Philosophy and The Matrix
“Have you ever had a dream, Neo, that you were so sure was real? What if you were unable to wake from that dream? How would you know the difference between the dream world and the real world?” Morpheus
The Matrix is a philosophical masterpiece, leaving you with a sense of wonder. How do we know what is real, what is reality? How did you gain the knowledge that you have? What is free will and do we really have freedom of choice? How do we distinguish truth from lies? What is causality?
When we are in a dream- state our views are radically disconnected from the external world, everything we have experienced has been part of a very vivid dream, we believe that there is milk in the refrigerator and that you have seen in with your own two eyes, but when you go and look in the refrigerator there is in fact nothing.
Can we then say that we are nothing but a brain in a vat, whose experiences are all the result of electronic intervention by an evil super – scientist. How do we come to know that we are in fact not controlled by some super genius and everything that we are experiencing is real?
Philosophy came into existence from a sense of wonder. Socratic wisdom teaches us that what I know is that I know nothing. What you know you can’t explain but you feel it. Is this an altered reality, one where we all are on a journey, a path in search of the next phase, the next big thing in our lives?
Are we all just a prison to our minds, you know that there is something wrong with the world, but you don’t know what it is, but its there and like a splinter in your mind driving you mad. The life you’ve led is not in fact the totality of what is possible for you, if you only can release your mind and free it from the bondage and constraints you put it in, then you will experience a different world, in fact a different reality. Break free from the herd mentality.
To exist is to be perceived. Our minds make it real. Our beliefs are often stronger than reason. How do we know that the sun will rise tomorrow, do we know this because of causality, because the future will be like the past out of custom or habit we come to know this. Our everyday use of causal notions extends far beyond statements containing the world ‘cause’ itself. It seems that we need to recognize causality in order to find the world at all intelligible. Whatever begins to exist must have a cause of existence. Two concepts are combined or we can say that causality is a necessary connection. We often hear people say that the only constant is change but in fact the only constant is cause and effect.
The problem with free will is one of the deepest and most troubling in philosophy. If our future is already planned out for us by God and everything happens for a reason then how do we know that we actually do have free will or anything that happens could in principle be predicted if knew enough about its causes. The famous philosopher Fredrick Nietzsche once said that we are at our best when we are not conscious. If we are not conscious of our actions than how can we make decisions and also be praise or blameworthy for our actions. Professional athletes claim that the less they think and anticipate their next movement the more freedom they feel they have, the motion then flows and less chance for mistakes and errors. It almost feels like they are not conscious of their movements, it just simply flows into being. So, can we now say that freedom is not having the feeling of consciousness? Can we also say that through many hours of practice and contemplation our acts have become free and that my acts of will are determined by causes, events in nature?
“We're not here because we're free; we're here because we're not free. There's no escaping reason, no denying purpose, for as we both know, without purpose we would not exist. It is purpose that created us, purpose that connects us, purpose that pulls us, that guides us, that drives us; it is purpose that defines us, purpose that binds us. We are here because of you, Mr. Anderson. We're here to take from you what you tried to take from us. Purpose.” Agent Smith
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Congrats on your winning nomination for story writing,
Regards & Love
WILLIAMSJI
Thank you very much :)
Knows I am alive because the contrary would be useless, knows I make my own choices, because if I was the puppet to amaster puppeterr said ppuppeteer would truly be mad by now, and goes asleep assuming the sun will rise tomorrow because if it does not I will simply die and my existance on this plane will no longer matter and I shall move onto the next stage of my progressive existance.
Great write erika I love the matrix and congrats on your nomination
Thank you for your comment, one can only hope that the next stage will be better than this one.
The matrix theory is irrefutable in it's own digitally crafted example. I think existentially all the time..often wondering whatI have to do to find the truth in all of why I am here. I have no fdoubt that there is more than meets the proverbial eye regarding our self absorbed daily living. Im just glad I am not alone in the room. Nice job!
If you take a look at all the different religions out there today and the main idea is to find a purpose, a reason for our existence. A promise of a peaceful afterlife. In Buddhism its all about obtaining nirvana and liberation, a life free of suffering, buddha said to exist causes pain, that is why they spend so many hours in meditation. Then you can ask yourself, how is this living, to live is to exist. it would not do us any good to doubt if we in fact exist. But why are we here?
Thank for you comment, I find it very interesting to talk about this subject and to hear other people's thoughts.
Thank you for reading it :)
I think Fredrick Nietzsche theory is spot on, I know it sounds silly. But I feel when I don't think as much about serious problems, or things that bug me, I am 100% a happier person. People ask me 'how I stay so positive?'. Don't worry as much and you will feel liberated. Obviously I can't ignore reality and eventually I will have to face the problems. I feel worry and anticipation traps us, just keep a straight thinking head and peace to mind will follow, problems will solve and you'll have more time to yourself. Hate to sound rude or ignorant, but it's just my opinion, I have always thought people with lower IQ's or are not exactly the most intelligent, live care free lives. 'Smiling because they're stupid' I heard that phrase once and had to think about it. But it kinda seems right, the less you know or choose to pay attention to. An easier life it will be. Don't think as much. Just live and you'll find your answers.
Dont always think avoidance is the solution to problems, they have a nasty tendency to pop up when you least expect it.I feel more at peace when I deal with things and I know its over and done with. Why worry about tomorrow if we can't to anything about it now. Tomorrow's got worries of its own. The thing is I study philosophy and its my passion, and philosophy is about thinking and hours of deep contemplation. Everything we know today came about by thinking, creativity often comes in those moments of silence and long walks. The world is moving away from IQ and becoming more aware of EQ, they have realized the importance of EQ, especially in leadership roles, as many leaders have a high IQ they lack EQ and can potentially lead to unhappy staff and unsatisfied clients. I don't think people smile because they are stupid, they smile because you are maybe questioning or insulting their intelligence and then its better to smile and walk away rather to engage in a circular argument that has no truth baring premises. I would rather know whats going on in the world then live a life of ignorance. Better the devil you know than the devil you don't.
Cogito ergo sum - Rene Descartes
Thank you for your comment and for reading my story :)
Discussing with a philospher is hard: I have no education of the matter, but I'll have a go.
From experience, you're right, aviodance is not the answer. I've learnt my lesson. I feel we live in a world of worry and nervous thoughts, it distracts us from getting things done. We need to relax, think of the good things that come after and just do it. Relax, think less, do more. Humans have the tendancies to overthink situations and then get themselves in a more difficult position then before as they've overthought every scenario, so we end up not buying them flights or not going to see a certain person etc. Makes us unhappy with our choice. When I explained the quote I heard 'Smile because they're stupid', I don't ever judge or confront people on their capabilities. It just made me think. I looked back to the cartoons I used to watch. There was always one character who was kind of dumb but funny and also looked on the brighter side of life, eg. Patrick from Spongebob. It occurs in a lot of cartoons, so there has to be some stereotypical underlining reason for them? (I know it's just a cartoon) But maybe stupid was a hideous word to choose: Passive? I am also very interested in the world and what it has to offer. I will always take on new information and facts and I want to learn. I just don't take life too seriously. If we did, we'd all wind up a recluse not wanting to face anything. But Erika, you've written a great piece there because you've challeneged me and my thoughts which is great. I am no match for your mind as you are a great thinker, I just simply ponder now and then.
Well done for the nomination anyway I hope get a place!
I just recently returned from Thailand where I lived and worked for 9 months, I had the "carefree" life then and with all honesty its not all that its cut out to be. Being surrounded by many likeminded thinkers and endless wonderers you soon come to realize how lonely people really are. Some trying to find the next high, running away from problems and from pain, trying to escape reality, chasing empty dreams that leads nowhere and some desperately trying to forget the past and make peace with themselves and who they are now. I don't over think, I love life and travel as often as I can. I love thinking about philosophical questions but for many other questions in life I just let it be and let life unfold. We all have our moments where we do "stupid things" but one then can't call a person stupid by any means. I personally don't like to stereotype people, there is so much more to somebody than meets the eye. Stereotype is just an oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person, in a way a judgement or assumption you make. Cartoons and animations use it as comedy relief and for entertainment purposes.Passive means that they would rather join the crowd than be a leader, not asserting themselves to be heard, very much an Introverted personality type. Passives take the path of least resistance by turning out, ignoring or avoiding.
Thank you for comment, I really enjoy our discussions and thank you for your kind words :)
CONGRATULATIONS ERIKA ON YOUR WIN!:)
Dear Erika Loots,
Please accept my congrats on your winning of the second prize in Story contest for March 2014.
Regards & Love
WILLIAMSJI MAVELI
Knew you would win ;)
Thank you :)
congrats Erika, you presence on this site is much inspiring.
Thank you Shirley, appreciate your kind words a lot :)
High fives all around this was such a great write definitly loved it
Congrats on your first place win, well deserved indeed, it was nothing short of brilliant :)
Congrats on your winning placement Erika Well Done Graham
Thank you very much Graham :)
Great stuff. One of the best movies of all time. Every major philosophical theme is conveyed in that movie.
Brilliant write, was i meant to say that lol.? First class high 5 Master piece.
Regards Mark.
ps, lets see after the blood moons.
Thank you, glad you like it :)