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Analogies Quote by Susan Blackmore

“One of the biggest mistakes that people make when they think about memes is they try to extend on the analogy with genes. That's not how it works. It works by realizing the concept of a replicator.” quote by Susan Blackmore
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“One of the biggest mistakes that people make when they think about memes is they try to extend on the analogy with genes. That's not how it works. It works by realizing the concept of a replicator.”

Susan Blackmore

About This Quote

Source Book: The Meme Machine, 1999

Memes spread by replication, not by genetic analogy; they are ideas that copy themselves.

In simple terms: Memes copy themselves like ideas.

Key Takeaway

Focus on replication mechanisms.

Themes

cultural evolution memetics ideas

Mood

analytical curious

Type

theoretical educational

When to use this quote

  • marketing
  • education
  • social media
  • viral content

Key Concepts

replicator theory information theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you design ideas to replicate?
  • What limits meme spread?
A Different Perspective

Memes can be influenced by human agency, not just passive copying.

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