Memes generally arise through variation and combination of older or existing memes. They exist inside a person's brain and mind. They have formed through a process of natural selection and have been passed on, over time from person to person, by way of imitation and replication. (Blackmore, p. 15)
A meme does not have to be truthful, right or wrong to be successful. If a meme can spread, it will. (Blackmore, p. 14)
Not all thoughts or mind processes are memes. For example, perceptions and emotions are not memes. Rather, they are our own inner processes and are not usually passed on to other human beings. However, because we use memes so much, a large part of our thinking is coloured by memes. In other words, memes have become one of the major tools by which we think, learn and form ideas. (Blackmore, p.15)
Some memes succeed for long periods of time. Others fail quickly. Other once-successful memes are eventually replaced by newer, stronger memes. Over time, many memes come and go. Some stay and basically remain the same. Then there are those memes which take hold, evolve and become prevalent in our every day lives. They come and they don't go.
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