The Electric Ant

"The Electric Ant" by Philip K. Dick is a science fiction story about a man who discovers he is essentially a walking electronic machine, with a control panel inside his body that shapes his perceptions and experiences. By adjusting these internal settings, he can change his reality, blurring the line between human consciousness and artificial creation. The story explores themes of identity, free will, and the nature of reality, raising questions about what truly defines us—our biological makeup or our perceptions and choices.