virus: replicators follow the same rules!
Nathaniel Hall (natehall@WORLDNET.ATT.NET)
Thu, 13 Aug 1998 23:44:42 -0600
Tim Rhodes wrote:
>
> Two Nates and a Sodom write:
>
> >> It seems that a meme - in transit (on paper, e-mail, some type of
> non-thinking
> >> host) would be similar to the DNA that is not in use, or DNA fragments
> without the
> >> tools to assemble the fragments until in the mind. Just a thought.
> >>
> >> Bill Roh
> >>
> >
> >Or like an RNA virus - it's in a completely different format.
>
> ARRRRRGH!!!
>
> Are you aware that by using the only model you know of for how a replicator
> might work (DNA) and applying it to a different sphere (information and
> ideas), you are doing the same thing that the Greeks did when they applied
> the only model they knew for motion (intelligent intentionality) to the
> movements of the planets?
>
> -Prof. Tim,
> off to find the meme for the God of War in the night sky.
>
Is it really that different? Can't a gene be thought of as information
encoded chemically? The criteria is: does the information replicate and
survive. I can find all kinds of similarities. Here are some examples:
1. The gene complex: a gene "cooperates" with other genes in an animal
because they all depend the survival of the same initial egg.
Meme complex: In a corporation a meme "cooperates" with other memes
because their mutual survival depends on the corporations profitability.
2. Evolution is to the gene as Progress is to the meme.
3.A deadly virus mutates to a less dangerous virus because natural
selection favors it.
An unprofitable meme mutates to a less expensive meme because the
marketplace favors it.
I could go on but I hope you get the picture here: they really are
quite similar!