Quote by William S. Burroughs

My general theory since 1971 has been that the word is literally a virus, and that it has not been recognized as such because it has achieved a state of relatively stable symbiosis with its human host; that is to say, the word virus (the other Half) has established itself so firmly as an accepted part of the human organism that it can now sneer at gangster viruses like smallpox and turn them in to the Pasteur Institute.

My general theory since 1971 has been that the word is liter

Summary

In this quote, the author suggests that language itself is akin to a virus, subtly infecting and influencing humans. They argue that although the word virus has not been recognized as such, it has formed a symbiotic relationship with its human hosts, effectively integrating itself into our daily lives. By comparing language to a virus, the author implies that it has become so ingrained in humanity that it can now even conquer more obvious and harmful viruses.

Topics

Words

By William S. Burroughs

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