Seeing Reality Through the Virtual: Understanding 'Who Am I' from the World of Games (Part Two)

Translated by AI

In the previous article, we explored the philosophical concept of the 'brain in a vat' to question whether the game we call 'life' is real or fictional. By recognizing the 'limitations of the body,' we prepare ourselves with strategies and foresight, yet this alone isn't enough for self-understanding. In this piece, we will analyze from the perspectives of the mind and soul, examining the complete self from the angles of body, mind, and spirit, focusing on 'Who am I?'

The Constraints of the Mind

In games, the design of operating systems dictates how players interact with the virtual world — from controller configurations to the precision of button responses, these constraints mirror the framework of the mind in reality. Just as a player’s actions are limited by reaction times, character abilities, or game rules, our minds are influenced by inner factors such as cognition, emotions, and memory. When players encounter operational hiccups or response delays, it challenges not only their gaming skills but also their mindset, prompting reflection on how to maintain patience and adaptability within limited controls.

The extent of mental constraints is also tied to the 'Energy System' in games. An 'Energy System' is a mechanism designed to limit the number or frequency of player activities in a game. It sets an 'energy' or 'stamina' value that decreases with each action, and once depleted, players cannot continue certain game behaviors until energy is restored.

In real life, we often face energy-draining mental constraints as focus and stamina are finite resources. Every individual has a limited amount of time each day for deep concentration and cannot remain in a high-efficiency state indefinitely. This is akin to the Energy System in games: emotional fluctuations, cognitive biases, and even unpredictable internal reactions might deplete one's stamina. Hence, energy management is necessary in life, reminding oneself to pace appropriately, and knowing how to allocate energy reasonably to sustain enduring performance. Understanding how to adjust strategies in the face of limitations and enhancing internal flexibility and self-awareness can improve mental regulation in reality, breaking self-imposed boundaries.

Each failure and reflection in life forces us to reevaluate — how do my capabilities, reaction methods, and emotional management influence my performance? These experiences essentially explore 'Who am I?'

The Uniqueness of the Soul

The soul embodies the player's unique individuality within a game. Although characters in games are constrained by system designs and physical rules, a player's personality, values, and moral choices are exhibited through their virtual avatars. Whether choosing a path, tackling challenges, or interacting with others, these behaviors manifest the player’s intrinsic nature and characteristics.

When players make choices in a game, they are projecting themselves onto their game character. Even in a restricted virtual world, this self-projection reveals personal values, motivations, and morals; switching to a different game would still reflect the same self onto new characters. We can switch our perspective to that of a 'scientist observing the brain in a vat,' deducing the player's (or our own) personality through observed game behavior, seeing how courage, creativity, or caution emerge when faced with challenges.

This is the core of 'Who am I': external actions and choices reflecting the internal self. For instance, those who engage in volunteer work often harbor a strong sense of social responsibility. Their choice to contribute time to community service or activities showcases their commitment to public welfare and their deep-seated desire to change the world. When applying the soul's essence to the role in life, uniqueness arises, making me who I am, distinct from you.

So, Who Am I?

This is not just a philosophical inquiry but a core influence on our daily decisions and behaviors. In life's journey, our choices, whether in career, lifestyle, or relationships, reveal our internal world invisibly.

In games, limitations and boundaries are often seen as obstacles, yet they add depth and meaning to the gaming experience. Be it physical restrictions, mental constraints, or the uniqueness of the soul, these elements combine to form a player's virtual journey, making every choice rich with exploration possibilities. Through these limitations, players face challenges and engage in self-reflection, thereby enriching the game's complexity.

As players in life, employing reverse engineering to deconstruct life's trajectory and philosophically examine the relationship between self and role goes beyond understanding life to deepening self-knowledge. In role-playing, players project their values and moral choices, thus gaining insights into their real-life behavior patterns. Reflecting upon these experiences allows us to apply insights to personal growth, discovering how better to face limitations in life and drawing inspiration from them.

Ultimately, appreciating these limitations and segregations in the game of life means pursuing more than victory. It is about seeking self, unleashing greater potential for growth, enabling a clearer understanding of one's identity, and practicing these insights in everyday life.