Have you noticed how the question “Is reality even real?” is no longer confined to philosophy seminars? Lately it shows up everywhere, from tech culture to everyday conversation, and the language has shifted. Surreal. Glitchy. Dreamlike.
In this episode, we explore why this question is exploding right now, without trying to prove a final answer. We trace the modern simulation argument, why AI and digital life have destabilized our sense of authenticity, and how social media can create competing “reality tunnels” that make the world feel less fixed and more contextual.
Then we compare two dominant frameworks people reach for today:
Path A: the simulation, the tech-coded view of reality
Path B: the dream, the consciousness-based view found in ancient traditions
What’s surprising is how similar these frameworks become once you zoom in. Both describe a world that feels completely real from the inside, shaped by observation, attention, and expectation. From there, we bring it home to the practical takeaway that matters most: lucidity. Not escaping reality, but increasing your agency inside it by interrupting autopilot, noticing patterns, and choosing with more awareness.
We also include a grounded caution. Waking up too fast can lead to nihilism, ego inflation, or escapism. The goal is presence, humility, and better participation, not withdrawal.
If you couldn’t prove what reality is, how would you choose to live anyway?
Follow, like, and share Lucid Journeys, and visit phillipaisling.com to join the newsletter and get updates on the Becoming Lucid series.
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Disclaimer: Podcast discussions are AI generated and occasionally get minor details wrong. We'll do our best to clarify in future episodes!
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