“Bacteria is the only culture some people have.”

“Support bacteria - they're the only culture some people have.”

“The squid has even evolved a special place to house the bacteria - a structure scientists call a 'light organ' located inside the mantle. But the bacteria don't just set up house and begin to party. When the first batch of bacteria arrive in their new digs, they have work to do.The light organ has been partially prepared for the bacteria's arrival, but the final touches won't occur until the newly arrived bacteria get things started. It's as though they've arrived in a new house but only the frame is up. The bacteria themselves have to do the finish work.”

“Brenda cared for our bacteria with a love and affection that some people don’t show their flesh-and-blood children. She would sneak in between classes to coo encouragingly at them, cheering on their growth.”

“Because we humans are big and clever enough to produce and utilize antibiotics and disinfectants, it is easy to convince ourselves that we have banished bacteria to the fringes of existence. Don't you believe it. Bacteria may not build cities or have interesting social lives, but they will be here when the Sun explodes. This is their planet, and we are on it only because they allow us to be.”

“Culture carries no privilege to exist. Cultures do not have value simply because they are. Some cultures, the world is better off without.”