Memes and genes

Human social systems are a mix of two type of information often referred to as nature - nurture or biology - culture. Recently some have suggested we use memes and genes because this puts the focus on information and its delivery systems. The genetic code we inherited turned us into homo sapiens rather than mice. It determines numerous body characteristics like size and shape. The color of ones hair, eyes, and skin are genetically determined. Genetics shapes our personality.

As conscious organisms, human behavior is also influenced by ideas. Memes are ideas that can be passed from one person to another. Memes can include scientific theories, religious doctrine, tips on fashion and racial attitudes. Genetic information is transferred through sex and genes which are composed of a four character genetic code. Memes or beliefs are transferred by memes through socialization, including speech and later its extension, written language. Just as the number of possible words are infinite, the number of possible memes are infinite.

Human behavior is a combination of genes and memes. Genetics determines what types of food we can digest and how much we must eat to survive. Our memes, or beliefs, determine whether we eat cows, pigs, dogs, snakes or possibly no meat products of any kind. Most, if not all of our behavior, is a combination of genetic and social information.

As information systems, genes and memes have common characteristics. There are, however, important differences we should keep in mind.

Similarities between genes and memes

• Survival of both genes and memes depends in part on the survival of the organisms carrying the information.
• The environment plays a role in selection and survival of genes and memes.
• Both genes and memes produce behavior.

Differences between genes and memes

• Genetic information is stored by DNA. Memes are stored in brains and externally as symbols.
• Genes are transferred from one individual to another by sex. Memes are transferred through conversation, dance, song, art, writing and artifacts.
• Individuals can transfer their genes only to new individuals they create (i.e., offspring). Theoretically, individuals can transfer memes to all current and future individuals.
• The selection of which genes are transferred is determined by random selection. Which memes are transferred is determined by conscious (not necessarily rational) selection.
• Individuals cannot add to or alter their genetic information. Individuals can add to and modify their memes.
• Unique genetic information is created by mutations that alter DNA sequences; unique ideas are created by creative thinking that reorganizes symbols.

For more on memes and genes see:

• Lynch, Aaron. 1996. Thought Contagion: How Beliefs Spread Through Society. BasicBooks.
• Csikszentmihalyi, Mihaly. 1994. "Memes verses Genes: Notes from Culture Wars," in Changing the World: A Framework for the Study of Creativity. Westport, Connecticut:Praeger Publishers.