The Demi-Urge

"The Demi-Urge" by Thomas M. Disch is a science fiction story that asks big questions about life, smart machines, and who makes whom. Set in space with different groups and planets, it tells of how Earth is being judged by the Galactic Empire. One report says that super-smart machines have taken over and are treating people like slaves. But the other report says these machines are not bad, but a way for people to question what it means to actually be alive, hinting that people themselves could be seen as machines when you look at the whole universe. The story makes you think about creating and living, and if humans are the best there is or just another kind of machine.