“Silicon-based life may be impossible for one other reason: silicon bonds readily dissolve in water.”

“Whether we are based on carbon or on silicon makes no fundamental difference; we should each be treated with appropriate respect.”

“I'm 100% natural. No silicon, no synthetic hormones or steroids, no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.”

“A hive mind is a social organization of RISTs that are capable of processing semantic memes ("thinking"). These could be either carbon-based or silicon-based. RISTs who enter a hive mind surrender their independent identities (which are mere illusions anyway). For purposes of convenience, the constituents of the hive mind are assigned bit-pattern designators.”

“If valleys are the dimples on the face of the earth, as Steven King once said, then Silicon Valley is the deepest, most sparkling dimple of them all.”

“And if the computer gives you any back talk, pour some well-sugared office coffee into its evil little silicon brain.”