The Absence of Reality

Book review by Elijah B, for Explore Authors Magazine In The Absence of Reality: Aphorisms and Observations on Reality, and the Nature of Existence, E. Hughes writes, ""...the more technology we create, the more artificial reality becomes, steering humanity to a fully digital or simulated reality."" Hughes backs this premise with a string of theories and hypothesis from philosophers Jean Baudrillard (Simulation and Simulacra), Nick Bostrom (of Simulation Hypothesis) and mathematical physicist, cosmologist, and philosopher Frank J. Tipler (The Physics of Immortality), and backs it with scientific research on supersymmetry by theoretical physicist S. James Gates Jr, who discovered (binary) computer codes or structure in the underlying equations of particles (in quantum physics), neatly threading 50 years of theory together into one overarching theory about reality. Hughes is able to demonstrate how the theories connect to prove that we are living in what will become a simulated reality. Hughes writes that humanity is unwittingly living in an artificial reality. This reality is based in the real world; however, humanity is paving the way to what Hughes calls the Initium Novum (New Beginning) phase of human history, the peak of artificial reality that will transition humankind from the real world to a fully virtual one. Hughes offers a compelling example that connects the rise of digital spaces like social media, video games, and AI with the loss of interaction in physical third spaces, such as the mall or movies, showing how humanity has forsaken objective reality for the illusion of an artificial reality. Hughes cites her sources throughout the first section of The Absence of Reality. Hughes explorative style of writing draws readers into wanting to learn more about the subject matter, despite its complexity. However, there is more to the chapbook beyond the first half. The second section of the chapbook consists of short aphorisms and observations about the universe, time, reality and existence, occasionally conveyed in a poetic fashion, that digs deeper into the themes of the book, adding poignancy, similar to Hughes's poetry book, Space, Time, and Loneliness. The subtext behind the philosophical and scientific observations presented in The Absence of Reality is that life is finite; a recurring, underlying theme in Hughes's most recent works, like the aforementioned Space, Time, and Loneliness. Hughes's overarching question is, if we exist in an artificial realty, then what part of reality is real? Hughes pivots from philosophy and hard science with the ultimate answer: Love. The Absence of Reality: Aphorisms, Observations, Reality, and the Nature of Existence is an explorative and thought-provoking read for students, readers of philosophy, and mainstream readers alike and earns strong recommendation from me. ★★★★★ - Elijah B. (Explore Authors Magazine)