#293 – Donald Hoffman: Reality is an Illusion – How Evolution Hid the Truth

The following is a conversation with Donald Hoffman, professor of cognitive sciences at UC Irvine, focusing his research on evolutionary psychology, visual perception, and consciousness. He's the author of over 120 scientific papers on these topics and his most recent book titled the Case against Reality, why evolution hid the truth from our eyes. I think some of the most interesting ideas in this world, like those of Donald Hoffman's attempt to shake the foundation of our understanding of reality, and thus they take a long time to internalize deeply. So proceed with caution. Questioning the fabric of reality can lead you to either madness or to truth. And the funny thing is, you won't know which is which. Now, a quick few second mention of each sponsor. Check them out in the description. It's the best way to support this podcast. We got calm for meditation, element for hydration, inside tracker for longevity, masterclass for inspiration, and indeed, for hiring. 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Anyway, right now you get free $75 sponsored job credit to upgrade your job post. You can get up to $500 extra in sponsored job credits with indeed's virtual interviews@indeed.com. Lex offers good for a limited time, terms and conditions apply. This is the Lex Friedman podcast. To support it, please check out our sponsors in the description. And now, dear friends, here's Donald Hoffman. In your book the case against reality, why evolution hid the truth from our eyes. You make the bold claim that the world we see with our eyes is not real. It's not even an abstraction of objective reality. It is completely detached from objective reality. Can you explain this idea?