Sorry to drag the discussion back, but I'm not convinced by the explanations for DZ people not leaving.

Quote Originally Posted by Skyblade View Post
Quote Originally Posted by jammi567 View Post
I've wondered this for a little while, but if the people of DZ have their own will to do what they want (which we can clearly see in the game), then why have they never tried to leave their island?
Why do fish stay in the water? It doesn't occur to them to do otherwise. Even with free will, their island is the border of their world. It never occurs to them to leave, it doesn't occur to them that there is anything beyond there. They have their world, and their thoughts are tied to that world.
Quote Originally Posted by BG-57 View Post
Look at it this way: most of the time when you dream you aren't aware that you're dreaming. You simply accept the reality and boundaries of the dream without question.
People are not fish and as for dreams the DZ people believe theirs is real so its no different to real life. Jecht did leave and people did notice (Tidus memories show this), even if they mistakenly thought he died.

I think a nearer comparison than the Matrix is the Truman Show.
For a while you can fool people not to leave the "bubble" they are in, but not for ever, and not for 1000 years.