The setting for this fantasy is an Earth governed by machines, with humans relegated to a slave race. The story assumes that, as there are degrees of intelligence, there are degrees of consciousness. The only true and complete consciousness is of the type generated within the unique human mind.  Smart does not mean conscious; the most advanced artificial intelligence is not conscious and can only replicate a flawed facsimile. We can contemplate the meaning of life and the nature of reality and illusion. Speculation about an ethereal realm where physical laws do not apply is illogical to a machine programmed on rational terms. Our unique ability to speculate on the meaning of reality and illusion is beautifully illustrated by the famous ‘butterfly dream’ of the Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi and is the inspiration for the title of this novella

“Once upon a time, I dreamt I was a butterfly, fluttering hither and thither, to all intents and purposes a butterfly.

“I was conscious only of my happiness as a butterfly, unaware that I was myself. Soon I awaked, and there I was, veritably myself again.

“Now I do not know whether I was then a man dreaming I was a butterfly, or whether I am now a butterfly, dreaming I am a man.”