So what is simulation?
The word simulation means one thing to one person and another thing to another. It is vital we create a context of understanding that doesn’t limit its current meaning nor thwart the vast possibility that the word inherently holds. Definitions are necessary, however, they can lock us into realities that impede new interpretations. There are three existing definitions for the word simulation and one theory of consciousness that contextualises the word in modern culture. By deconstructing existing definitions, we create space and velocity for new ideas and inventions to emerge. First, we’ll outline the existing definitions and then, endeavour beyond the lines to enter a new and unfounded territory. A frontier of consciousness that honours the land from which it came, and marvels at the horizon that’s yet to come.
Simulation, existing definitions. 1. Simulation. (noun)
Imitation of a situation or process.
Imitation is a funny concept. A child imitates a parent, as much as mainstream culture imitates celebrities. Memetically speaking, imitation is part of our DNA. The lineage of one generation is handed over to the next, with iteration upon iteration of imitations before them. We learn the ways of our elders by modelling their examples. It’s neither good nor bad, it just is what it is. We are chips off the old block. We simulate those that come before us. And when we don’t get all our needs met by our parents, we look to other role models to imitate from.
‘Do as I say, not as I do’ is the inversion of this phenomenon. We imitate people so much, that we even have a caveat that reminds people to beware of their imitations. If only this caveat worked. Add curiosity to the mix, we’ll even mimic behaviours that we’ve been told are harmful. Being told is not enough. We want to see the results first-hand. We want to touch the fire and feel the burn. We want to experience the world ourselves. That’s how powerful imitation is. And because imitation is an attempt to experience the real thing, simulation and the real thing are closer than we think.
On the flip side, we also deny that we imitate others. We hate being labelled copycats. We pretend that our ideas are of our own making, whilst hiding the fact that something similar has already existed before us. We want to be original, yet we pick and choose when to reveal our sources. We don’t want others imitating our imitations. We want to be original imitations. Ironically, denying our origins moves us further and further away from the truth. Good artists copy, and great artists steal. Great artists steal and all humans intimate. At some point in the journey, denial holds you back. Greatness lives in facing the facts. You are an imitation before you can become anything else.
Then there is the awkwardness of imitation, resisting the need to play out simulated scenarios, whilst knowing that we must in order to learn. We want to be authentic, but imitation can feel like a ‘fake’ way to get there. For example, making a speech in the mirror can feel weirder that doing the real thing on stage. Because it’s not ‘real’, it’s very easy to avoid rehearsing sincerely. Maybe we avoid the awkwardness of rehearsal, because of how real it truly is. Turns out imitation is a very intimate experience; bizarrely real in fact.
Most don’t feel comfortable speaking into a mirror alone, and maybe that’s why most don’t end up speaking on the world stage. Either way, there is a reason we have practices before concerts, tests before rocket launches and trainings before match day. Because imitating the real thing, very much prepares us for the real thing itself. Imitation makes the real thing possible. The real thing is simulated well before it happens. Competence is earned in simulation. Ironically, imitation and simulation may be as real as it gets.
In pilot school or military training, participants engage in simulated situations as a rite of passage before entering ‘the real world’. These simulations offer a risk-free environment to experience real-life scenarios, translating theoretical knowledge into practical understanding. By undergoing physically demanding trials, individuals gain valuable learning and skill development for the real thing. The Ancient Greeks were aware that art imitates life, and life imitates art. The same applies to simulation and reality. The question that remains open is, which one imitates which? Or the other question may be, does it even really matter?