and find that they back up this idea. These 3 sources of information all come together to agree that humanity is in someway enslaved by a system. Let’s look at some of these.

 

Religious Form of Matrix.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2 (NIV)

This is a warning to stay away from the pattern of the world. The pattern of the world is found in the mind.

“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” 1 John 2:17

This means that there are 2 realities or desires. One of God and one of the world.

“We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.” 1John 5:19 (NIV)

When there is a king, there is a kingdom. When there is a kingdom, there are laws, beliefs and a culture. For the world to be under the control of the “evil one”, this is symbolizing some type of king / kingdom / idea / belief. This means that there is a system out there that is incorrect and most people living follow this system.

“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light,” John 3:19-21

What Does This All mean?

 

This means that there is the light and the dark. These are 2 different ways to live life and most people choose the dark. We can easily see a connection here between good and evil, which is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. Good and evil are also 2 various ways to live life, and most people choose evil. We also see the connection between heavenly and earthly things as a theme throughout the bible, and most people choose earthly things. We also see the trend of living in truth or living in lies. Another important trend in the Bible is God’s law versus tradition. These are all referencing the same idea. There are only two approaches to life, and the majority of people live the same way. In a religious perspective, the bible is telling people that they are living in a type of matrix and it is trying to teach people how to escape from the matrix.

Yes, these versus are Bible related, but you will find the same concept in every major religion. This topic is too large to cover in this thread, but I highly encourage you to look into this idea if it interests you.

 

Philosophical Form of the Matrix

 

There are two famous philosophies that allude to a matrix type idea. Let’s take a look at them.

 

The Allegory of Plato’s Cave

 

The Allegory of Plato’s Cave. This is a story about someone that lives inside of a cave. They are chained and only allowed to look at the wall of the cave. There is a fire near by which casts shadows on the wall, so that the person in the cave can see the shadows. As life goes on, the shadows hits the wall and the person begins to learn about the world from the shadows and does not even know that the real world exists. This person believes that the shadows are the real object and doesn’t know any better.

This allegory implies that there is a world of knowledge available that is based on shadows. Most people live their lives believing in shadows and they don’t realize that they don’t see the real thing. It’s similar to the idea of an iceberg. Most people live life believing that an iceberg is just a small floating island of ice. However, they have no idea that 90% of the iceberg is hidden under water. A deeper example of this is money. Most people live life seeing paper and debit cards and talking about money, but they have no idea how money is created, what it actually is, how it maintains it’s value, and what will likely happen to money in the future. This is a big topic to get into, but monetary history is a type of iceberg/matrix.

 

Descartes’ evil demon argument

 

Another interesting philosophy is Descartes’ evil demon argument. Descartes’ evil demon argument is the idea of an all-powerful and deceptive entity – an evil demon or evil genius. This evil demon can manipulate our perceptions and thoughts, creating a world that seems real. This seemingly real world is complete with sensory experiences, logical connections, and a coherent external reality. According to Descartes, this evil demon has the capacity to deceive us, making us believe in a false reality.

This argument challenges the limits of our knowledge and perception. It suggests that we cannot trust our senses as a reliable source of knowledge. This argument suggests that our perceptions and experiences, including the physical world, could be an illusion. It could be an illusion that seems real enough to deceive most of the world. However, Descartes also argues that we we are thinking beings and the act of thinking confirms our existence as conscious entities.

 

What is the Matrix? Combining Religion and Philosophy.

 

We can even tie philosophy and religion together. I believe you will see the connection once you read this verse, but just to be clear I will briefly summarize the connection. The Bible backs up the idea that the world believes a lie. There are signs and wonders that serve the lie that will deceive many. Why? Because they are logical, coherent, and we don’t have any way to really disprove it. Without a knowledge, understanding and foundation in the truth, it’s hard to know what’s real or false. It’s like the person in Plato’s cave believing that shadows are real.

“The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.”  2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 (NIV)

 

Science’ Form of the Matrix

 

There is a lot of scientific knowledge on this concept. We will specifically be turning toward psychology and similar fields to study a few things about cognition that prove that we could easily accept a false reality.

• Reliability of Memory
• Cognitive Dissonance
• Bias
• Belief systems

 

Reliability of Memory

 

Memory is not reliable at all. In fact, Elizabeth Loftus PhD with the American Psychological Association concluded that memory can be manipulated by the following:

• Facts
• Ideas
• Suggestions
• Other post-event information

These are the one specifically mentioned in the article above. However, many psychologists will also agree that time will dilute and change memory in addition to talking about the memory.

So why am I telling you this? What does this have to do with answering “what is the matrix”? I am trying to show you that reality can easily be manipulated, changed, and hidden. If we can’t even trust our memory, then reality may not be what we think. Now that we can agree that the reality may be unreliable, let’s discuss why people believe false things.

In fact, the following psychological things, (cognitive dissonance, bias, and beliefs), are so strong that even if you tell someone the truth and show them proof, they will likely deny everything. They will shut off, not listen, argue, and become upset. Why? Because these psychological concepts are powerful.

 

Cognitive Dissonance

 

Cognitive Dissonance is the struggle felt inside of someone when they have clashing ideas or when their behavior and beliefs are disconnected. How does this help us understand “what is the matrix”? From the moment someone is born, they are shown images and told stories about reality. Everything they do and everywhere they go they are being programmed. They wear Santa Claus onesies, watch cartoons about Santa Claus, and use crayons to color Santa Claus in books. Then when they are older and told that Santa Claus is not real, it’s hard to believe. There is embarrassment. Sometimes resentment. Many kids choose to continue believing even after being told the truth. Keep in mind, every adult knows the truth and it’s still hard to accept. Imagine what would happen with an idea that is not widely accepted. If it’s difficult for kids to accept reality, how difficult would it be for a fully grown adult to learn that something they believe in is a lie?

 

Bias

 

Bias is our natural tendency to like or dislike something regardless or knowledge, facts, or experience. For example, most people are biased toward a specific color. Some people like blue, other’s like green, and still other’s will like yellow the best. There are 2 types of bias: conscious and unconscious. While talking about “what is the matrix” we are referring mostly to unconscious bias. People will naturally be biased toward their pre-existing belief – which we have already discussed are mostly matrix supporting beliefs. People are biased toward beliefs of their family and friends – These people are also living unreliable realities as we discussed with memory. We are biased toward widely accepted beliefs. Why? because no one wants to be the odd one out. Most people do not know that they are biased or why they are biased, they just are.

 

Beliefs

 

As we have already discussed, most people are biased toward their beliefs, and experience massive cognitive dissonance when their beliefs are challenged. However, there is another issue. When people are fed information, that information goes through a belief filter. This can get very challenging for people and cause confusion. So what happens? The information is disregarded as false. A child may experience this when they learn that Santa Claus is not real. They run this claim through their beliefs. Santa Claus must be real, because the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy is real. For them to accept a different belief, they must challenge a bunch of their beliefs. If Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and Tooth Fairy are not real, then God must not be real.

The older people get, the more set in stone their beliefs become. So by the time someone is an adult, it becomes very difficult to challenge their beliefs. When you do, it almost becomes destructive. An adult is largely held together because of their belief systems, and sometimes when you destroy their beliefs, they struggle to ever find solid ground again. Beliefs are very powerful and people protect them fiercely, and for good reason. However, this leads to people believing false information, and correcting them is often disregarded because they are filtered out due to their current beliefs. In other words, people usually do not open their mind to alternate models of reality so they disregard each individual aspect of the alternate reality because it does not fit in their current model of reality.

Example of Belief Filtering

 

Here’s a story of multiple models of reality. Man #1 usually eats at McDonald’s and Man #2 usually eats at Burger King. They walk into each other while walking on the sidewalk and start a friendly conversation about food. However, while talking they notice that they are using a different word to describe their hamburger. Man #1 is calling the hamburger a Big Mac, and Man #2 is calling the hamburger a Whopper. Man #2 tried to explain to Man #1 tried to explain what a Big Mac was. It’s a hamburger with lettuce, Sauce, and the meat is separated by bread. However, Man #2 couldn’t understand because he has never seen that at Burger King. Man #2 decides to reject it and say that it doesn’t exist. Burger King and McDonald’s are different Models. One man understood this, and one man did not. Yes, this is a silly example, but it happens all the time in the real world with more complicated topics.

 

What is the Matrix With This Knowledge?

 

After analyzing religion, philosophy, and science, we can agree that reality may not be what we think. We understand that this is an issue of the mind. It’s also pretty clear that breaking free of the matrix is difficult. However, what is the matrix? What is the exact thing that it is? I am going to answer the question “what is the matrix” and many of you may not like the answer. However, it’s the closest definition that fits everything that we have learned. It’s a formula. Let me show you.

Matrix = Man Made

Here’s the part that some of you will dislike. What is the opposite of the matrix? We can call this the anti-matrix.

Anti-matrix = God Made.

Let’s break this down a bit. Anything made by humanity is considered part of the matrix. Here are some common things that are part of the matrix:

• Processed Food
• Electronics.
• Social Media
• Internet
• Consumerism (anything you buy such as chairs, beds, clothes)
• Buildings
• Plastic Bottles
• Paper Money
• Cars
• Jobs
• Air Conditioning
• Traditions
• Holidays
• Human Knowledge

I think you get the point. Anything that is made by a human is considered the matrix. It’s funny, when most people say they want to escape the matrix, it’s not true. They want to have more inside of the matrix. They want nicer cars, nicer clothes, bigger houses. These are all things that belong to the matrix. So they don’t really want to escape the matrix like they say.

 

Escape the Matrix

 

So, how do you escape the matrix? To do this, you need to start relying on things that are created by God. Here are some God created things.

• Gold and Silver
• Land
• Truth
• Thinking and Logic
• Nature
• Water
• Sun, Moon, and Stars
• animals
• other People
• Fruit and Vegetables

Now, both of the lists I have provided are not comprehensive lists that show you everything. These are examples of things made by man versus things made by God. It is interesting how things made by God play significant roles in health and happiness. Back to the original question, how can someone escape the matrix? By focusing, collecting, and hoarding things made by God rather than things made by man.

Most people do not want to escape the matrix, they want to do better inside the matrix. Unless you want to become a mountain man that lives off the grid, you’re probably not really interested in escaping the matrix. No matter what your goals are, I believe you should build wealth in and out of the matrix. By doing this, you’ll maximize the benefits of both worlds.

 

Conclusion

 

By reading this article, you should have a very strong idea of what the matrix is and if it exists or not. You should know how to live in the matrix and how to escape the matrix. This article completely answered the question “what is the matrix”. However, what this article did not teach you is how to uncover the hidden lies of the matrix. Man created Deception. God created truth. However, deciphering this is beyond the scope of this article. However, I encourage you to challenge all knowledge to determine whether it is from God or from man. Develop a love for the truth and you will be open to hearing about it when you find it.

 

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