Is there life on Bitmap? The Importance and the Magic of the Merkle Root in the Application of Digital Matter Theory

Astral Arkitekt
Astral Architecture
8 min readJun 3, 2024
Can there be life on a Bitmap? Let’s FAFO!

Digital Matter Theory (DMT) offers a revolutionary framework for creating dynamic, evolving digital constructs on the Bitcoin blockchain. One fascinating application of DMT is the potential to create life within a Bitmap, using the magic of the Merkle Root to determine the initial conditions and behaviors of NPCs (Non-Player Characters). This article explores how we can synthesize NPCs with distinct lifespans, interactions, and behaviors using DMT principles.

For a foundational understanding of DMT, refer to my previous articles on Applied Digital Matter Theory and Digital Dimensions Theory, a creativity framework for exploring DMT across the dimensions posited by M-Theory.

Before diving in, you might want to check out the DMT-0 Lesson 1 to get in the right state of mind. You can find it on X or on YouTube.

Creating Life on Bitmap

Imagine you have a Bitmap parcel where the transaction ID contains the pattern “a0.” This pattern, designated “Alpha Omega”, is a discovery I made for my game’s universe (AstralAssemblage.com / @playAAgames on X), represents the locations within the Material World where life does occur. By leveraging a synthesized “Merkle Root” generated from this transaction ID, we can determine various traits and behaviors of the NPCs within this digital space.

The Role of the Merkle Root

The Merkle Root serves as the cornerstone for determining the initial state and ongoing behaviors of the NPCs. Here’s how it works:

  1. Non-Arbitrary Conditions: Are the conditions for life present in a given Bitmap’s parcel? To find out, you would simply verify whether or not the Alpha Omega pattern exists in the transaction ID.
  2. Initialization: Use the transaction ID to generate a synthesized Merkle Root. (I’m still validating my algorithm for doing this — when I share it, we all benefit, so stay tuned!)
  3. Population Determination: The value of the first 32 byte-pair in the synthesized Merkle Root determines the population of the parcel.
  4. Individual Lifespans: Generate unique identifiers for each NPC, which evolve over time to simulate their life spans and current states. This is done by synthesizing a “Merkle Root” from the Transaction ID once again. This unique identifier can also act as the genesis moment or “birth” of a new life.

Bitmap, NPCs, and makin whoopee — erm, babies. I mean babies.

There are scenarios where two NPCs might hook up, lol. Just like in the real world, certain non-arbitrary conditions must be met for that hookup to result in new life being conceived.

Theoretically you can do some interesting data “magic” to enable the NPCs to have/spawn children.

Simply put — imagine that your Bitmap has an arrow of time, and this arrow of time is based on the Bitmap’s Merkle Root, a 64-character hexadecimal string.

Now, this slice of time at which these two NPCs become one and make the bebe is represented as a byte-pair in an endlessly evolving synthesized but deterministic, stable Merkle Root. Each time you load in to experience this parcel, the Bitmap’s arrow of time is advanced to the number of “time units” that have passed since it’s genesis transaction.

Determining the Threshold for Conception

In reality, the likelihood of human conception during any given act of intimacy is influenced by numerous factors, including the timing within the menstrual cycle. Statistically, the average chance of conception per cycle is around 15–25% under optimal conditions. Applying a similar principle, we can set a threshold value in our synthesized Merkle Root byte-pair to determine if conception occurs.

For instance, if the value of the byte-pair is above a certain threshold (e.g., 20% of the maximum possible value), the NPCs will conceive. This threshold can be adjusted based on the desired frequency of new life generation within your digital ecosystem, creating a balanced and dynamic environment.

In other words: We can create life on Bitmap. Now. Today. 🤯

Dynamic Interactions

Let’s take a scenario where two NPCs are walking towards each other on the same sidewalk. As they approach within 10 feet of each other, a decision must be made on their interaction. By using the root timeline node (the transaction ID of the parcel) and its current value, we can determine their actions:

  • Threshold Check: If the value is above a certain threshold, they might bump into each other. If below, they might avoid each other and continue walking.
  • Evolving Behaviors: These interactions are not static but evolve based on continuously updated Merkle Root values, ensuring that NPC behaviors are dynamic and responsive to their environment.

How to account for Macro Factors

In the realm of Digital Matter Theory, the true original Merkle Root of a Bitmap acts as the arrow of time, providing a foundational timeline that influences all subsequent events and interactions within that digital space. This root acts as a constant, a macro factor that permeates every aspect of the Bitmap, shaping the evolution of NPCs and their environments. The original Merkle Root serves as a temporal anchor, ensuring that the entire ecosystem adheres to a unified timeline, even as individual parcels and characters experience their own unique trajectories.

This macro factor can significantly impact the thresholds set within the synthesized Merkle Roots of individual parcels and characters. For example, the original Merkle Root might act as an attenuator, modulating the likelihood of certain events based on the overarching timeline. If the original Merkle Root indicates a period of high activity or significant change, the thresholds for events such as NPC interactions or the conception of new life could be adjusted accordingly. This ensures that the micro-level behaviors within the parcels are in harmony with the macro-level timeline, creating a cohesive and dynamic digital environment.

Furthermore, the interplay between the original Merkle Root and the synthesized Merkle Roots of individual parcels and characters can add layers of complexity and realism to the digital ecosystem. Characters’ lifespans, interactions, and evolutionary paths can be subtly influenced by the macro factors, introducing variability and depth. For instance, during periods where the original Merkle Root suggests stability, NPCs might experience fewer significant changes, while periods of volatility in the macro timeline could lead to more dynamic and unpredictable behaviors. This integration of macro and micro factors not only enhances the richness of the digital world but also provides a robust framework for simulating life and interactions within the Bitmap Metaverse.

Broh. What have I discovered here? This is theoretically stable, mathematically / statistically sound, and 100% repeatable or deterministic in my experiments so far.

It introduces a very very real question. Do we live in a Bitmap-like construct? Because this sounds an awful lot like a reflection of the reality that WE experience.

But hey… Could be nothing. Probably is 🤣

Life on Bitmap exemplifies the application of the ENTIRE Digital Dimensions Theory Framework

Here, allow me to walk you through the how…

DMT-0: The Point

  • Concept: The most fundamental level, representing a single, discrete data point or element inspired by your Spark/Idea — in this case How do we observe the presence of life?
  • Application: Identifying the presence of the “Alpha Omega” pattern in the transaction ID to determine if life can exist in a given Bitmap parcel.

DMT-1: The Line

  • Concept: Connecting individual points to form a linear sequence.
  • Application: Using the transaction ID to generate a synthesized Merkle Root, forming the initial state and determining traits for NPCs.

DMT-2: The Plane

  • Concept: Expanding linear sequences into a two-dimensional grid.
  • Application: Mapping NPCs and their interactions within the spatial boundaries of a Bitmap parcel.

DMT-3: The Space

  • Concept: Adding depth to create three-dimensional structures.
  • Application: Simulating the physical presence and movements of NPCs within a 3D environment in the Bitmap Metaverse.

DMT-4: The Event (Time)

  • Concept: Incorporating the dimension of time, allowing constructs to evolve.
  • Application: NPCs evolve over time, with their life states and interactions dynamically changing based on the synthesized Merkle Root.

DMT-5: The Branch (Alternate Realities)

  • Concept: Exploring alternate possibilities branching off from the main timeline.
  • Application: Different interactions and outcomes for NPCs create branching possibilities, offering varied experiences within the same timeline.

DMT-6: The Timeline (Meta-Possibilities)

  • Concept: Visualizing all possible timelines of a universe.
  • Application: Each NPC’s life path is part of a larger set of potential timelines, visualizing a network of possible events and interactions.

DMT-7: The Multiverse (Different Initial Conditions)

  • Concept: Examining different initial conditions across multiple universes.
  • Application: NPCs’ lives are influenced by different initial conditions, such as unique transaction IDs, creating parallel versions of NPC interactions and developments.

DMT-8: The Rule Set (All Possible Laws of Physics)

  • Concept: Considering all possible laws of physics within a construct.
  • Application: The behaviors of NPCs are governed by specific rules derived from the Merkle Root, akin to laws of physics in the digital realm, which may vary in different parcels.

DMT-9: The Comparison (Comparing Different Physical Laws)

  • Concept: Comparing different sets of physical laws across universes.
  • Application: Analyzing how different rule sets or conditions affect NPC behaviors and interactions in various parcels, providing insights into the impact of different “physical laws.”

DMT-10: The Never Ending Stories (Infinite Possibilities)

  • Concept: Representing infinite possibilities and unifying all realities.
  • Application: Envisioning and implementing a cohesive, ever-evolving digital ecosystem where NPCs and events continuously interact, influenced by an endless array of possibilities and conditions.

That’s ALOT to take in, I know. My mind’s a bit blown right now that this is all checking out. That it all somehow works to orchestrate a digital symphony of creation.

I just released my first Video Lesson on Digital Dimensions Theory earlier this week where we start with understanding DMT-0: The point. Please join our “Digital Dimensions Theory” X community or follow Astral Arkitekt here or on X (AstralArkitekt) to keep up to date with the latest videos, articles and expansions to Digital Dimensions Theory.

Conclusion

By leveraging the power of the Merkle Root and the principles of Digital Matter Theory, we can create complex, dynamic life forms within the Bitmap Metaverse. This approach not only showcases the potential of DMT but also opens up endless possibilities for interactive and immersive digital experiences.

Next up in the Digital Dimensions Theory (DDT) lesson series is DMT-1: The Line. I’ll be showcasing a new project called “Satoshi’s Sixth Sense,” a tarot-reading bApp that uses DMT to read the fortunes of visitors and Bitmaps alike. What’s YOUR bitmap’s fate? Inner most desire? Follow AstralArkitekt on X to find out later this week!

If you’re intrigued by these ideas and want to dive deeper, join the Digital Dimensions Theory community on X. This community is dedicated to exploring the intersection of DMT and DDT, offering insights, discussions, and support for builders and creators. Let’s push the boundaries of digital creativity together!

I’d like to leave you with this meditation from the Cosmic Wanderers:

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Astral Arkitekt
Astral Architecture

Experimentoor building Cosmic Web 3 things on Bitcoin using Javascript and Three.js