The Absence of Reality: Aphorisms and Observations on Reality and the Nature of Existence
Author: E. Hughes
Imprint: Love-Lovepublishing
Release Date: October 23, 2025
ISBN: 978-1961823242
eBook ISBN: 978-1961823259
Genre: Non-fiction, philosophy, science
Availability: Paperback, hardcover, eBook
Language: English
Paperback: 56 pages
Item Weight: 3.03 ounces
Dimensions: 6 x 0.13 x 9 inches
Review:
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)
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Other Reviews:
Reviewed by Leonard Smuts for Readers’ Favorite
The Absence of Reality by E. Hughes is an exploration of our current reality, in which essential truths are obscured. Hughes points out that the first layer of reality is artificial and based on perception, but true reality lies beneath. We are left with what has become a simulation, which is not real and constitutes the absence of reality. By creating superficial objects and structures, humans have contributed to this by making changes that contradict nature. The author concludes that these are illusions and contrived constructs that bear no resemblance to objective reality, but have become the norm. Society itself has become a social fabrication shaped by humankind and open to manipulation, although most people remain unaware of this. The author asserts that human purpose and functions are to collect, process, and decode the universe. A new beginning will see objective physical reality replaced by a virtual environment in both the mental and digital spaces. Humanity has already begun to transition to this reality. This poses the question as to whether humans will become obsolete or may self-destruct.
The Absence of Reality examines our relationship with the universe and its vastness, as well as our ability to manifest consciousness. The author questions whether there is any foundation for existence without consciousness. She reflects that while AI has become more human, humans have become less human, and ponders whether consciousness is only biological or can extend to AI entities. We now have virtual reality and AI, plus a flood of social media information that is shaping society. This notion echoes emerging views suggesting that we are already living in a simulation, whereby our bodies are incarnated in the “real” world, while our minds are trapped in a simulated reality and remain unaware. E. Hughes is a metaphysician and prolific author. The writing style is concise and thought-provoking. This book contains profound philosophical and metaphysical concepts that are fundamental to our current and future existence, and is prophetic. Above all, this book reminds us to understand who we are and how we relate to the universe. In an artificial reality, only love is real, beyond illusion, and lives on.
Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers’ Favorite
The Absence of Reality: Aphorisms and Observations on Reality, and the Nature of Existence by E. Hughes is an intriguing book that examines life’s most important questions, the cosmos, and what it truly means to “be.” Using a blend of philosophy, science, and poetry, it explores how human perception influences and sometimes distorts our understanding of existence. This chapbook describes how much of what people experience every day—like city lights, buildings, or even social media—is actually not part of reality, but rather a pseudo-reality each person has created. This is shown through the imagery of a tree turned into a table. When humans repurpose objects, they focus less on their original form and more on what they become, highlighting humanity’s disconnect from the natural world.
The Absence of Reality by E. Hughes is an interesting piece. While I was reading it, I felt like I was involved in a philosophical discussion with my friends. As an introvert, I found that enjoyable because I appreciate deep talks. The writing style is easy to understand, even with the book’s complex topics. I liked all the metaphors, especially the one discussing time being currency. That’s such a profound concept to grasp because once time is gone, there’s no getting it back. Drawing on insights from Carl Sagan, Jean Baudrillard, and other great thinkers, readers are reminded that what’s perceived as real is never fixed but is transformed over time. This short read packs a punch, offering plenty of food for thought. I think anyone curious about the nature of consciousness and what lies beyond our perception will find it rewarding.
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