Actually, Quantum Theory states that the world, at the lowest level we currently conceive of, is discrete and 'digital'. Time, space, energy - everything - come

Actually, Quantum Theory states that the world, at the lowest level we currently conceive of, is discrete and 'digital'. Time, space, energy - everything - come in little chunks called quanta which represent the smallest possible subdivision that the universe permits. For example a photon is a quantum of energy - the smallest possible unit of energy. If you had a perfect dimmer switch, that would be the lowest setting - turn it even a fraction more and it's off completely. The universe isn't continuous at all - it just looks like it from waaaay up here where we live. If you zoom in far enough, you can see the pixels of reality. All properties of the universe behave this way, according to our best theories and best abilities to test them. Given that this applies to space and time too - look up 'plank length' - you can see why this would make people make the connection to cellular automata. Zoom in far enough and quantum theory tells you that space is divided up into minimum sized chunks, and quantum events can only happen within this framework.