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Hauntings are memes, especially pernicious thought…

“Hauntings are memes, especially pernicious thought contagions, social contagions that need no viral or bacterial host and are transmitted in a thousand different ways... Too often, people make the mistake of trying to use their art to capture a ghost, but only end up spreading their haunting to…” quote by Caitlín R. Kiernan
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““Hauntings are memes, especially pernicious thought contagions, social contagions that need no viral or bacterial host and are transmitted in a thousand different ways... Too often, people make the mistake of trying to use their art to capture a ghost, but only end up spreading their haunting to countless other people.””

Caitlín R. Kiernan

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Ideas spread like ghosts, infecting minds without a physical host, and artistic attempts to capture them often amplify their reach.

In simple terms: Ideas spread like invisible ghosts.

Key Takeaway

Be mindful of how ideas proliferate.

Themes

memes contagion art communication

Mood

cautionary thoughtful

Type

analytical critical

When to use this quote

  • social media
  • advertising
  • political campaigns
  • art installations

Key Concepts

information theory viral dynamics psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What memes have you seen spread uncontrollably?
  • How can art responsibly address viral ideas?
A Different Perspective

Attempting to contain a meme may unintentionally increase its spread.

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