“There is nothing so patient, in this world or any other, as a virus searching for a host.”

“Most people think of viruses as parasites, but they aren't parasites at all. An organism has to be considered alive to be classified as a parasite. Viruses don't do any of things living organisms do. They don't grow, they can't move on their own, and they don't metabolize. They don't even have cells. But the one thing a virus is very good at is reproducing. When it finds a suitable host cell, it attaches itself and injects its DNA through the cell's plasma wall. The virus's genes are transcribed into the host cell's DNA, and the host cell's genetic code is rewritten. Whatever its job was before, its new job is to do nothing but produce copies of the original virus, usually until it's created so many that the cell bursts open and spreads the infection.”

“Money is like any other virus: once it has rotted the soul of the person who houses it, it sets off in search of new blood.”

“Because the thing about viruses is that they're easily manipulated. The DNA they inject doesn't have to be destructive. It can be replaced with almost any kind of DNA you want, and it can be programmed to only replace certain parts of the host's genetic code. In other words, viruses are perfect vectors for genetic engineering.”

“A “better” biological virus — like a computer virus — will perhaps just make its host sick, but still well enough to keep spreading the virus”

“…a story is like a virus that can rage only for as long as there are new hosts to infect.”