Book Review: The Truman Show: It’s True, Man!

Reviewed by Lauren Hayataka

A mind-bending odyssey through a world of uncertainties, where bold revelations guide the way to redefining our existence

Stephen Davis’s The Truman Show: It’s True, Man! explores the intriguing parallels between fiction and reality. Drawing inspiration from the iconic film The Truman Show, Davis delves into the concept that our daily lives might mirror Truman Burbank’s meticulously orchestrated world. 

In the film, the protagonist unknowingly lives his life in front of a global audience, suggesting the bold hypothesis that our existence may be a holographic spectacle where everything within it is manipulated outside of our control. Or, as they say on The Truman Show: “Nothing you see on the show is fake. It’s merely controlled.” 

Through Davis’s bold—at times, audacious—lens, the boundaries between scripted reality and our personal experiences blur, prompting a reevaluation of the nature of our reality. The holographic reality he proposes is straightforward: like Truman, we are Players in an artificial world where we have no control over the events that occur. Instead, these events are orchestrated by a Demiurge, a neutral entity likely more technologically advanced than mankind. As the Demiurge exists outside of the hologram, they are the only ones truly in control, and as Players, we have the sole ability to decide how we react and respond to the events in our lives. 

Describing himself as an “investigative reporter,” Davis supports his claims with evidence from an array of notable scholars and philosophers, ranging from Plato to Dr. Pribram, Libet, Radin, Neil deGrasse Tyson, the Dalai Lama, and even Mozart. Despite numerous quotes and citations, Davis excels at breaking down complex concepts into simple terms that anyone can understand, supplemented at times by helpful drawings and links to scholarly articles and documentaries that allow readers to explore specific topics further (like Dr. Libet’s stimulus experiments on the brain, and the CT scan experiments shown in BBC’s documentary, Neuroscience and Free Will). 

Another positive aspect of Davis’s work is his honest and straightforward personality. Throughout the book, he fearlessly draws examples from his personal life, challenging traditional philosophies, particularly those surrounding the purpose of suffering for enlightenment or mercy and its application to his traumatic childhood. Davis’s compassion for those who have suffered, especially children, is evident and commendable.

However, at times, it becomes challenging to separate Davis’s personality from the theories he discusses. If his persona doesn’t resonate with the reader, they may find it difficult to open their mind to his proposals—a significant drawback if one is opposed to him. Davis occasionally uses strong language and unapologetically challenges cherished values and beliefs. In fact, Davis advises that to truly comprehend the nature of our reality, we must be willing to abandon the values and beliefs that we hold dear, or we will be unable to see past the restrictions of our reality. And to some, Davis may have an excellent point. 

Some religious readers may struggle with Davis’s work as he questions many religious beliefs, including a foundation of Christianity: the Crucifixion. His handling of the subject could offend some, while others may find it innovative and intriguing. Davis is clearly dedicated to exploring the question of our reality, even when it comes to addressing sensitive topics. 

Davis does not shy away from admitting when he lacks answers. While he outlines conclusions in his work, such as the existence of a Demiurge, he also acknowledges uncertainties. Questions linger, such as whether there is one Demiurge or many, whether every person has a Demiurge, or if a Demiurge controls a group of humans. Another pressing uncertainty is the purpose of our existence: do we truly have one, or is it our ego that desires one? Could the Demiurge have a purpose for us – do we need to assist them, or are we mere amusement for them? Perhaps, are we nothing more than toys?

Amid these lingering uncertainties, Davis steadfastly champions the certainty of free will, emphasizing our innate ability to navigate and respond to the unfolding events in our lives. He passionately asserts that regardless of our roles as Players within this hypothetical holographic reality, the power lies within us to shape our reactions and how we respond to events: do we fall apart, or act with gratitude and grace? Davis is enthusiastic instead of despairing as he provides a direct and pragmatic blueprint for grappling with the profound questions raised by his exploration. His call to action is clear: seize the reins of our individual agency, embrace the uncertainties with an open mind, and make of life within the Hologram as we wish, just like Truman did.

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