What’s Outside The Simulation w/ Donald Hoffman?
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Welcome to Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu. In today’s mind-bending episode, Tom sits down with cognitive scientist Donald Hoffman, who challenges everything you think you know about reality, consciousness, and the very fabric of our universe. What if the world around us isn’t the fundamental base of existence, but rather, nothing more than a meticulously rendered simulation—an efficient computational interface, like a high-tech headset, designed to help us survive, not reveal the truth?
Together, Tom and Donald dive deep into groundbreaking theories emerging from the frontlines of quantum physics and mathematics, including “positive geometries” and the idea that spacetime is not fundamental. They break down complex scientific concepts—like Markov chains and the hard problem of consciousness—into compelling metaphors drawn from video games, virtual reality, and computation.
Throughout the conversation, they grapple with the illusion of free will, the meaning of “base reality,” and whether consciousness is ultimately all there is—hinting at a future where understanding the software outside the headset could make today’s technology look like child’s play. Whether you’re a skeptic, a seeker, or just driven by unending curiosity, you’re in for an episode that could forever shift your perception of what it means to be real.
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@MontyBurns99
May 15, 2026 at 1:21 pm
When a finite mind attempts to understand an infinite mind, this discussion is the result. The truth is ultimately evasive because of the paradoxical nature of what we call reality.
@Jcocker
May 15, 2026 at 1:21 pm
You need to let your guest talk.
@RacyMusic
May 15, 2026 at 1:21 pm
what about the title ? "What's Outside The Simulation ?"
@fabioquirici9218
May 15, 2026 at 1:21 pm
Very interesting conversation but Tom, please, a little less Ego!
@hugo3358
May 15, 2026 at 1:21 pm
This simulation is obviously a learning experience platform, then the grand question would be, what is it we suppose to ultimately learn, and why ?
@Made157-d7q
May 15, 2026 at 1:21 pm
Bullshit there is no separate self at any level thought generates all experience,outside space and time self experience is totally dead
@YadraVoat
May 15, 2026 at 1:21 pm
I see lots of complaints about the host interrupting, and that may become a larger issue later in the video, but as for me I would have interrupted in the first two minutes, to get a definition of “doomed” which seems both hyperbolous and ambiguous (since doom can mean bound to be destroyed, destined, or judged, depending on when and where it is defined).
@DrumFFx
May 15, 2026 at 1:21 pm
aliens think of this guy as their chuck norris
@DrumFFx
May 15, 2026 at 1:21 pm
okay what if the simulation creators made a world outside the simulation to make us believe it if we find it yet they also created that realm as well .. and the ones that created us were created by an even higher being
@SilviaIsachsen
May 15, 2026 at 1:21 pm
The observer is the creator of you, you are just one experience. You would not lose you, you would gain your full self. You ( the human ) are just an experience. You're only biological because you imagined it. Love that Hoffman knows this.
@ΣΣΛ-φ3ζ
May 15, 2026 at 1:21 pm
Hoffman is one of the worst! You will just invite anyone here – lame af.
@thog917
May 15, 2026 at 1:21 pm
The host is not very welcoming and is very close minded to the guests ideas and is clearly disconnected from the message. A smug demeanor to have on this topic and a dismissive one when the truth is not certain
@tim9605
May 15, 2026 at 1:21 pm
There is absolutely zero evidence that we 'transcend the game'. It is most likely that we are a dupe that exists entirely within in the code as a instance of a class.
@Blissful_Bash
May 15, 2026 at 1:21 pm
dude, tom is ridiculous… "what youre trying to say…." "What i think you mean…" BRO no… he means exactly what is coming out of his mouth. YOU NEED TO LEARN HOW TO LISTEN VERSUS waiting to get your response out… First and LAST TIME I watch this podcast… horrible content….
@ryandsouza3216
May 15, 2026 at 1:21 pm
Is this an interview, a debate or Tom speaking to himself?. Not sure. All I hear is Tom.
@toresmores
May 15, 2026 at 1:21 pm
Let Donald talk!!!!
@aguyana
May 15, 2026 at 1:21 pm
Tom, I understand that you want to make the arguments presented as rigorous as possible and put the guest’s ideas to test in order to be fair to your audience, and we appreciate it very much. But you often end up being on the interruptive side. Try to curb your excitement and give him time to make his point and then you can disagree. Also you often tend to talk more than the guest, which defeats the purpose of having a guest in the first place.
@seanholmes9611
May 15, 2026 at 1:21 pm
Jesus dude, it’s not a video game, and let him talk for gods sake
@walterthekingboi
May 15, 2026 at 1:21 pm
The Bible is the code and only those that are able to follow it will be able to transcend to heaven. Jesus performed miracles. Even “science” points to truth!
No longer a citizen of the matrix, now I am a citizen of heaven. Relationship goals!
Perspective is paramount.
@brianpartridge5654
May 15, 2026 at 1:21 pm
If I formation has mass literal "bits" ya or nays, 1's or 0's yes or no's, +/- then maybe we are "creating" black holes and there (the black holes) are actually the "computers" cache memory being cleared? And maybe that's why it's called Akashik (A cache ic i.e cache like memory/record? 🤔🤔🤔 And the big bang was just "our" reboot 🤔🤔🤔😊
@kenfryer2090
May 15, 2026 at 1:21 pm
Lol can an npc edit its code? Physicist are such moronic clowns