An interesting science-fiction story theme, but no, we are not a “computer simulation” - we are going through all this in real time and on hard physical surfaces.
Otherwise, why does it hurt so damned much when I scrape my shin?
This theory may explain the rise of the Oregon Duck football team and the fall of my beloved Huskies. Something is testing my patience, and those of my fellow Dawg fans, as to how much more humilation we must endure! Especially the 18 pt come from behind loss to the Cougs!
Solid matter is mostly empty space, so that's something of a technical question actually, lol.
Because a chain reaction of physical events results in the release of chemicals which tell your brain you are in pain. And you believe them.;-)