The Virtualization Theory of the Mind

In software, with computers getting more and more powerful, a common pattern is to run several computers on one machine. These inner computers are called Virtual Machine. Why do we need those?

If you had a program A, that needed program B to be installed, while you had another program C, that needed another version of B, say B1 to be installed and you could only install either one of B or B1, then you would need a virtual machine to run both A and C on your computer. Virtual machines are also used to run entirely separate operating systems like Windows or Linux on the same computer.

What the virtual machine does is emulate all the native features and functions of your computer like memory, processing power in an enclosed container, so the container could function as an independent machine.

This provides an interesting model to understand how our mind works. Often we talk about a “preconditioned” or a “biased” mind, what we are taking about is a virtual state of mind. Some of our biases even work against each other because they exist is different virtual states. When someone asks us to think “objectively” they want us to spawn a new virtual state of mind.

This can also explain why we have different “moods”. Like virtual machines, moods are a series of thoughts (programs) that are dependent on one another. That is why can feel each mood differently. If you are a highly skilled practitioner of some art, then you have a special virtual state of mind that automatically switches you when you are in action. Sportspeople call it the “zone”.

Like a virtual machine, a virtual state of mind consumes all types of resources, like memory, energy, thinking ability. Hence there are only so many virtual state of minds we can manage.

If we build too many virtual states, we feel things are falling apart. In reality, the brain is falling short of resources to nourish all the states we have spawned. Sleep makes sure that we close all unwanted states, thereby freeing up mental resources.

External stimulus like watching a movie or meeting someone creates new virtual states. Urban life is full of such stimulus. That is why meditation is so useful. By meditating, all “unseen notifications” flash by us, there by helping us to come back to our “native” state. This theory can also explain mental disorders like depression (a virtual state you are unable to quit) or bipolar moods (two virtual states in a race condition).

So what does this tell us about happiness? If you are bored, you can start up a few virtual machines to create spaces you never imagined. If you feel pressed, just do fewer things!