nostr:npub1ljxdldrq885zamfkn82k7zcjs4lrsf9wykrh9e3hq4thh89vlzxsr83h7d

to elaborate a bit, the "deeper stuff" is that really the lines we draw between organisms are really completely abstract, a human construct to help us simplify reality in a way we can get our heads around

when you actually consider objectively what "we" are, it includes more bacteria and bacterial genes than "human" ones - notably in the gut where they're part of our digestive system but also at a deeper level within our cells - as mitochondria seems clearly to be ancient bacteria that built a bunch of stuff around them.

from this perspective you can argue we are really just structures bacteria have built around themselves. plants too as chloroplasts are the same.

but not only that, the lines between individual bacteria are very blurred. I think where you get to is the whole thing is one big network of genes without any deep distinction between one part and another.

viruses come in as shuttles for genes - packets on the network if you like

all of which leads to the even deeper question of what "I" am and how I connect to this network. but I'll leave that for now!