The mage, the priest, the mystic, and the medicine man all knew how to use prayers, spells, meditation, and dreams to effect changes in reality. I don't know if they thought in terms of a simulation, but I think they would like the idea.
A trail goes two ways and looks different in each direction - There is no such thing as a timid woodland creature - Whatever does not kill you leaves you a survivor - Jesus is NOT a bad word - MSB