This is the natural conclusion of a purely empirical approach to understanding. However, the fact that we experience consciousness subjectively contradicts that

This is the natural conclusion of a purely empirical approach to understanding. However, the fact that we experience consciousness subjectively contradicts that conclusion. There would be nothing to experience the illusion of consciousness in the absence of consciousness. I take this as evidence that empirical philosophy is incomplete. Though it would take an impractical amount of time to explain why, my own conclusion is entirely the opposite of yours: consciousness is not the illusion, everything else is. So in that regard I agree: there is nothing special about us. Which, I think, is the most important take-away regardless.