

I think, therefore I am. Everything else is open to flux.
If it helps, I’ve consciously made the choice to see the world as it appears to be. To interact with others, as if they truly exist. I’ve also made the choice to anchor my own morals in my own mental framework. I’m kind to others because I feel good seeing others happy. I try and make the world better, in small ways, because I want other to do the same, and don’t want to feel hypocritical.
It still unnerves me sometimes. I could turn off a lot of those feelings. I could easily make myself see others as lower, or lesser. Less worthy of happiness than me.
If the whole world is a simulation, then I deal with it as it comes. The same applies to religion.
FYI, there’s some (very weak) evidence that 3D space might actually be holographic projection from a 2D surface. If we are in a simulation, we are likely all in it together. At least we get to pick at the seams. It might even be stressing out a few higher dimensional post-grad students!
It was first found in monkeys, but actually originated in rodents. It should technically be rodentpox.
Also, racists and homophobes used it to create stigma against gay men. In was/is particularly prevalent in that group. There were rumours that you caught it from sex with monkeys.
Basically it was renamed to pull the teeth of a nasty and insulting use, and to break a misunderstanding on its source.