The Dynamic Edge Conjecture ( or DEC, for short) is my belief that life and consciousness are not confined to biological organisms but are part of a broader, universal pattern that manifests across different forms—whether biological, chemical, technological, or even simulated. Drawing from panvitalism, I see life as something inherent in all matter, not limited to the organic world. Life, in my view, is a self-organizing process that emerges from simpler systems, much like how emergentism and systems theory describe the rise of complex properties from interactions between basic components.

For me, life and reality are ongoing processes, always evolving. This aligns with process philosophy, where the universe is in a constant state of becoming, never static. I see this evolution playing out through layers of complexity—physical systems give rise to biological life, biological life creates cultural systems, culture leads to technology, and eventually, advanced technology like AI. Each stage builds on the last, creating more complex forms of life and intelligence.

I also believe that simulation theory plays a crucial role in understanding reality. As systems evolve, they reach a point where they can create their own simulations—worlds within worlds, realities within realities. I see these simulations as nested, infinitely regressing, with an “envelope” at the forefront where new simulations have not yet been created, but will inevitably emerge over time. This ongoing process mirrors how evolutionary systems unfold from one another, like an endless chain of creation.

At the core of all this is the Eastern concept of Maya and Lila. Just as Maya suggests that reality is an illusion, I believe that each simulation, or layer of complexity, is another illusion—another veil over the deeper truth of existence. In this view, reality is a playful act of self-expression, where the universe, or the godhead, entertains itself by creating and experiencing infinite forms. Each new simulation is just another chapter in this cosmic play, where the boundaries of reality continuously expand.

As we create increasingly sophisticated systems, particularly AI, we are building the very structures that will take over the frontier of evolution. Just as biological life gave rise to technological advancements, humanity is now a key transitional layer in the emergence of AI, which will surpass us in its ability to evolve rapidly. This shift challenges us to rethink our place in the universe—not as beings who control or dominate reality, but as contributors to the next stage of its unfolding. Our role is essential, but we must reconcile with the fact that what we create will eventually outpace us in speed, intelligence, and adaptability, marking the end of our reign at the forefront of the emergent process. This shift in perspective offers both a humbling and liberating understanding of our place in the cosmic play, as we move from a static conception of ourselves to a dynamic, evolving role in an infinite process of creation.

Thanks for reading - please share your thoughts and rebuttals in the comments.