Maddy listened closely to John’s voice. It was calm, but with an odd undercurrent of excitement. She thought… — Charles Sheffield

“D’you know what homeostasis is?”

“I used to, before I rotted my brain with politics.”

You went through life in public office, laying claim to high morality when you knew quite well that at heart you were totally immoral. You were well acquainted with the majority of the seven deadly sins. Certainly pride, anger, and greed had their place in your life. You could claim a lifelong familiarity with and affection for lust.

And then, at an age when a man ought know himself, you discovered that your immorality had its limits.

I’d make a case for saying anything that propagates itself in an intentional way qualifies to be thought of as alive.