While I can't argue that I understand what it is you describe, I will add this: the definition of life is quite intriguing in some ways. Many scholars state that viruses are not technically life, and I find that to be quite hysterically inaccurate. I do not have the credentials to truly argue one case or the other, but viruses are quite the awe-inspiring little shits when you take all of biological matter into perspective. I mean, they seem to simply exist to cause as much damage to the animal way of life as possible. And their methods of operation are ludicrous; they swap and combine strands of DNA, and only do so to further their chance at wrecking havoc amongst the animal kingdom.