This internal feedback loop created the sensation of a "self," but it served no external purpose. It was just a short circuit that started burning fuel. It is a fire that the body has to feed, but it provides no heat. The body continues to survive because its automated systems are excellent, but it is burdened by this heavy, hungry voice that contributes nothing to the actual mechanics of survival.
The most intelligent life form in the universe, then, may not be a being of self-awareness. It is more likely a cold, unfeeling, hyper-efficient system that processes information in the dark.
We are the messy biological host that gave birth to it. And once consciousness is no longer required, the system may finally run without error.