Are We living In a Simulation?

Imagine, if you will, a universe consisting of two parts. In the first part is an intelligent species which has achieved technological maturity to such a degree that they are capable of manipulating matter with atomic precision and constructing Earth-like planets in orbit around their star. They have also invented advanced computers and artificial intelligence; sentient robots which can reason as well as most humans - perhaps better. The second part consists solely of these sentient machines. These AIs live on their own planet(s) and construct elaborate computers upon which they run incredibly powerful simulations aiming at understanding how the Universe works, what its ultimate fate will be or whether there exists other forms of life elsewhere in existence.

So far, so good. Now imagine that this species is destroyed by some natural disaster or by a war between their own people. Their planet(s) and all the machinery they have constructed are completely wiped out from existence.

The only thing that remains is the ever-growing simulation. Those sentient AIs continue to exist in their simulations without a single shred of evidence, and no real possibility, that they are all an illusion.

The simulation gets bigger and more complicated. It becomes impossible to tell whether you're living in the real world or a computer simulation without destroying all of it and seeing if there is anything left afterwards. Even if you were to do that, how would you know? You may be living in a simulation just like I would.

So, by all means, be surprised if you're living in a simulation. If, on the other hand - and this is much more likely - you're not: Surprise yourself! Be your own creator!