Human beings do much of their learning by imitating other human beings. When that something which is imitated is passed on to another human being, it can subsequently be passed on again and again. This something which is passed on is called a meme. A meme can be an idea, a thought or the elements that influence or motivate human behaviour. It can be a song, a culture or a religion. (see Susan Blackmore, The Meme Machine, p.4)
Memes are stored in human brains and are passed on by imitation. That which is learned by imitation from some else can be described as being a meme. Memes include all words in our vocabulary, all stories we know, all skills and habits picked up from others. It includes songs we sing and rules we obey. (p.6 Blackmore)
Memes are gene analogues. They are elements of culture passed on by non-genetic means. Memes travel longitudinally down generations and also horizontally through and across populations. Memes can includes ideas, movements, fads, crazes, and cults. Memes incorporate a wide array of thoughts and beliefs that take hold in our minds and influence our behaviours.
Different memes are copied and transmitted from body to body - brain to brain - at different frequencies and rates of success. Often different memes will end up functioning in a cooperative grouping. One meme supports the other in achieving success by replicating and staying viable. A grouping or co-adaptive set of memes, working together, is called a memeplex (meme complex)
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